The Solution Every Successful Hybrid Work Environment Needs

Originally developed to help companies manage the threat of COVID-19, Braintree’s Engage app is invaluable when it comes to creating a permanent hybrid workplace too.

We’d always assumed it couldn’t be done until a pandemic forced us to think (and work) differently. Now, with over a year and a half of remote work behind us, it’s pretty clear not only can we remain productive away from the traditional office space, but, thanks to technological innovation, we can thrive within a flexible work environment too

The Best of Both Worlds

Life, after all, is all about balance and a hybrid workplace not only offers employees the opportunity to continue enjoying working in the environment that suits them best, it allows employers to benefit from a happy, engaged and diverse workforce unbound by the limitations of location.

The office will always exist, albeit in a smaller capacity and with lower overheads, because there is still going to be a need for face-to-face interaction and in-person collaboration to maintain company culture.

This is where technology will continue to play a pivotal role. While cloud computing allows employees to work from anywhere, on any device, employee monitoring apps, like Braintree's Engage, will help keep HR and managers fully in the loop when it comes to monitoring the health, wellbeing and productivity levels of each employee in real time as Engage allows each employee to confirm their location and health status simultaneously from a single application.

With an app like Engage, not only will you always know where your employees are and when, but you’ll also have an accurate idea of their wellbeing – which, frankly, isn’t always possible in the standard office environment

Convenience Is Key

Of course, this type of employee monitoring solution is only going to work if employees actually use it. Built on the Microsoft PowerApps platform, Engage is accessible from anywhere, on any device. Better still, it can be added to another hybrid work essential: Microsoft Teams.

By merging Engage with a communications platform like Teams, there is one less portal for employees to remember to log into, allowing for a more successful adoption strategy. It’s also a huge win if the app itself has been designed to be user-friendly and customisable to suit your needs.

As we continue to battle with COVID-19, an app like Engage is invaluable in the fight against the virus, allowing companies to not only monitor the health and well-being of every employee, no matter where they may be working from, but also track and trace those who begin to show symptoms to curb the spread. It’s also a great tool for communicating vital information – including vaccination roll-out updates or changes in company policies – quickly and easily via a single source.

The Future of Remote Work

While we’re not quite out of the woods yet, once restrictions lift there’s no doubt the future of work will involve a lot more flexibility for all – with some opting to work remotely full time and others choosing to come into the office a few days a week.

Again, having a tool that allows employees to work safely and securely from a location that suits them best while allowing managers and HR to have access to data for employee roll call, location tracking, health checks, departmental reviews and health status by department in easy-to-understand visual dashboards makes the future of hybrid work a win for all.

With Engage, employees are also able to book desks at the office when needed, allowing companies to implement and benefit from hot desking (where different desks can be used by different employees) with ease.

The hybrid work environment thrives on flexibility, and thanks to an app like Engage it’s never been easier for employers and employees to adapt to changing work environments without sacrificing business continuity, company culture or productivity.