5 Ways Windows 11 Will Help Your Hybrid Working Environment

It’s time to accept it: The hybrid working environment is here to stay — at least for the foreseeable future. Companies that have embraced this work model have experienced unrivaled flexibility and more significant opportunities. Their employees can now work from anywhere, which means they can hire the best talent from anywhere. How can you leverage Windows 11 to ensure you create the best possible environment for a hybrid model to thrive?

1. Easy IT Deployment in a Hybrid Working Environment

Even when employees work 100% from inside the office, the deployment of new operating systems is sometimes an issue. IT professionals generally need to schedule installation times when employees are on lunch breaks or not at work at all. When the devices are not in the office, such as with remote and hybrid workers, this could pose additional problems.

Windows sought to make deployment more manageable in the hybrid working environment by making the upgrade from Windows 10 not just easy but also free. This means that most employees can complete the installation at their desks, on the road or at home. If the IT department installed blocks that limit admin-level changes, however, removing them may be necessary.

2. Seamless Integration With Other Operating Systems

Compatibility with existing devices is a major concern business owners have for both OS upgrades and hybrid work transition. Will they need to purchase entirely new devices for the whole organization? What about existing ChromeOS or Mac devices that workers propose to use at home? Will the apps that workers are accustomed to using remain compatible with Windows or become available on Microsoft Store?

Microsoft tackled these hybrid working environment problems from three main angles. The first is to provide Windows devices that match any individual or corporate budget. The second is to ensure Windows 11 compatibility with other operating systems. Azure Virtual Desktop, for example, now makes it possible to stream windows as a Cloud PC to any device, including Android, Linux, Mac and the iPad. Finally, Android apps will be part of the Windows ecosystem for the first time.

3. Ergonomic Virtual Work Environment

Interest in ergonomics has grown significantly over the past few decades as businesses increasingly look for ways to make employees comfortable. Physical ergonomics generally manifests in the same way for most people. They want natural lighting, comfortable chairs and an appropriate desk height. What about virtual ergonomics?

If you pay attention to the way people organize their home screens, apps and files, you might notice some differences. For instance, some people take advantage of their full-screen width by putting the taskbar on the left or right side. Windows 11 opens up an even wider world of customizations with Snap Layouts and modern widgets, so workers can create a workspace that suits their needs and preferences.

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4. Secure Connections for the Hybrid Working Environment

Cybersecurity threats have increased over the past few years and cost companies more and more money as time goes by. Consequently, business owners remain concerned about the threats they might face when using Microsoft products and other platforms. It only takes one vulnerability to crack sensitive data wide open.

Microsoft has addressed this by creating a zero-trust cybersecurity platform for WIndows 11. In fact, it’s calling this operating system its most secure OS ever. Windows includes built-in tools and checkpoints to significantly reduce the risk of data breaches:

• Hypervisor-protected code integrity
• Virtualization-based security
• Device encryption
• Windows Hello
• Secure Boot

5. Effective Collaboration Across the Workforce

When workers left the office for full and partial remote work opportunities, it created a collaboration challenge. Some teams quickly rose to the occasion, but many organizations are still moving across several platforms in their attempts to host conference calls, co-edit files, share folders and communicate with clients.

Microsoft moves all of these tasks into one virtual ecosystem by creating all the tools you need for a successful hybrid working environment. Even better, these tools take into consideration the fact that much of this work needs to continue remotely. Microsoft has integrated Teams into an OS for the first time with Windows 11. It has also integrated Chats from Teams into the taskbar.

Create Your Hybrid Working Environment

When moving to a hybrid working environment, cloud migration plays a crucial role. Without leveraging the cloud features of one established office suite, workers are forced to use a hodge-podge of apps and services across multiple platforms. This reduces efficiency and introduces more breach points. Are you ready to migrate to the cloud and enjoy a beautifully synchronized hybrid workspace? Request a quote to get started.