By Anand Lakshmanan
The realm of work has experienced a significant evolution in recent years, influenced by the intersection of technological progress, shifting employee preferences, and global developments that have redefined our conventional understanding of the workplace. In the heart of this transformative landscape organisations in India have been quick to embrace a new paradigm — the hybrid work model. This shift represents a pivotal moment in the country’s corporate evolution, where remote work seamlessly intertwines with in-office collaboration. However, the true catalyst for success in this new era lies in the ability to build smarter workplaces that not only adapt to change but also actively foster innovation, productivity, employee well-being, and connectivity.
India’s workforce, like those in other regions across Asia/Pacific, has come to understand that the workplace of the future must be more than just a physical space. It needs to be smarter, more integrated, and deeply connected.
The Rise of Hybrid Work in India
Hybrid work has swiftly emerged as the predominant mode of operations for organizations across India. According to the Smart Workplaces survey by IDC and Logitech, it is now the work model for a staggering 66% of organizations across Asia/Pacific. This shift is driven by a desire to enhance productivity and capitalize on the manifold benefits that hybrid work offers. Hybrid work has become a strategic choice to enhance productivity and capitalize on the myriad benefits that it offers.
The Smart Workplace Advantage
One of the most significant outcomes of this shift is the rise of smart workplaces. These innovative workspaces are designed to connect people in new and more efficient ways, ultimately supporting their productivity, health, and well-being. The advantages of smart workplaces are increasingly evident across organizations in India:
- Enhanced Company Culture: Around 52% of organisations in India believe that smart workplaces support and enhance company culture, creating a more engaging and vibrant work environment.
- Improved Collaboration: Smart workplaces foster collaboration, with 35% of organisations asserting that these environments significantly improve teamwork and cooperation.
- Revenue Growth: Smart workplaces are not just about enhancing the work experience; they also contribute to the bottom line. An impressive 35% of organisations attribute increased revenue to the adoption of smart workplace technologies.
- Attracting Talent: Building smarter workplaces can be a powerful tool in attracting top talent. 31% of employers believe that smart workplaces make organizations more appealing to prospective employees.
The Path to a Smarter Workspace
To achieve these impressive outcomes, organizations in India are actively investing in various smart technologies:
- Automation: Half of the organizations are planning to invest in automation of technology, streamlining operations and reducing manual tasks.
- Smart meeting room management: Smart meeting rooms equipped with cutting-edge technologies are on the agenda for 41% of organizations, revolutionizing the way meetings are conducted. Logitech offers many smart video conferencing solutions such as
- Collaboration and conferencing technologies: Enhanced collaboration tools and state-of-the-art conferencing technologies are a priority for 40% of organizations, ensuring seamless communication across teams.
- Office space planning: Forward-thinking organizations understand the importance of optimizing office space. A good 39% organisations in India plan to invest in office space planning to create more flexible and efficient work environments. This hints at the rapid adoption of hybrid work as the way the future works.
India’s smart workplace transformation
Within the Indian corporate landscape, organizations are rapidly transforming their workplaces with a focus on specific drivers:
- Revenue Growth: A significant 55% of Indian employers identify revenue growth as a top driver for smart workplace transformation. They recognize that smarter workplaces can lead to increased productivity, ultimately boosting the bottom line.
- Improved Collaboration: Half of the employers in India believe that improving collaboration is a key driver for embracing smart workplace technologies. Enhanced teamwork and communication are vital for driving innovation and achieving business goals.
- Cost Savings: 35% of Indian employers are motivated by cost savings when considering smart workplace transformation. Streamlined processes, efficient space utilization, and reduced energy consumption contribute to these savings.
- Environmental Sustainability: Smart workplaces are aligned with sustainability goals, which is a driver for 35% of Indian employers. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and promoting eco-friendly practices, organizations can contribute to a greener future.
Future tech priorities for smart workplaces
To bring these smart workplaces to life, organizations are prioritizing technology investments:
- Team collaboration solutions: For 45% of employers, team collaboration solutions take precedence. These tools enable seamless communication and collaboration, whether employees are in the office or working remotely.
- Cloud productivity suites: Cloud productivity suites are a top technology priority for 38% of employers. They provide flexibility and accessibility for remote and hybrid workers.
- Remote desktop management: 35% of employers recognize the importance of remote desktop management in ensuring secure and efficient access to company resources.
- Remote access to resources: Lastly, 35% of employers are investing in technologies that provide remote access to resources, ensuring that employees can work effectively from anywhere.
In conclusion, the adoption of hybrid work models and the pursuit of smarter workplaces are transformative trends sweeping across India Inc. These initiatives not only support productivity but also bolster company culture, collaboration, and revenue growth. As businesses invest in smart technologies and prioritize the needs of their workforce, they are poised to lead the charge in the evolution of the modern workplace, ensuring that it remains agile, resilient, and forward-thinking in an ever-changing world.
(The author is Anand Lakshmanan, Head of B2B, Logitech India, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
