Three in four organizations are currently utilizing a hybrid work model. Employers and employees alike feel this is the best path moving forward, according to the latest data released today. However, only roughly one in five companies (21%) are fully confident their infrastructure security can support long-term remote work.
The survey of 200 North American business leaders, conducted by the research firm Pulse on behalf of Sungard Availability Services , found roughly 89% believe a mix of remote and in-office working is the ideal work situation following Labor Day. Eighty-three percent of businesses intend to employ this working model in that same timespan. Around three-quarters of organizations (74%) took input from both company leaders and employees into account when making decisions on working models.
Although less than one in 10 (7.5%) are very confident their security protections against phishing and ransomware attacks are adequate in a largely virtual environment, the vast majority of respondents agree good security is a must-have for employees to be successful when working from home. Security software that keeps work devices secure (79%), an easy-to-use system that enables employees to share files securely (76%), IT support that specializes in supporting remote workers (71.5%), and high-speed internet connection (60%) are all considered essential items for remote employees.
Businesses still have more work to do to build a more resilient and sustainable remote working environment. The data shows that 43% of business leaders feel they need to provide employees with improved or more technology to support a successful remote working environment. Almost every organization (97%) noted plans to adjust their business continuity plans to account for a more permanent remote working environment.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted within the Pulse technology executive community from June 24, 2021 – August 1, 2021. 200 IT, Information Security, HR, and Operations leaders responded, representing seven industries at the director level and above in North America.
Read the full release here.
