Shortly after, he decides to move to a coworking space near his home for a more dynamic environment. Thanks to SharePoint, he has immediate access to all his files and can continue his work without interruptions. In the afternoon, an unexpected appointment takes him out of town. During the train ride, he takes advantage of the time to have a brief call on Teams with colleagues and to complete a PowerPoint presentation, automatically synced across all his devices. Finally, from his parents’ house, he reconnects to Teams to discuss the project with the client. All of this happens securely, thanks to the integrated protection features of Microsoft 365. This is the new reality of hybrid work, where the workstation is no longer fixed, and the workplace can change multiple times a day. With tools like Microsoft 365, the barriers between office and home dissolve, enabling boundless productivity.
A paradigm shift: The future of work is hybrid
In recent years, we have witnessed a true revolution in how we perceive work. It’s not just about smart working or remote work but a historic paradigm shift that places flexibility at the center. Hybrid work, a mix of physical presence and remote work, once seen as a mere possibility for many organizations, is now a necessity that will continue to play a crucial role, becoming the standard in many industries and companies. This shift is particularly evident in the information and communication services sector, where nearly 83% of employees work from home at least occasionally. Even the financial, insurance, and education sectors show high adoption of remote work, with percentages of 73.3% and 63.3%, respectively, well above the national average (Ufficio federale di statistica. (04.07.2024). Rilevazione sulle forze di lavoro in Svizzera 2023: Valori medi annui. Quasi la metà del personale dipendente ha orari di lavoro flessibili).
These data highlight how hybrid work has become an essential aspect in key sectors of the economy, redefining the very concept of a “workstation.” Today, workers are not tied to a physical location but move freely between various environments, maintaining their productivity thanks to advanced technological tools. In this scenario, many business leaders are no longer asking, “When will our employees return to the office?” but rather, “Which activities actually require a physical presence in the office?” Thus, the focus shifts from analyzing individual roles for remote work to examining which workflows can be managed entirely remotely and which require in-person interactions. Microsoft 365 is at the heart of this transformation, offering companies the opportunity to fully embrace the hybrid model. In this context, the workplace of the future is no longer just a simple office but a flexible and integrated system, where access to company resources is immediate and secure, wherever one may be.
Microsoft 365: a key asset for employee well-being in SMEs
In the context of hybrid work, Microsoft 365 stands out not only for its ability to enhance productivity and collaboration but also for its contribution to corporate sustainability and employee well-being. SMEs can leverage the platform to create a more interconnected, healthy, and responsible work environment, thus aligning with the new demands of the working world.
- Connected workplace: a resource for SMEs
In an increasingly digital world, the concept of a connected workplace becomes essential for the growth and resilience of SMEs. Thanks to Microsoft 365, companies can create a flexible work ecosystem where technology facilitates immediate access to resources, improves communication, and allows for quick adaptation to market changes.
The European Union has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, 90% of SMEs must achieve at least a basic level of digital intensity. This goal reflects the urgent need for companies to evolve towards digital models to maintain competitiveness and meet new customer demands. Digital transformation is not just a trend; it is a response to a profound societal shift, where the customer is increasingly aware and digitally interconnected. A recent Zendesk survey indicated that 60% of consumers desire a seamless experience between physical and digital spaces, a phenomenon known as “phygital,” which highlights the importance of creating experiences that seamlessly integrate the physical and virtual worlds. For SMEs, this means being able to operate in an environment where online and physical coexist seamlessly, ensuring both automated and empathetic interactions.
- Employee well-being at the center of the connected workplace
Microsoft 365 is not just a set of productivity tools, but a catalyst for employee well-being. Hybrid work, supported by a secure and flexible platform, allows employees to choose where and how they work, promoting a better work-life balance. The ability to access documents and collaborate in real-time from anywhere reduces the stress related to commuting and improves quality of life. A significant example of how Microsoft 365 contributes to employee well-being is the integration of Copilot, the AI-powered assistant that uses artificial intelligence to simplify complex and repetitive tasks, such as generating email drafts and document summaries, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on higher-value activities. But employee well-being is not just an individual benefit; it directly translates into better business performance. Numerous studies have shown that workers who feel supported and better able to manage their work-life balance are more productive, creative, and less prone to illness or stress. Lower turnover, increased motivation, and greater engagement lead to significant improvements in overall company performance. Organizations that invest in their employees’ well-being by adopting solutions like Microsoft 365 see tangible returns: this kind of support helps create a more harmonious and productive work environment, improving employees’ emotional and psychological well-being, which in turn translates into greater efficiency, tangible results for the company, and enhanced corporate reputation.
- Environmental sustainability through advanced digital solutions
The adoption of tools like Microsoft 365 reduces the need for constant travel and dependence on dedicated physical spaces. Fewer trips and fewer offices result in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. SMEs can easily transform their operations by adopting more sustainable practices, reducing waste, and lowering energy costs. Thanks to digitalization, it is possible to optimize office energy consumption, better manage resources, and reduce environmental impact. According to Gartner, 86% of business leaders see sustainability as an investment that protects the organization from disruptions, while 83% recognize that sustainability programs generate value both in the short and long term. Additionally, 80% of companies identify sustainability as a means to optimize processes, reduce costs, and an asset aimed at improving corporate reputation. Companies need to be aware of the impact their device fleet has on energy consumption and use this data to drive smarter device usage, which also influences future purchasing decisions.
The value of Microsoft 365 in today’s workplace
In a world where flexibility is crucial, Microsoft 365 is a cornerstone of business success. It supports hybrid work, ensuring productivity, collaboration, and security. Companies that want to remain competitive must leverage tools like 365, which make the future of work a present reality. More than just a productivity suite, it is a strategic asset for SMEs, capable of creating a sustainable work environment focused on employee well-being, helping businesses build a flexible, connected, and resilient future.
