As more companies embrace remote and hybrid work models, IT infrastructure has to shift to support new ways of working.

More and more organisations are choosing to keep hybrid working arrangements, with employees splitting their time between home and office. Some companies have taken their operations fully remote, seeing a rise in productivity and savings on office costs.

How have IT services adapted to accommodate these changes?

If companies can’t adapt their IT infrastructure to flexible working, then hybrid and remote workplaces could suffer major business costs.

Importance of IT success in hybrid workplaces

Setting up a well functioning IT system for the workplace is key to running a remote or hybrid workplace environment, without losing precious time and productivity dealing with IT issues, or troubleshooting connectivity problems.

Businesses must look to empower their workplace with flexible IT solutions.

What does an optimised IT infrastructure for the hybrid workplace look like?

• Access to apps and devices from anywhere
• On call IT support
• Access to Cloud platforms and collaboration tools
• Secure, reliable connectivity
• Device support and maintenance
• Cyber security and risk mitigation strategies
• IT strategy and budgeting for the future

So how can workplaces tackle hybrid or remote working IT challenges head-on?

Here’s what to consider when setting up IT Infrastructure to support a remote workplace:

Cloud solutions

Cloud solutions are a key component of successful IT services for remote workplaces. With Cloud solutions, remote workers can access work files and data from anywhere, at any time, with an internet connection. This flexibility enables remote workers to be productive and efficient, regardless of their location.

IT help desk Support

Common help desk issues that employees face include troubleshooting issues with devices, connectivity, server dropouts and VPN issues such as connecting securely to the company’s Cloud resources. Help desk support also typically includes answering questions about IT policies and procedures.

Remote workers can be especially affected by such challenges, and may have trouble accessing the quick and efficient support they need when encountering IT issues. This is especially relevant for workplaces with employees across different time zones or regions.  24/7 on-call, help desk support can provide them with the tools they need to stay productive and efficient in a remote or hybrid environment.

Cyber security threats

Modern businesses need to be equipped to handle cybersecurity attacks. Future-proofing your technology and IT systems to withstand cyber threats, including data leaks, can help keep businesses and their data, not to mention their client’s data, secure.

Remote workplaces often have a higher potential for security breaches, with remote workers accessing corporate data through personal devices or unsecure networks. Cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular updates need to be in place to mitigate these risks.

Backup and recovery services

Data backup and recovery is critical for remote workplaces. Regular data backups ensure that company data can be easily restored in case of loss of access, hacking or data loss due to system failure or lockout. This level of protection can be challenging to implement in remote settings, but is extremely important in maintaining peace of mind.

It’s clear that workplace IT systems need to keep up with the demands of hybrid and remote offices.

What if there was a way to enjoy the freedom and opportunity of enabling a remote workplace without forfeiting the security and productivity of holistic IT infrastructure?

One solution for businesses that don’t have the capability for in-house IT support is to work with a company that specialises in managed IT services.

Outsourcing IT management can help ensure an easy and successful transition to hybrid or remote working, or bolster an existing workplace’s systems. Managed IT services range in their package options but most offer all of the elements of IT infrastructure discussed, including Cloud solutions, help desk support, cybersecurity, as well as backup and recovery.

Working with a Managed IT service provider can give companies the peace of mind to set up productive, fully functioning remote or hybrid teams and empower workplaces to go remote securely.