Hybrid working toolkit: Connecting flexibility and operational success

Table of contents

Hybrid is here to stay

The hybrid working toolkit

Take the high road on hybrid

Think back to even just 10 years ago. The working landscape looked very different. The daily commute, the 9-5 at the same desk – it was a far more rigid time in the workplace.

Much more recently, in February 2025, approximately 14% of workers in the UK worked from home exclusively. A further 26% worked from home and travelled to their office.

The hybrid model is bringing a new wave of flexible working for employees, enabling more freedom and empowerment to work in the way that best suits individuals, while gaining the all-important face to face time with colleagues, customers and clients.

Hybrid is here to stay

Hybrid working has become steadily more popular than fully remote working – and businesses that want to succeed will need to ensure their IT infrastructure supports flexible working arrangements.

Whether you’re shifting back to full time office working or embracing a hybrid approach, connectivity and collaboration platforms are crucial for keeping up with the fast pace of your industry and ensuring your people can do what they need to.

We’re all now working in a flexible world – and you need to make sure you can fully support your workforce. But what does that look like for your tech?

The hybrid working toolkit

More than just a buzzword, an effective hybrid working approach needs to be engrained into the business – and that requires the right technology.

There’s a direct link between your business equipment and its productivity levels, so your investments need to be smart and sound.

When it comes to implementing flexible working solutions for your business, you don’t need complexity or compromises. Just unified technology that’s robust, agile and easy to manage. So, it’s time to consider building your Digital Workplace to stay fully flexible.

Here are some key areas we recommend considering as part of your full hybrid working solution.

Secure VPNs

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, providing a protective layer between devices and the internet – shielding your data from anyone trying to gain unauthorised access. Your remote users can then get onto the company network from anywhere and your confidential data will stay secure.

Collaboration tools

Choosing a single collaboration platform, like Microsoft 365, means your teams can perform a huge proportion of their daily work collaboratively and all in one place – from syncing calendars and holding video meetings to sharing project files and notes. Whether the whole team is together in the office or working from home, everything will be centralised and easy to find.

Mobile solutions

When you’re regularly on the go, you need a flexible device that can equip you to complete whichever task is next on the list. Mobile communication is essential for any modern business – and there are a huge number of versatile handsets, tablets and devices from the major manufacturers.

You may want to consider mobile device management solutions, too, to make it simpler for you to manage, monitor and keep devices secure.

You can read more about mobile apps and maximising your flexibility in our blog.

Security

While offering plenty of benefits, hybrid working can lead to increased concern around cyber security, and 85% of UK organisations regard remote and hybrid working as the biggest contributor to threat levels. You will want to make sure all your technology includes cyber security protection to prevent unauthorised access and monitor your systems to keep systems and data secure.

There are many options depending on your requirements, including cyber security software as a service, Zero Trust Network Access and services that assess vulnerabilities.

With your people dotted around different locations, you should also be certain that they know what to look for and are working to best security practice. Online security awareness training and GDPR training can make sure your teams are educated on staying protected.

Productivity insights

Maintaining productivity levels when remote working is essential – and with an employee monitoring solution, you can get complete visibility of employee’s activities. With these insights, you can better understand how your workforce operates, identify business best practices and optimise processes.

Take the high road on hybrid

However (and wherever) best your business runs, enhancing connection and collaboration across your teams will put you onto a winner. And by working with an expert technology partner, you can explore your options for hybrid working solutions, in one place, to save you time and costs.

From security to productivity and technology management, Focus Group can help you embrace a flexible future. Office-based, out in the field or from a dining table at home, we can help you tick all your boxes and design your package, your way – ready to power your business at the right price.