Sustainability 101: How hybrid working can make progress

“The Gartner® 1Q24 Global Workforce Survey found that 44% of workers worldwide use a hybrid work model, which is more than the 39% of employees who work full-time in an office.”*

Also read: 3 challenges of flexible and hybrid working for international companies

Hybrid working is a model that combines office work and remote work. Some companies set specific days for on-site work, while others allow employees to arrange their own work schedules.. Mixed working patterns can reduce commuting frequency and thus reduce motor vehicle emissions.

But hybrid working is also a key factor in fostering a sustainable workforce – helping to create a work environment where employees are healthy, engaged and productive.

These practices can be a key component of a company’s overall environmental, social and governance (ESG) program, which often includes the well-being and development of its employees.

Let’s explore hybrid work trends and how these models foster an inclusive and productive workforce.

From benefits to expectations

While flexible working has been around for some time, the rise in remote working during the pandemic has led to a rise in the popularity of hybrid working models, which many employees prefer to return to the office full-time as a way to support work-life balance and overall well-being.

At the same time, employers are discovering that flexible working models are an important way to attract, support and retain employees.

In 2022 Cisco Global Hybrid Work Studysurveyed 28,000 full-time employees in 27 markets and expressed support for a collaborative approach to hybrid work:

• 62% of employees believe the ability to work from anywhere will impact whether they stay in their current job
• 61% felt the quality of their work had improved
• 60% of people have improved their work efficiency

How Cisco supports hybrid working

At the heart of successful hybrid working is collaboration technology that spans corporate headquarters and home offices—from video conferencing to messaging apps to real-time document sharing.

For example, Cisco provides a secure way for millions of people to work from home every day with its market-leading platform consisting of Webex, AnyConnect VPN, and ThousandEyes.

A Cisco remote work environment can also include the Cisco Desk Pro, a dedicated video desk device with a screen three times the size of a typical PC, for a high-quality meeting experience. It helps make calls more engaging and prevents call fatigue—no more squinting at a tiny talking head on a small PC screen.

For office environments, Cisco can Smart Building Solutions Automate workplace environments, improve spaces and reduce costs. By using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and connected heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), security and occupancy systems, companies can gain timely, actionable insights into building resource availability, occupancy and energy usage.

Not only do these solutions support a more sustainable mix of working, but many of the products themselves are made with sustainability in mind.

For example, Cisco Room BarIt is a video device for office meeting rooms that uses a circular design approach. The number of internal components is reduced by 16 tons per year, and the packaging volume is reduced by 44% by eliminating foam. The product itself is designed to be easier to repair, refurbish and recycle.

Cisco is applying these principles to its entire product portfolio. In fact, Cisco has set a goal that all of its new products and packaging will use Circular design principles By fiscal year 2025.

The importance of inclusion and productivity in hybrid work models

Cisco’s goal is to create an inclusive future for all. Supporting a hybrid and inclusive work environment – where everyone feels valued and can fully contribute, regardless of background or circumstance – is a key aspect of the company’s purpose.

For example, Webex empowers inclusion Features include real-time translation, closed captioning, and post-meeting review.

Cisco is currently applying industry-leading artificial intelligence to further address issues such as background noise, poor sound, and low video quality. The goal is to make colleagues feel like there is no distance between them and that every participant can fully and effectively participate regardless of where they are.

Guiding principles and the future of hybrid working

according to IDC Researchnearly half of organizations prioritize maintaining flexible working models to support their transformation efforts.

Despite the momentum and priority of hybrid working, many organizations still struggle to implement an effective strategy. McKinsey 2024 Survey68% of organizations have not yet developed a specific plan for how to handle hybrid work.

Hybrid work models vary by region, industry, company, and even business unit, creating complexity for both employees and managers. It can be a new way of thinking that encompasses company culture, processes, and technology. Ultimately, it requires a strategic and thoughtful approach from multiple stakeholders across the organization.

As our President and CEO Chuck Robbins says, Cisco’s philosophy is that “the office is a magnet, not a command.”

Hybrid working models are not only flexible, but are also essential to promoting a sustainable and inclusive workforce. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic planning, companies can create an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to broader sustainable development goals.

Hybrid working is becoming more mainstream, with many organizations looking for ways to achieve better outcomes. Personally, I’ve seen a boost in productivity and job satisfaction since I started using dedicated Webex devices to manage all my remote meetings.

For guidance on how to transform hybrid work from a “great experiment” to a cornerstone of sustainability and productivity, check out Cisco’s Mastering hybrid work.

*Gartner, “Quick Answers: Evaluating Microsoft Places for Hybrid Work Challenges,” Tori Paulman and Christopher Trueman, July 8, 2024

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Luca Ferraro is Cisco.