Over the past three years, hybrid work has been catapulted to the forefront of strategic organizational decision-making, with organizations offering some form of long-term hybrid or remote work options.
As such, IT departments are tasked with solving hybrid work questions for their own personnel and with supporting a hybrid-first organization and accommodating significant changes to technology and operations.
To support IT and organizational leaders faced with decisions that alter the foundation of how an organization functions, Info-Tech Research Group has released its industry research, State of Hybrid Work in IT: A Trend Report.
Hybrid work has many viable models, so a one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice. Hybrid work models have been shown to impact IT and its organizational function by bolstering effectiveness, accelerating organizational digitization and modernization of IT processes and infrastructure, and permanently changing deployment strategy.
The hybrid approach also highlights additional efforts by managers are required and employee autonomy is key to hybrid team success. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)
“The days of a ‘typical’ workplace have passed. When it comes to the new world of hybrid work, there is no best-of-breed example to follow,” said Jane Kouptsova, senior research analyst, People & Leadership Practice, at Info-Tech Research Group.”Among the flood of contradictory decisions made by industry leaders and tech giants, IT teams must forge their own path, informed by the needs of employees and organizational goals.”
More than 500 professionals were surveyed for the report. Respondents were primarily located in the United States and Canada but included professionals from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Australia, Africa, Great Britain, and more.
A major takeaway of the research participants is that, at a high level, hybrid work in IT is everywhere, with 100 percent of industries, organizational sizes, and position levels reporting some level of hybrid or remote work. This is largely positive, as the research also identified that flexible work location options are the single greatest concern for employees seeking a new job in a challenging labor market.
Furthermore, the advisory firm’s report emphasizes that IT has two roles: to effectively support the broader organization and to function effectively to support the organization’s employees.
One of the unique challenges of hybrid work is the many viable models rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. It is worth remembering that competitors are competing for customers and employees.
In the post-pandemic workspace, leaders should look to organizations that have walked their organization’s path in terms of scope, goals, and structure to identify and emulate hybrid work models that may fit organizational needs.
Info-Tech Research Group’s report suggests that hybrid and remote teams require more attention, connection, and leadership from managers, as the shift from doing day-to-day tasks to effectively leading people is critical for the success of nontraditional work models.
As hybrid and remote work become engrained in society, organizations may want to ensure that managers have the time, tools, and resources to focus on managing their teams from any location.
The firm also recommends that IT leaders be intentional, involve employees, allow choice and be transparent in their hybrid work planning and best practices.
For the full report detailing the impacts, challenges, and areas of opportunity of hybrid and remote work on IT, download and read the complete State of Hybrid Work in IT: A Trend Report.
To learn more about Info-Tech Research Group, visit infotech.com
