The New Normal: Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay
Hybrid work models and flexible “co-working” spaces were already on the rise prior to the pandemic, but extended lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 accelerated the trend. Hybrid work is often seen as the “best of both worlds,” providing some in-office time for collaboration and in-person meetings while giving employees more flexibility and focused work time from home. In addition, many enterprises have realized significant cost savings by downsizing office space to accommodate a smaller and more flexible on-site team. Other companies are letting go of traditional offices entirely, instead funding space for employees in shared co-working spaces.
A McKinsey & Company survey of white-collar workers in Europe found that 75% prefer a hybrid work arrangement, with some time in the office and some at home. In the U.S., the State of Remote Work report revealed that a staggering 98% of respondents preferred to work at home at least some of the time. These statistics demonstrate that hybrid and remote working arrangements are not only practical but are likely to be a major factor in employee satisfaction, recruiting and retention.
As employers move to more flexible models of work, the physical office is changing—along with the employee experience. For example:
- The increased use of “hot-desking” and “touchdown spaces” in lieu of assigned desks, cubicles and offices creates a need for storage solutions, such as smart lockers.
- The emphasis on collaboration during in-office time requires flexible conference and meeting spaces and a system for ensuring equitable access. Conversely, there is also a need for on-demand “quiet spaces” where individuals can engage in focus work.
- There is a greater need for A/V and teleconferencing equipment to connect with remote colleagues, partners and vendors.
- Many organizations are investing in amenities such as cafés, gyms, vending machines, wellness rooms and even nap pods to create a welcoming office environment.
- Employees need seamless access to business files and systems as they move between office and home while also maintaining strict data security.
Physical and Digital Access Control for Hybrid Work
As hybrid work reshapes the modern office, organizations need access control solutions that are robust, secure, flexible and efficient. Hybrid work and co-working spaces pose several challenges for traditional access control systems, particularly those designed for static, on-site work environments. Access control challenges include:
- Managing and monitoring physical access in environments where people come and go on irregular schedules or share office space with people they do not know well.
- Ensuring equitable access to shared spaces and resources, such as hot-desks, workstations, meeting rooms and AV equipment.
- Securing shared devices and equipment in the office and preventing unauthorized access to files, applications and networks on shared workstations.
- Maintaining cybersecurity when employees are logging in from home and other locations where Wi-Fi networks and devices may be left unsecured.
- Enabling custom access privileges for different user groups, such as employees on different schedules and third-party vendors and contractors.
- Providing global oversight in organizations with multiple locations or employees working remotely across countries and time zones.
A unified access system leveraging radio-frequency identification (RFID) badges or mobile access credentials on the smartphone is ideal for supporting modern, flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules and co-working spaces. A unified system is:
- Efficient: Employees can access everything they need in the office with a single credential; for example, employees may use their ID badge or smartphone to enter the building, check in to a reserved workstation or meeting room, log into business systems via single sign-on (SSO), and access amenities such as the café or fitness center. This is easier and more convenient for employees and simpler for IT to manage.
- Secure: RFID and mobile credentials using Near-Field Communication (NFC) are highly secure for both physical and digital access applications. For device and application login, a passwordless access system using RFID/NFC is much more secure than a traditional password, which can be easily compromised. For higher security, combine RFID/NFC with a user PIN or biometrics on the smartphone for a phishing-resistant MFA solution.
- Flexible: RFID/NFC works for all kinds of applications. Co-working spaces and employers can leverage RFID/NFC to support desk and meeting room booking, meeting check-in, smart locker systems, and access to other office essentials. This supports equitable and convenient access to shared office resources and helps facility managers adjust layouts and resources based on real-time usage.
Get Ready for the Future of Work
Flexible working arrangements are here to stay, driven by worker demand and economics. The right access control system empowers both organizations and employees to embrace new models of work. A unified system isn’t just about security—it’s about enhancing productivity and the employee experience, whether they are working from home, in the office, or in a co-working space.
ELATEC is working with organizations to create unified access solutions for the modern world of work. We have universal RFID readers that work for virtually any access application, including physical access control and device and system login. Our access experts can help you design a flexible and future-proof access system.