A hybrid work setup allows staff to work either in the office or remotely. Some companies leave this choice completely to the employee, while others require their staff to report to the office a certain number of times in a given period. In any case, this arrangement gives both workers and businesses the benefits of both the traditional office model and the remote work model.
In a survey, 76% of respondents confirmed that their companies are implementing a hybrid working model. Of these, only 11% said they will eventually return to an office-based setup full time. If you plan on implementing hybrid work for your Vancouver business as well, using the following devices can help you and your staff get the best results from this arrangement:
Laptop computers
Computers are crucial for most office work, but traditional desktop computers are too bulky for any type of flexible working arrangement. The best alternatives are laptop computers, as most of these can fit inside a bag and function unplugged for as long as they have sufficient battery power. Laptops have also become increasingly powerful over the years, to the point where they can handle most tasks that desktops can.
The best laptop for remote work will depend on the type of tasks you and your employees handle. A machine with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage, for instance, should be more than enough for clerical work. For more resource-intensive tasks like video editing and graphic design, you may need a more powerful laptop. Other aspects to consider are the machine’s security features and its compatibility with your business applications.
Dual monitor
Even larger-than-average laptop screens are usually still too small for tasks like editing artworks and processing complex data on spreadsheets. Connecting your laptop to an external monitor using an HDMI cable expands your laptop's visual display, giving you more space to view and use two or more apps simultaneously. Computer monitors come in different sizes, but for hybrid work, choose one that's small and light enough to easily bring along with you.
Webcam and headphones
You need the right equipment for virtual meetings, which are the norm in hybrid work setups. Even though most laptops have built-in cameras, these usually produce very low-quality videos. If you want to look professional in video and conference calls, you need to invest in a high-definition webcam.
Audio is another crucial factor to consider in virtual meetings. Laptops come with built-in speakers and a microphone, but you will need high-end noise-canceling headphones, especially if you work in areas with plenty of background noise. Such devices will ensure that your colleagues can hear you clearly and you don't miss any work-related conversations.
Power adapters
It can be very frustrating to need to charge your laptop only to find that the plug on your charger doesn't fit the available power socket. That's why you should always have a power adapter handy.
Power sockets in Canada and the United States are usually types A and B. Invest in power adapters that accommodate these socket types if your laptop charger's plug has a different configuration. If you're traveling to another country, research the most commonly used socket types in your destination and buy the appropriate power adapter beforehand. This ensures that you can always charge your devices wherever you are.
External storage media
It's good practice to regularly back up crucial files so you never lose access to them. You can store your backups in encrypted external hard disk drives and solid-state drives. Of the two, SSDs are usually pricier, but they are also faster. Note, however, that drives are susceptible to backup failure, so you shouldn’t rely on them as your only backup storage medium. For your data’s security, you should also put your backups in more reliable storage mediums, such as cloud servers.
Hybrid work setups come with their own set of challenges, but you can overcome these obstacles with the right tools. At Quicktech, our IT experts can recommend technologies that will help you get the most out of your hybrid work arrangements. We can also help you maximize your company’s productivity — download this free eBook today to find out how.