Trend: The Agile Workplace

Instead of hybrid work, think agile work, says 8×8’s Middleton. In an agile setting, people can move among remote, in-office and other locations “without missing a beat.” In “hybrid,” there may be multiple devices to juggle, such as desktop and mobile phones, or desktop and laptop computers, for example. “Agile” implies use of the same devices and applications regardless of location — with the ability to switch easily and seamlessly.

Such thinking comes at a crucial time. Worldwide, large companies appear to have given up trying to get people back into the office for the foreseeable future. As COVID-19 variants pick up steam (omicron, namely), executives are canceling plans to bring employees out of the home office. The seemingly unending pandemic is forcing organizations to adjust to new norms. Consider that about 17 million jobs just in the United States are listed as permanently remote.

“Work habits and attitudes toward remote work have radically changed in the last two years,” Middleton said. “Agility is here to stay and companies understand that having the best, most agile technology is going to be key to making this work.”

Channel Futures would add that companies that have yet to embrace this reality have fallen far behind and may jeopardize their own abilities to compete. Partners will be vital to guiding any customers facing these circumstances.