Hybrid Work: Understanding the Challenges & Utilizing Technology for the New Workplace Experience

By Jacob Palalay
G.Rickey, LLC
Creative Director & Co-founder

It has been almost two years since Covid-19 brought in-person work to an abrupt halt. Nearly half of the workforce has yet to return to in-person work and significant supply chain disruptions continue. Seemingly overnight, COVID accelerated many of the trends and transitions (digital transformation and remote work) that had previously been decades-long discussions.


Hybrid work has already established itself as the sustainable model for workplaces moving forward. But through the lingering impact of the pandemic shutdown, it's important to take a thoughtful and strategic look at the needs and priorities created by a hybrid structure and responsibly build a workplace that is organized and productive, eliciting the best of your team. For data-driven insight, an important resource is IFMA’s Expert’s Assessment, a report and webinar series based on results of a survey conducted between July and August of 2020 with subject matter experts. The report examined the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the workplace as the digital transformation was accelerated by the onset of the pandemic.


Subject matter experts from the report overwhelmingly said they believe that over a quarter of the workforce will remain remote moving forward. With such a large portion of employees working remotely, it requires looking at the many areas where the industry is impacted. Office technology and development are at the forefront, but corporate real estate has experienced similar disruption and adaptation. Additionally, a hybrid workforce requires a specialized look at workplace strategy, organizational productivity, employee well-being and sustainability. 


During the first of two sessions presented by IFMA on the Technology Innovation Stage, explore emerging trends impacting work, workers and the workplace in "Hybrid Work: Defining the Opportunities and Challenges" on Friday, Oct. 29.


With a comprehensive understanding of the changing landscape, the next thing to consider is the role of technology in creating the new workplace experience. Managing an increasingly distributed workforce requires new skillsets and competencies in organizations. Management by results (not time), developing trust, grooming constructive team norms, and adapting and training workers to use new platforms are some of the critical factors necessary for enabling productive and content teams.


Hybrid models are not one-size-fits-all. Leadership needs to identify a system through a great deal of analysis. Organizations need to understand what types of work are best done in the workplace or remotely. What workers or roles operate best remotely or in-person, or possibly a combination of both.


In IFMA's second session, "Hybrid Work: Role of Technology in Creating the New Workplace Experience," using simple canvas tools, experts from across the spectrum of AV/IT, facility managers, HR and corporate real estate will map the "employee journey” as they discuss how to identify and propose solutions that bring organizational silos and budgets together to maximize equity, empathy and value. Recognizing that budgets are tight, see how to identify solutions that tick all the boxes for multiple stakeholders with practical tools to take away and start using immediately.


IFMA Session I:

Hybrid Work: Defining the Opportunities and Challenges

Friday, October 29 @ 9:30 AM


IFMA Session II:

Hybrid Work: Role of Technology in Creating the New Workplace Experience

Friday, October 29 @ 1:30 PM


Technology Innovation Stage, Booth #1961 at InfoComm


Technology Innovation Stage presentations are FREE to attend. Register for InfoComm 2021 today.  You can RSVP via LinkedIn to attend both of IFMA's 10/29 presentations. Click here to RSVP for  "Hybrid Work: Defining the Opportunities & Challenges." Click here to RSVP for "Hybrid Work: Role of Technology in Creating the New Workplace Experience."


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Jacob Palalay
G.Rickey, LLC, Creative Director & Co-founder

Jacob is a proud product of Hampton Roads “the 757,” Virginia. In 2011 he graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., with his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications, dual concentration: print journalism & PR, minor in graphic design. Jacob got his start on the Obama re-election campaign as a field organizer in his hometown of Newport News. Since then, he has continued to work for campaigns and nonprofits across multiple issues he's passionate about, including Obamacare, LGBTQ equality, diversity & inclusion, immigration reform, climate change and sustainability. Jacob specializes in crafting clear, impactful messaging with measurable results for G.Rickey clients.