"Make sure your tech is up to snuff": Five tips to help you thrive in a hybrid work environment

Inject the best elements of remote working into the office…During the 2020-21 lockdowns, many home-based workers discovered the joys of a daily walk in a park; in fact, those who worked from home were more likely to visit a local park or green space than those who commuted to work (45% vs. 30%), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It's worth continuing to wander around: Incorporating an oxygen-soaked, nature-connected passeggiata into your daily lunch hour has all sorts of health benefits: from increased focus and improved sleep quality to reduced risk of arthritis and chronic back pain.

Walks should not be limited to lunchtime either. According to a Stanford University study, walking increases creative output by an average of 60%. And in fact, in an effort to combat video call fatigue, one of the Big Four accounting firms is now encouraging staff to take meetings on an outdoor walk when possible.

< p class="dcr-h3dclz">…and replace poor work-from-home habits with workplace disciplines The rise of home-based work has not been the panacea many hoped for in balancing work and home life . According to a study last year, UK home workers are typically online for 11 hours a day, up from nine hours before the pandemic. If working remotely prevents you from setting boundaries between work and personal life, be sure to log off at the same time you normally would at the office.

Having no one to talk to while working for hours on end can lead many home workers to feel isolated – a recent study by NatCen Social Research found that those who work from home experience a noticeable increase in loneliness. On days when you're working from home, consider bringing your computer to a coworking space or coffee shop, or meeting up with a local friend or colleague for a stimulating screen break.

If you're one of the millions of workers who now only see their boss through a screen, he might be useful to think about how you can improve your profile. Yes, we are talking about self-branding. Sending your manager a weekly or monthly email summarizing what you're doing and noting any key accomplishments is a simple but effective way to honk your horn. It's also worth making sure your technology supports you to the fullest, so you can be clearly seen and heard whether you're in the boardroom or at your kitchen table. Speaking of which…

Make sure your tech is up to snuff If your pre-pandemic tech isn't suited for hybrid working, you're not alone . Poor-quality microphones and speakers can make even the loudest sales pitches muffled and muffled, while 2000s-era webcams can make it hard to put a face to the name. We all know clear communication is important, so if you feel your current technology is getting in the way, it's worth talking to your boss or your IT department.

To get extra points , point them in the direction of HP Presence. A set of customizable technologies - including meeting room equipment for the office and PCs and laptops for remote workers - HP Presence was designed to ensure that everyone can be seen, heard and share their ideas, wherever he is. We're talking enhanced camera technology, picture-in-picture and speaker tracking, and automatic light adjustment - so you'll always be able to look your best, even when you're seated. in your dimly lit spare room. Meanwhile, AI sound leveling and noise cancellation means you'll be heard like crystal, even if your kids/neighbors/pets are creating a din in the background. Basically, with HP Presence, your team will once again be able to communicate as if you're all in the same room…even if half of you are still secretly dressed for bed from the waist up.