News sponsored by Vodacom Transformation of Work:

By Conwell Less, Collaboration Specialist at Cisco Sub-Saharan Africa

The rise of hybrid work has transformed everything, and the return to the office is being reimagined, with a clear mandate to blend the best of both worlds: the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative spirit of traditional office settings. A true hybrid work model expands beyond the organisation, allowing employees to perform every aspect of their role from any location, securely - both internally and externally. This means hybrid work is both different and harder than it was before.

In this evolving landscape, Cisco's hybrid work study, conducted across seven European markets, provides a critical lens through which we can examine this transition and its global implications. With 3,500 employees and 1,050 employers participating, the study offers a panoramic view of the current state and future potential of hybrid workspaces, reflecting a broader consensus on the value of in-person interaction amidst varying global perspectives.

A New Era of Work

The Cisco study paints a vivid picture of the hybrid work landscape. An overwhelming 79% of employers in Europe are now mandating a return to the office, at least part-time, reflecting a broad consensus on the value of in-person interaction. In South Africa we are witnessing similar trends. Yet, beneath this consensus lies a significant disconnect. Many employers believe their offices are fully prepared to support hybrid work, however many employees disagree. Many employers are having a new challenge with attracting top talent because the next generation workforce is looking for hybrid work roles.

So, the question we have to ask, is the office ready for the employee?

This gap is most acute in areas critical to hybrid work's success: security, network connectivity, collaboration spaces, and the provision of tools, where less than half of employees feel adequately supported. The need for enhanced connectivity, security, and collaboration becomes clear as we delve deeper into the solutions.

In this landscape, there is an enormous opportunity to leverage AI to enhance productivity and deliver simplicity. Cisco is committed to using this technology to deliver unrivalled hybrid work experiences that provide workers and customers with seamless collaboration experiences. The new AI enhancements across our Webex Suite, Cisco Devices and the market-leading Webex Contact Centre position Webex to increase productivity, enhance employee and agent experiences, and reduce burnout. 

Enriching the Workplace Experience 

A comprehensive rethinking of the office environment is essential. We must make the office more of a magnet that gives people a reason to come in, not a mandate. Work is now more about what you do, rather than where you do it, output is the new measure of productivity

Employers are already making significant strides, with 65% planning to redesign workspaces within the next 24 months, focusing on meeting spaces, hybrid work technology, and modern layouts. One multinational company used this approach to transform its New York office, the result of which saw a 2.5x increase in office attendance per quarter.

Building on this momentum, the next step involves reimagining collaboration areas as vibrant hubs of creativity and teamwork. By fostering a sense of community and innovation and integrating technologies like advanced videoconferencing systems and interactive whiteboards, we ensure remote team members are just as engaged as those physically present. The seamless integration of these collaboration tools into daily workflows, supported by cloud-based solutions and robust network connectivity, becomes crucial in enhancing the hybrid work experience.

Empowering a Future-ready Workforce 

The cultivation of such a workforce hinge on proactive and engaged leadership, a principle that resonates in the global context as well as in Southern Africa. As we navigate the new landscape effectively, it's essential to understand the diverse needs of a multi-generational workforce and commit to providing ongoing support and training.

The role of leadership in this evolving scenario cannot be overstated. Engaged leaders must encourage flexibility, collaboration, and innovation, and support teams in experimenting with new ways of working and sharing best practices. This includes regular check-ins with remote team members and recognising contributions that demonstrate effective hybrid work behaviours, echoing the sentiment that while work patterns may be shifting globally, the fundamental principles of leadership and adaptability remain constant.

The path to crafting a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive hybrid work is a continuous one, demanding vigilant attention to evolving technological trends, active engagement with employee feedback, and the flexibility to adapt strategies as new needs arise. Our objective extends beyond merely creating a workspace; it's about forging a vibrant hub of innovation and inclusivity that epitomises the future of work.