Flexible Work Is the ‘Single Greatest Concern’ for Employees

Hybrid work in IT is everywhere. Just about every industry, size of organization and position level reports some level of hybrid or remote work. Moreover, flexible work location options are the single greatest concern for employees seeking a new job in a challenging labor market. This is according to Info-Tech Research Group in its newest findings, “State of Hybrid Work in IT: A Trend Report“. The researchers surveyed more than 500 professionals across several continents and fields.

Hybrid work has been pushed to the forefront of strategic organizational decision-making during the last three years. Companies continue to offer long-term hybrid or remote work options. However, it has put a strain on IT departments, the report’s authors find. IT leaders solve hybrid work questions for their own personnel and to support changes to technology and operations for their organization at large. In response, the report also offers support for IT and organizational leaders faced with decisions that alter the foundation of how an organization functions.

Info-Tech’s Jane Kouptsova

Jane Kouptsova is senior research analyst, people and leadership practice, at Info-Tech Research Group.

“The days of a ‘typical’ workplace have passed. When it comes to the new world of hybrid work, there is no best-of-breed example to follow,” Kouptsova said. “Among the flood of contradictory decisions made by industry leaders and tech giants, IT teams must forge their own path, informed by the needs of employees and organizational goals.”

Hybrid Work: No One-Size-Fits All Approach

A one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work will not suffice, the researchers said. Models of hybrid work can impact IT and its organizational function in a variety of ways. That’s through bolstering effectiveness, accelerating organizational digitization and modernization of IT processes and infrastructure. It also permanently changes deployment strategy.

The report emphasizes the fact that IT has two roles: to effectively support the broader organization and to function effectively to support the organization’s employees. The researchers found that IT has risen to the challenge of hybrid. Most survey respondents reported that service desk support maintained (54%) or improved (35%) to meet the needs of hybrid work. And 88% of respondents reported increased or consistent infrastructure and operations customer satisfaction scores. Even during a possible recession, IT organizations surveyed said they are considering expanding hybrid work (32%); or, they are moving to fully remote work (19%).

Unique Challenges

There are many viable models of hybrid work rather than a universal approach, and that can be a challenge. Competitors are not only competing for customers, but for employees, too.

Info-Tech’s report suggests that hybrid and remote teams require more attention, connection and leadership from managers. The shift from doing the day-to-day tasks to effectively leading people is critical for the success of nontraditional work models. Hybrid and remote work are engrained in society, the researchers said. Organizations must ensure that managers have time, tools and resources to focus on managing their teams from any location. IT leaders should be transparent, intentional, involve employees and allow choice in hybrid work planning and best practices.