The world of work has changed enormously since the coronavirus pandemic: Working from home and hybrid working offer many advantages for companies and employees alike, such as flexibility and even higher productivity. It’s hard to imagine working without it these days. But alongside these benefits, new challenges are also emerging, especially for IT. For example, employees need to be able to use data – securely and from anywhere. The following blog article takes a closer look at why working from home is so popular, what requirements IT teams have to meet these days and what strategies can be pursued. With concrete approaches, companies can optimize home office options and make them sustainable.

Is working from home the new standard?

Nowadays, working from home is the new standard in companies. It used to be a quick stopgap solution, but today it is an integral part of the working world and employees’ expectations. Companies have recognized that flexible working is not only possible, but in many cases even more productive – for employees as well as for the company.

But with this new freedom comes new challenges. After all, anyone who works from anywhere also needs secure access to company data everywhere. The classic IT infrastructure, which used to be designed for stationary offices, is quickly reaching its limits. VPN access, cloud solutions, mobile end devices – all of this must not only be available, but above all secure.

The risk of security breaches increases enormously, especially in distributed working models. Different devices, changing networks, private WLANs: the gateway for attackers is becoming wider. This makes it all the more important to adapt IT security standards to the reality of the hybrid working world – with strong passwords, clear guidelines and the right technical support. Working from home is here to stay – and IT security must follow suit.

What are the advantages of working from home?

Working from home has long been more than just a stopgap measure – it’s a real win-win model. For companies and employees alike, there are tangible benefits that go far beyond mere flexibility:

• First of all, there are the time savings: no traffic jams, no crowds on buses and trains, no morning sprint to the office. Those who work from home quickly gain one to two hours a day – time that can be used for more concentrated work or simply for a better quality of life.
• The model also pays off financially. Companies can reduce office space, cut electricity and heating costs and use resources more efficiently. This is a factor that should not be underestimated, especially with rising operating costs.
• And then there is employee motivation. Those who can work independently usually enjoy a better work-life balance. This not only increases satisfaction, but often also productivity. People who feel comfortable work in a more focused way – and stay loyal to the company for longer.

One thing is clear: working from home is more than just a “nice-to-have”. It is a strategic advantage – provided the framework conditions are right. Because only those who combine flexibility with security can exploit the full potential of digital working. And this is where IT comes into play.

Requirements for modern home office IT solutions

For working from home to really work, IT solutions today must meet three key requirements:

• Security is a key issue: company data must remain protected. Firewalls, VPN connections and encryption can ensure that sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands.
• At the same time, employees must be able to access resources without any problems. Whether it’s file storage, communication tools or specialist applications – employees need access from anywhere, without any hurdles. The simpler and more secure the access, the better the acceptance.
• And then there is user-friendliness. Tools that are complicated or constantly cause problems are frustrating – and in the worst case scenario are bypassed.
• Intuitive platforms, central logins and stable applications ensure a positive user experience and productive work.
• Intuitive platforms, central logins and stable applications ensure a positive user experience and productive working.

IT in the home office today must therefore be as flexible as the working world itself – secure, accessible and user-friendly. Only then will mobile working become a real success factor.

IT solutions for an effective home office

Working from home only works really well if the technical foundations are right. And that doesn’t just mean a stable internet connection – it means well thought-out, integrated IT solutions that make everyday working life easier and ensure security at the same time:

• Microsoft 365, for example, can be used as a solution. The platform offers various functions that are simultaneously integrated with tools such as Teams or OneDrive. This enables smooth collaboration.
• Remote desktop connections can also be used, enabling employees to access data from home. This allows employees to easily use their usual PC, including data and programs, from home.
• With virtual desktop infrastructure, the workstation is made available virtually – centrally managed, individually configurable and accessible from any device.
• Citrix systems are a particularly flexible solution. Data can be used securely regardless of the user’s location, which is an important option for companies with high security requirements in particular.

By using and combining these systems, the home office can become not just a stopgap solution, but a sustainable workplace. Secure, efficient – and above all suitable for everyday use.

IT strategies for companies

Every company is different – and the IT strategy should be just as individual:

• The first step: an honest needs analysis. Which working models are in use? Which tools are in use? Where are the weak points, where is the potential?
• Based on this, tailor-made solutions can be developed – not blanket standard packages, but an IT infrastructure that fits the actual requirements. Whether cloud, on-premises, hybrid or mobile: the decisive factor is that everything runs securely, stably and user-friendly.
• And because you don’t have to know everything yourself, it’s worth looking outside. With experienced IT partners at your side, even complex requirements can be implemented in a practical and future-proof way. This is how technology becomes real support for everyday work.

Conclusion: How can working from home be made safe?

Working from home is here to stay – and with it the need to rethink IT infrastructures. Changes in the world of IT are needed to ensure that this change proves successful in the long term. The focus must be on security, flexibility and performance.

To this end, new IT solutions are able to ensure smooth processes and productive work from anywhere so that employees can concentrate on the essentials.

At the same time, there are always new requirements to which the IT team must adapt and develop. Companies must therefore make targeted investments in technology in order to keep pace. After all, those who see their IT as a strategic lever create the basis for modern, secure and future-proof work. Whether in the office, at home or both.