Me: With increased employee expectations of hybrid working, what challenges does the business have to overcome in communication, security of data, and accountability?
The above question was 3rd out of 5 questions to which I was invited to discuss around the Roundtable on Thursday, the 21st of September by Roger Laird, BizEdocs https://bizedocs.ie/wp/ together with:
1. Akhil Jain CTO Wayleadr
2. Anees ur-Rehman CEO and Founder
3. Angie Mezzetti CEO Ocarina Productions
4. Augusto Bernardo CEO Myndware
5. Cormac O'Neill CEO & Chief Tempo Officer Webio Ltd
6. Jan Filipowiak Founder Virtualist
7. Katarzyna Haśnik CEO Hasnik Limited, myself
8. Michael McGuinness Founder & Product Manager Tachyon Tech
9. Norbert Narbut Founder ExtendedMedia
10. Paul McCabe Chief Operating Officer VLE Therapeutics
11. Philbert Nshimiyimana Process Support Specialist PSC Biotech Corporation
12. Rusty Weise Chief Technology Officer & Sr. Architect Trakwell.ai
13. Tony Duddy COO, Board Member Memjet Technology
14. Yang Tong, Founder and CEO OrderIT Ltd
15. Zohaib Jabbar CTO Fund Recs
It is always inspiring to learn from like-minded business, Founders, CEO, CTO, COO people.
Thank you Andrea Ryan https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ryan-sales/ and Angelica Ganados for organising it.
To gather more information about BizEdocs, please follow and contact Roger Laird at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerlaird/ and https://bizedocs.ie/wp/.
Now, let's ask OpenAI: https://openai.com/. What does AI think about it? (P.S.: Took OpenAI-ChatGPT, just few seconds to answer...well, well, AI is super fast and not just fast.)
ChatGPT: The shift towards hybrid working, where employees split their time between working remotely and in the office, presents several challenges for businesses in the areas of communication, data security, and accountability. Here are some of the key challenges and considerations:
1. Communication Challenges:
Maintaining Connectivity: Ensuring that remote employees have reliable access to communication tools and can easily collaborate with in-office colleagues can be a challenge. It's important to invest in robust communication platforms and high-speed internet connections.
Miscommunication: With team members working from different locations and time zones, there's a higher risk of miscommunication, leading to misunderstandings or missed deadlines. Clear and concise communication practices are crucial.
Team Building: Building and maintaining a strong team culture can be challenging when employees are not physically present. Efforts to foster team cohesion, trust, and camaraderie need to be adapted for a hybrid environment.
2. Data Security Challenges:
Data Access and Storage: Managing data access and storage for remote and in-office employees while ensuring data security is a significant challenge. Data may need to be stored on cloud platforms with robust security measures.
Device Security: Remote employees may use their own devices, which can be less secure than company-provided equipment. Ensuring all devices meet security standards is essential.
Cybersecurity Threats: With employees working from various locations, the risk of cybersecurity threats like phishing attacks and data breaches increases. Robust cybersecurity measures and employee training are crucial to mitigate these risks.
3. Accountability Challenges:
Performance Monitoring: Measuring employee performance becomes more challenging when they work remotely. Businesses need to establish clear performance metrics and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Time Tracking: Tracking work hours and ensuring that employees are putting in the required effort can be difficult when they have more flexible schedules. Implementing time-tracking tools and setting expectations is necessary.
Task Management: Managing tasks and projects can become more complex with a hybrid workforce. Employing project management tools and methodologies can help keep tasks on track.
4. Legal and Compliance Issues:
Labor Laws: Hybrid working arrangements can raise legal and compliance issues related to labor laws, taxation, and employee rights. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is essential.
Data Privacy: Handling employee data, especially when employees are working from different locations, may involve compliance with various data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act).
5. Employee Well-being: Balancing work and personal life can be more challenging for remote workers. Employers need to be mindful of employee well-being, as burnout and isolation can be more prevalent in a hybrid work setup.
To overcome these challenges, businesses should invest in technology, establish clear policies and guidelines, provide training to employees, and regularly assess and adapt their strategies. Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining a positive work culture are key to successfully navigating the transition to hybrid work.
