VDI is, and will continue to be, the key to providing a hybrid workforce with a consistent user experience, at a level that supports high productivity. While Windows is a great operating system, managing employees’ desktop computers across an endpoint estate that’s more distributed than ever before can be complex and time consuming. With a DaaS solution, you can move that complexity to the cloud and ensure simplicity on the desktop.
Windows in the cloud eliminates the IT headache of managing physical endpoints that need regular software updates, bug fixes, security updates, and other additions. User support, troubleshooting, and data backup are time consuming and expensive with fully loaded physical endpoints, not to mention the decreasing lifespan of hardware in times of the constantly accelerating evolution of processor and memory technologies.
Putting Windows in the cloud is also the answer to securing the endpoint without interfering with user productivity. Complex security patching, for example, now happens in the cloud, so users no longer need to endure frustrating interruptions while waiting for their device to update. Automating security updates can also help prevent inconsistent patching—or worse, unpatched devices that can invite threats into the network.
Shifting to the cloud and DaaS model lets your hybrid workforce use their digital workspace to access individual user profiles and the applications they need from any location. Whether your enterprise decides to use Citrix, VMware Horizon, Azure Virtual Desktop, or even Windows 365 Cloud PC, you need an operating system that can effectively and securely support digital workspaces.
Retention and Recruitment
To alleviate the problem of newly remote workers feeling less connected to their coworkers, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other collaboration platforms have become basic, must-have tools. It’s important that we don’t forget about the human side of human resources. By working with IT to address technology issues, we can provide the necessary collaboration tools to stay in touch. HR and management must also check in with their workers regularly. People feeling that their work has value contributes greatly to employee retention. Understanding team and company goals and seeing how they can contribute to them can go a long way toward boosting employee satisfaction.
Recruitment in the time of the great resignation, or professionals’ great shift to new positions, demands that enterprises not only keep their digital workspaces up to date, but also offer recruits a highly compelling, hybrid work-from-home environment. Ease of remote onboarding—and thereby avoiding a lot of downtime—ensuring the clear communication of access protocols, and new employees’ having access to IT and HR are all musts to attract new recruits. Providing a dedicated, hybrid welcome package is a smart first step. Newer generations of recruits who are entering the workforce expect the latest in collaboration tools and a seamless technology experience. What they want to see is a hybrid workplace and a commitment to a reasonable work-life balance.
Tying It All Together
The post-pandemic world is one where organizations now trust their employees more than ever—to be productive, to know what is best for them, and to reflect their company values, without always being under the watchful eye of their supervisor. Employees have strongly stated that they are mostly happy about working remotely, so it is highly unlikely that the five-day-a-week, on-site work requirement will return.
Working remotely is a dramatic shift, but fortunately, we have technology that enables a fully productive remote workforce. It has aided us throughout the pandemic. By moving Windows off the endpoint, giving your workforce the collaboration and communication tools they need, and being super diligent in keeping up with security updates and patching, you can deliver a great user experience and ensure a productive future.
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