Episode 1: The New World of Hybrid Work

Welcome to a three-part series, the Next World of Hybrid Work. In this series, we're gonna give you some insights into the challenges that we're all facing.

Panelists:

Jim Love, CIO of IT World Canada Zouain, ITWC

Salman Alibi, Security Solutions Lead of Advanced Solutions Group, Compugen

Jason Evans, National Collaboration Sales Strategy Manager, Compugen

Courtney Elling, Canadian Hybrid Work Specialist, Cisco

Key Takeaways: 

• Rapid Transition to Remote Work: The pandemic forced organizations to move their workforce to remote work almost overnight, causing significant challenges in adapting to the new hybrid work model.

• Changing Behaviors and Technical Considerations: The sudden shift in work arrangements led to changes in employee behavior, technology adoption, and the introduction of various collaboration tools, causing complexities for organizations to manage and support the diverse work habits and technologies.

• Importance of Security in Remote Work: The shift to remote work introduced security challenges as employees accessed company resources from various locations, leading to the need for robust cybersecurity measures and policies.

• The Human Side of Remote Work: Along with technical challenges, the human aspect of remote work became crucial to address, including mental health, work-life balance, and ensuring employees feel supported and connected in a remote or hybrid work environment.

• Building a Seamless and Secure Environment: To improve the hybrid work experience, organizations need to take a step back and reassess their policies, processes, technology stack, and user experience. Education and communication with stakeholders, including the board of directors, are essential for creating a strong roadmap and securing budget support for the necessary transformations. Prioritizing user experience, security, and productivity while considering budgetary implications is crucial for the successful implementation of the hybrid work model.

Overall, organizations must find ways to consolidate tools, improve user experience, and implement security measures to create a seamless, secure, and productive hybrid work environment that meets employees' needs and attracts and retains talent. Education and open conversations among various business units are essential for developing a comprehensive strategy for the next world of hybrid work.