Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 43 | Page 53

AMIR SOHRABI , AREA VP , EMERGING MARKETS , CITRIX

Q & A

EDITOR ’ S

Despite the practical benefits experienced by many people due to remote work , it is essential that companies pay attention to their employees ’ mental and physical well-being . Hybrid work models have the potential to create a new digital divide that , if left unchecked , will quickly establish two classes of workers and infuse the workplace with inequity and bias . To successfully make the leap , companies will need to implement technologies and new work policies that create an equitable environment , empowering both remote and in-office

AMIR SOHRABI , AREA VP , EMERGING MARKETS , CITRIX

employees to engage and collaborate equally , transparently and efficiently .
Recent research from Citrix has confirmed that remote work is here to stay , with 82 % of all respondents agreeing that it will be more common post-pandemic and 28 % say it has had a positive impact on time management , flexibility and overall performance . In addition , 41 % believe their personal lives have been positively affected as the lack of a commute has given them a chance to spend more time with family , take on a hobby or simply get extra sleep . It is clear now that hybrid work models , powered by the right digital tools , can lead to a superior user experience , increased employee engagement , greater productivity and lower costs .
That same study shows that remote and flexible work options are now key to attracting and retaining talent , with 55 % saying that businesses will miss out on top talent if they do not offer flexible work options and 45 % saying that if they were to change jobs , they would only accept a role which offered flexible and remote work options .
The hybrid model is also crucial to attracting younger generations . Our latest research , The Born Digital Effect , reveals that 90 % of born digital employees in the UAE do not want to return to full-time office work post-pandemic , preferring a remote or hybrid model instead .
For all the challenges caused by the pandemic , office workers are still reporting
For all the challenges caused by the pandemic , office workers are still reporting improvements to their personal lives and careers due to remote working .
improvements to their personal lives and careers due to remote working . If people can find a silver lining in even these difficult circumstances , we have an opportunity to evolve work postpandemic and see a new generation of happier workers that stay committed to their companies longer , having been given the choice of working wherever is best for them . To make it happen , businesses need to look up from the operational side and dedicate time and resource to identifying the core values of their organisation in a post-pandemic world , with a hybrid workforce which is looking to be supported and engaged by their employer . Culture is a critical differentiator in attracting and retaining talent and businesses must prioritise this to ensure that they are future-ready . •
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 43 53