How to build a hybrid workplace that fuels innovation

Innovation is key for Australian businesses to stay competitive, drive growth and adapt to growing business demands. Despite significant advancements in technology, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed a concerning decline in innovation among businesses, with the percentage of “innovation-active” businesses falling from 52% to 46% over two years.

One potential factor for this significant decline is business leaders are still trying to determine a hybrid work approach that fosters a positive employee experience while also boosting productivity and innovation.

While a universal solution for successful hybrid work remains elusive, the team at Lucid Software conducted a recent survey of knowledge workers to understand their hybrid work experiences. In the past four years, a staggering 75% of Australian companies have changed their hybrid work policy more than once. As business leaders continue to find the perfect model, 54% of Australians find changing hybrid work policies makes it difficult to balance productivity, which can be one of the most significant barriers to innovation.

Try Lucid now: Get aligned, make decisions faster, and boost productivity with the leading visual collaboration platform. 

The disconnect 

While 66% of workers reported they don’t mind coming into the office at some point during the week, the survey revealed ineffective communication and collaboration (38%) still persists in hybrid settings. 73% of Australians feel they have not been adequately trained to facilitate effective collaboration or work with a hybrid team. 

So, what can business leaders do to support effective teamwork, productivity, and collaboration, which, in turn, supports greater company innovation?

Setting a hybrid workforce up for success 

To optimise hybrid work policies, executives can establish an environment with a strong  supporting tech stack that enables more efficient and effective collaboration across teams. Here are a few ways businesses can set their hybrid teams up for success: 

• Streamline your tech stack: Nearly half (44%) of Australian workers are dissatisfied with their current tech stacks, using more than five applications to get their jobs done. By mindfully selecting tools to address multiple needs with fewer applications, and ensuring they integrate well, companies can solve various pain points, streamline information, and better align teams. It is also important to implement applications that help employees work visually. 75% of Australians say visuals are crucial for effective collaboration with 68% believing they speed up decision making. Investing in the right technology can create a more cohesive and productive environment, enabling seamless collaboration regardless of whether team members are in the office or remote.
• Establish a shared space with your team: A centralised workspace empowers seamless collaboration. Think of it as a digital nerve centre where teams can brainstorm, plan, and prioritise in real-time or asynchronously. This fosters a culture of shared context and continuous progress, ensuring everyone is on the same page. At Lucid, we use team hubs to ensure alignment at the outset of every project. These hubs centralise documentation, making it easier for everyone to access the content they need to do their jobs. 
• Unlocking the power of AI: AI can automate tasks and free up valuable time for creativity and execution. 75% of Australian workers already leverage AI, citing increased creativity and a focus on critical tasks. Integrating AI-powered solutions can optimise workflows and unleash your team’s innovative potential. However, simply elevating a tech stack with AI is not enough. Leaders must be intentional about training employees on how to leverage AI responsibly. 
• Define clear processes: Surprisingly, many organisations haven’t actively adapted to hybrid work. Only 39% equip meeting rooms for both remote and in-office participation, and a mere 34% have created clear hybrid meeting guidelines. Establishing well-defined processes and clear communication protocols is crucial for fostering effective collaboration in both virtual and physical settings.
• Be intentional about enablement: Our research reveals a critical gap in training and awareness. Only 29% of entry-level workers and managers have access to whiteboarding tools, with an even lower usage rate. Additionally, only around a quarter of entry-level and manager-level employees feel adequately trained in hybrid collaboration. Close these gaps by providing thorough training on tools in your tech stack to help teams work more efficiently together. 

Innovate securely

Setting up a hybrid workplace for success also means prioritising the security of your organisation’s data. With employees accessing sensitive information from diverse locations, safeguarding data has become paramount for organisations in the APAC region. In response to this, Lucid has created a pathway for faster innovation and meaningful collaboration while keeping data secure with the launch of our global data residency program in Australia. By keeping data local and secure, we empower organisations to collaborate seamlessly while adhering to stringent compliance standards. This strategic move not only accelerates innovation and enhances productivity but also provides peace of mind, knowing that valuable information is protected. 

By focusing on these key areas, leaders can bridge the disconnect and empower their hybrid teams to thrive, fostering collaboration, maximising productivity, and ultimately driving innovation. The solution lies not in the amount of hours spent in the office, but in creating an environment where collaboration flourishes – regardless of location.

Read now: A guide to successful hybrid collaboration