7 Hybrid Work Challenges and How IT Support Can Help

7 Hybrid Work Challenges and How IT Support Can Help Hybrid work models have become a staple for many businesses, balancing the flexibility of remote work with the cohesion of in-person office days. While this approach offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges for both employees and businesses.

IT support plays a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles, ensuring businesses can operate seamlessly regardless of where their teams are located. Below, we’ll explore the most pressing challenges of hybrid work and how the right IT support can help solve them.

Jump to article sections:

  1. Addressing Cybersecurity Risks in Hybrid Work
  2. Managing IT Infrastructure Across Remote and Office Employees
  3. Ensuring Reliable Communication and Collaboration
  4. Tackling Tech Fatigue and Employee Needs
  5. Handling Hardware and Software Upgrades for Remote Workers
  6. Providing Real-Time IT Support for Remote Employees
  7. Training Employees on Essential IT Skills
  8. Finding IT Providers for Hybrid Businesses

Article Summary

  • Cybersecurity risks in hybrid setups require secure solutions like VPNs, MFA, and employee training.
  • IT support ensures seamless infrastructure for hybrid teams through cloud-based platforms and reliable systems.
  • Communication tools like Zoom and Slack need consistent IT support to avoid disruptions and foster collaboration.
  • IT teams help tackle tech fatigue by streamlining tools and encouraging tech-free breaks for employees.
  • Real-time IT support minimizes downtime, using solutions like remote desktop assistance and cloud-based ticketing systems.
  • Employee training in essential IT skills reduces frustrations and boosts independence in hybrid work environments.

1. Addressing Cybersecurity Risks in Hybrid Work 

Data security is a leading concern for hybrid workplaces. One of the main challenges of remote work is that employees sometimes use personal devices or unsecured networks, making them prime targets for phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches.

IT support can combat these risks by setting up secure virtual private networks (VPNs), enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and providing antivirus software. Additionally, IT teams can conduct employee cybersecurity training to ensure employees recognize potential threats like phishing emails or suspicious links.

2. Managing IT Infrastructure Across Remote and Office Employees

Maintaining the infrastructure needed to support both in-office and remote employees can be daunting. Hybrid teams rely on cloud-based solutions, shared drives, and software that works seamlessly across multiple devices and locations.

IT support teams are instrumental in setting up and managing these systems, ensuring employees have what they need to perform their tasks. For example, cloud storage solutions like Microsoft OneDrive or Google Workspace enable file access and collaboration from anywhere, reducing disruptions for hybrid teams.

3. Ensuring Reliable Communication and Collaboration 

Clear communication is essential when teams are split across multiple locations. Tools like video conferencing software, instant messaging apps, and shared workspaces are vital to keeping everyone connected, but they’re only as reliable as their underlying tech. IT support ensures these platforms are properly set up, updated, and maintained without interruptions.

IT teams can also recommend the best tools for individual business needs. Whether it’s Zoom for virtual meetings or Slack for real-time messaging, having the right technology in place boosts teamwork and engagement.

4. Tackling Tech Fatigue and Employee Needs

Over-reliance on technology can lead to tech fatigue, burnout, and frustration among employees. Endless video calls, frequent logins to multiple platforms, and constant notifications take a toll.

IT support can address this by streamlining workflows, integrating compatible tools to minimize the number of platforms employees need, and offering training to simplify tech adoption. Encouraging the use of “focus mode” features or scheduled tech-free times can also help employees recharge.

5. Handling Hardware and Software Upgrades for Remote Workers

Ensuring remote workers have up-to-date hardware and software is another challenge. PCs and laptops must meet performance demands, and software licenses must be valid and secure.

IT support can establish systems for remote provisioning, delivering devices pre-configured with the right software and security settings directly to employees. Remote monitoring software also allows IT teams to track performance issues and apply updates without requiring employees to visit the office.

6. Providing Real-Time IT Support for Remote Employees

Solve Hybrid Work Issues with Expert IT SupportTechnical difficulties can arise at any time, and for remote employees, delays can disrupt productivity in a big way. IT support needs to be accessible, responsive, and capable of resolving issues remotely.

Solutions like remote desktop support or AI-based help desks enable technicians to assist employees no matter where they work. For example, a cloud-based ticketing system ensures remote workers can report issues instantly, while IT teams can prioritize and resolve them efficiently.

7. Training Employees on Essential IT Skills 

Not every employee is tech-savvy, and in a hybrid environment, tech-related frustrations are common. IT support can conduct training sessions to equip employees with basic IT troubleshooting skills, knowledge of top cybersecurity risks for businesses, and proficiency in using collaboration tools effectively.

Finding IT Providers for Hybrid Businesses 

As businesses continue to embrace hybrid work models, IT support must adapt to meet changing needs. By addressing cybersecurity risks, managing infrastructure, providing communication tools and support, and enabling employee training, IT partners can help organizations succeed in a hybrid work environment.

For IT support in Green Bay, Appleton or the surrounding Fox Cities area, contact RanderCom. RanderCom has been a trusted IT partner for over 30 years, providing comprehensive IT solutions to businesses of all sizes. We are dedicated to helping your organization thrive in a hybrid work environment. Call now to learn more about our top-notch Green Bay IT support.

By Steve Lindstrum, Owner of RanderCom

Steve Lindstrum is the proud owner of RanderCom, serving Appleton, Green Bay, and communities across Wisconsin. At RanderCom, Steve and his team offer comprehensive small-business technology solutions. Services include the sales and installation of phone systems, surveillance systems, access control systems, paging & intercom systems, voice & data services, data cabling & wiring, and IT network equipment. With years of experience in installing business phone systems and other systems, you can trust RanderCom to meet your small business tech needs. Contact us today!