Based on millions of aggregated and anonymous data points, Cisco’s first Hybrid Work Index reaffirms that flexibility and wellness are key drivers for hybrid work, and employees will consider leaving an employer if working remotely isn’t at least an option.
Specifically, 64% of employees of Cisco’s customers agree that a remote work option directly affects whether they stay or leave a job. However, only about half (47%) of the employees surveyed believe their company will allow working from anywhere over the office in the next six months to a year.
Other hybrid work-related findings include a desire for emphasis on the personal health and wellness of employees, the need for greater equity during video meetings and the importance of artificial intelligence in collaboration.
However, the Hybrid Work Index sheds light on key findings for technology leaders, giving IT insight into where the challenges remain and where opportunity exists.
For example, the index found that homer networks are now one of the most critical parts of the enterprise network, as teleworker devices have doubled in growth compared to small and medium business routers since the start of the pandemic.
Cisco’s Hybrid Work Index also touched on the cybersecurity implications of hybrid work, citing the growth (2.4 times) of malicious remote access attempts since the pandemic. Just last month, the hybrid workforce was targeted with more than 100 million email threats daily, according to Cisco.
However, despite the clear need for cybersecurity tools and endpoint protection, collaboration apps are still the most critical for hybrid work success, according to survey respondents, and are the most monitored application type globally. Collaboration apps now rank above secure access and productivity application monitoring, according to Cisco.
The shift to remote work has necessitated a major investment in cloud computing for many organizations, and in large part, cloud provider networks have demonstrated more stability than ISPs, according to the index, as cloud providers have accounted for just 5% of outage incident volume, while ISP networks have accounted for the remainder.
Despite global feelings that remote work should remain, data shows that employees are going back to the office, as devices connected to office-based Wi-Fi networks has increased 61% over the last six months. According to Cisco, higher education, professional services and hospitality are driving that growth.
“We’re truly at a unique time, with the ability to redefine work,” said Chuck Robbins, the company’s chair and CEO, in a statement. “All employees around the world want a workplace that enables them to do their best, and it is our responsibility as business leaders to learn how best to support and enable our employees, however and wherever they work.”
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