The sales opportunity behind the hybrid work revolution

In a transformed work landscape, employees are seeking the perfect balance between the office and home. As we embrace hybrid work, new challenges and opportunities emerge

This article explores the shift towards flexible office environments, safeguarding personal belongings, securing sensitive data, and maintaining the delicate balance between form and function in the modern workplace.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the UK, 84 percent of those who experienced remote work during lockdowns plan to continue hybrid work, balancing their time between home and the office.

Employees are motivated by the opportunities for collaboration and connection, while also valuing the convenience of home-based work. This presents a challenge for some workplaces, but an opportunity for dealers to sell into those businesses, by offering solutions to the demands of adaptability and innovation.

Hotdesking: A persistent trend

Hotdesking, a familiar concept, has evolved into a more dynamic practice. The modern office landscape now thrives on Activity-Based Working (ABW), promoting a flexible work environment where employees can choose spaces based on their tasks and preferences.

Leading research firm, JLL predicts that by 2030, 30 percent of office space will adopt this flexible approach. Simon Howorth, marketing and design manager at Dams Furniture, supports this evolution, stating, “With employees no longer tied to fixed desks, the office becomes cleaner, more organized, and conducive to productivity. Employees can end their day, store their laptops and phones in lockers, leaving behind a clutter-free workspace.”

Flexible spaces have been shown to boost creativity and efficiency. However, the absence of dedicated desks presents challenges.

Safeguarding personal belongings

Employee belongings are a security concern. While mobile devices stay with employees, other personal items need secure storage within the office. Simon Howorth recommends locker storage as an elegant solution, enhancing workplace security and serving as space dividers in open-plan offices.

Aesthetics matter, and dealers can offer stylish yet effective storage solutions. Companies like Ricoh have introduced digital smart lockers, enabling keyless and contactless access and remote management of storage resources.

Securing sensitive data

With employees transitioning between home and office, the risk of sensitive information exposure grows. Physical documents need secure storage. Steve Hickey, head of European marketing for workspace solutions at Fellowes Brands, highlights the issue, stating, “Hybrid work raises concerns about confidential paperwork and GDPR compliance.”

Data breaches, with their financial penalties and reputational damage, are an ever-present threat. Lawrence Savage, UK marketing manager at ExaClair, emphasizes data security’s importance, citing a survey by Verizon revealing that 52 percent of customers would avoid businesses that experienced a data breach.

Dealers have an opportunity to offer solutions. Lockable MODULO units provide secure storage for sensitive documents and assist with GDPR compliance.

Balancing form and function

In the hybrid work environment, innovative solutions for home offices are essential. Leon Haigh, UK sales manager at Phoenix Safes, explains, “The extended duration of remote work emphasized the need for GDPR compliance in home offices.”

Combining functionality and aesthetics can refresh office furnishings. For example, white fire safes blend into the office environment, and some clients have embraced vinyl-wrapped lockers and safes with branded designs. As hybrid work becomes the norm, enhancing office security and flexibility offers an opportunity for businesses and dealers to adapt and innovate in this evolving landscape.