What the Hybrid Office Means for Your Business

What a difference three years can make, especially when those years are between 2020 and 2023. We’ve certainly come a long way since the early days of the pandemic, when offices were essentially shut down overnight and we all had to snap up laptops and home printers from anywhere we could find them. While some companies have gone the route of mandating a return to the office, and others have decided to ditch commercial office space altogether, one thing remains true across the board: things are just different now.

Computer and printing equipment, software requirements, audio/visual setups, even stocking the office fridge or ordering paper clips and pens all look very different than they did pre-COVID. And at the end of the day, every “office” (whether it’s in a high rise or an apartment building) has a unique set of needs and challenges. For the office equipment dealer, these challenges can be daunting. But they can also give you an advantage in winning new business if you’re prepared to address them.

Here are three ways you can prepare your sales team to address the needs of customers with hybrid office challenges:

1. Understand the hybrid office environment: Your sales team needs to have a thorough understanding of what it takes to equip a hybrid office and its specific challenges. This includes the need for collaboration tools and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in office equipment. By understanding the dynamics of a hybrid office, your team can tailor their solutions to meet the unique needs of customers. Keep in mind that each customer situation is different, and it’s your team’s job to ask the right questions to help them solve their biggest challenges.

2. Offer flexible and scalable solutions: Hybrid offices require adaptable and scalable solutions that can accommodate changing work patterns. Your sales team needs to be knowledgeable about the latest technologies and products that can support hybrid office environments. This might include multifunction printers with cloud integration, mobile printing capabilities, and document management systems that facilitate remote access and collaboration. Your team should be able to recommend equipment and software solutions that can seamlessly integrate with both on-site and remote work setups.

3. Provide comprehensive training and support: Because hybrid office setups involve a blend of in-person and remote work, your sales team should offer comprehensive training and support to your customers. This includes ensuring that customers understand the features and functionalities of the equipment and software they purchase, as well as providing ongoing guidance on remote access, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Your team should also be available to address any questions or concerns that arise during the transition to a hybrid office model, ensuring a smooth and productive experience for the customer.

By being knowledgeable about hybrid office technology, offering flexible solutions, and providing comprehensive training and support, your sales team can effectively address the needs of customers with hybrid office needs and challenges. Talk to your team today and ask them if they feel prepared to offer custom solutions to potential customers. If they don’t, ask your dealer rep for training support right away. The time to embrace the changing office is now. Don’t wait; start today.

– Adrienne Spear, Contributing Writer