How Chrome OS Empowers Hybrid and Remote Work Teams

In a bygone age, the workplace was a fixed point in an individual’s life: work happened at the office or on the job site where teams would coalesce for a set amount of time before heading home for the evening. Work happened almost entirely on paper, and teams relied on in-person discussion or written memos to communicate with one another. Then, by the early 2000s, the digital revolution was in full swing, and it heralded a massive shift for the modern work team — a shift that would eventually see many businesses seeking the flexibility of cloud-based solutions. In fact, between 2005 and 2018, the number of individuals working from home grew by 173%

This wave of change was punctuated by a new and unique set of problems, especially where IT was concerned, which explains the large number of information workers who turned to the cloud during that period. In fact, one in four were already in the cloud by 2018, which gave these individuals a leg up when future events pushed them to operate beyond a structured routine and work across dispersed, global teams.

A New Era for Cloud

In 2020, everything changed. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the early part of the year, it was like flooring the gas pedal on what was (until then) a slow and steady drive towards digitization. During this time, 88% of organizations mandated that employees work remotely, which meant teams that had already elevated their systems to cloud could make the shift relatively painless. However, teams that had not yet evolved to cloud-based computing had to scramble for a solution (and quickly) hoping their old workflows would limp along until everything “returned to normal” in a month or two.

But nearly two years later, many teams are still dispersed, and the shift towards remote work shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, 83% of employers now say moving their teams remote has been successful for their company, and fewer than one in five executives expect the workplace to return as it was pre-pandemic. That said, most business leaders expect there to be some sort of return to the office, though many employees and job seekers will expect a remote or hybrid option to be made available. So, in the interest of remaining competitive, businesses should ensure they have the infrastructure to support every team member — no matter where they choose to call their workplace. 

Tools for The Future of Work

Today, teams need access to modern toolsets designed to meet them wherever they are. Platforms like the Chrome Operating System (Chrome OS) are built to support this new way of working, all while providing IT admins with comprehensive, cloud-based solutions that keep employees productive. But perhaps more importantly, Chrome OS is mobile, secure, and easy to manage, all while providing admins with a bevy of security features and controls that can be accessed remotely.

Expedient Deployment

When shifting your team to a new platform, a smooth transition is typically easier said than done. However, Chrome OS devices deploy faster than their Windows counterparts (76% faster, in fact). That’s because each device automatically downloads the operator’s user profile from the cloud, ensuring all of their apps, settings, and bookmarks are right there and ready to use immediately.

Every App You’ll Ever Need

Speaking of applications, Chrome OS doesn’t lock users into a specific suite of products, meaning teams can access their preferred video conferencing, chat, and email apps. Your team can also make use of top enterprise apps and private apps as well as legacy and Windows apps in secure virtual environments like Citrix and VMware. No matter what apps your team uses, Chrome OS won’t force them into a new set of unfamiliar tools.

Modern Flexibility

For disparate teams, speed and flexibility are non-negotiables. Remote and hybrid teams need devices that work when and where they need them and with minimal interruption. Devices powered by Chrome OS automatically update in the background, which means no more staring at the screen, watching the progress bar tick by at an inconvenient moment.

In addition to the many familiar apps your team already uses, Chrome OS adapts to the way your team works by enabling seamless logins across Chrome OS devices and offline working for Google Play store apps. And because all user workflows are cloud-first by default, automatic backups and data syncing keep team members from losing their work in the event of an accidental shutdown.

Proactive Security

Chrome OS proudly features best-in-class security, including data encryption, sandboxing, and Google-designed Titan C chip to protect identities and prevent fraud. Additionally, Chrome mitigates security risks with a wide array of safeguards, including password protection, safe browsing, and a number of IT controls — all without the added expense of antivirus software.

Cleaner Carbon Footprint

Not only does Chrome OS have a positive impact on hybrid work environments, but it also has a net positive impact on the Earth’s environment by reducing energy consumption. Organizations that use Chrome save up to $482 per device per year in reduced deployment, upgrade, and training costs. Additionally, Chrome OS devices are manufactured with sustainable and recyclable materials, consuming up to 46% less energy than similar devices.

It’s an interesting time to be in the workforce, not only for all the drastic changes we’ve experienced in the last two years but also for the exciting opportunities still to come. The future of work has arrived, bringing with it a new approach to communicating and collaborating.

If you’re ready to leverage the power of cloud with Chrome OS, Maven Wave can lead you on your journey. To learn more about how Maven Wave can help your organization get the most out of Chrome, contact us.