Hybrid work has evolved from a temporary necessity to a permanent feature of the modern workplace. As we move through 2025, businesses across the UK are adapting to a world where employees split their time between home and the office. While hybrid working offers greater flexibility and work-life balance, it also brings with it significant challenges to any business's IT infrastructure. It’s vital to understand how hybrid work affects IT systems for companies aiming to stay competitive and safe.

Flexibility Requires Robust Systems

In the past, with most employees working from the same location, a business's IT infrastructure would typically be built around one centralised office. However, hybrid work demands a more flexible approach. Employees expect to have secure access to files, applications and systems, no matter where they’re working. This has driven a major shift towards cloud-based solutions, which enable teams to collaborate in real time without being tied to a physical office.

Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other similar platforms have all become an important part of many businesses, offering seamless access to documents and communication tools. However, moving to the cloud is not as simple as just subscribing to a new service. Companies need to ensure that their internet connections, devices and security protocols can handle the demands of hybrid work. Weak spots in these areas can lead to downtime, lost productivity and even data breaches.

Connectivity is Key

Hybrid work means employees are constantly switching between networks. They might use a home broadband connection one day and a public Wi-Fi network the next. This creates a real challenge for IT teams, who need to ensure consistent connectivity and security across a wide range of environments.

Upgrading to business-grade broadband solutions like SoGEA or FTTP can help ensure that the connection from the office is fast and reliable. But for remote workers, businesses need to implement secure remote access solutions, such as VPNs and cloud-based security tools, to safeguard sensitive data.

The Challenge of Device Management

When employees are working across multiple locations, they’re often using different devices to access work systems. This could be a company laptop, a personal phone or a home PC. Each of these entry points introduces potential risks, from malware infections to unauthorised access.

Businesses need to implement strong endpoint management policies, including regular software updates, encryption and antivirus protection. Mobile device management tools can help monitor and control the use of mobile devices, ensuring compliance with security policies. Meanwhile, employee education is also crucial, as even the best security systems can be compromised by poor password practices or unapproved app installations.

Cloud-First, But Not Cloud-Only

While cloud computing has become essential for hybrid work, it’s important not to rely on it entirely. On-premise servers and legacy systems still play a critical role in many businesses, particularly those with specialist software or regulatory requirements. The challenge lies in creating a hybrid IT infrastructure that integrates both cloud and on-premise systems seamlessly.

For example, companies might use Microsoft Azure for day-to-day collaboration but still need a physical server for specialist applications. This requires careful planning and robust backup solutions to ensure data integrity and availability across both environments. Businesses must also review their disaster recovery plans to account for new risks introduced by hybrid work.

Security Is More Critical Than Ever

Hybrid work significantly increases the number of potential entry points for cyberattacks. With employees accessing company systems from multiple locations, the traditional security perimeter has effectively dissolved. This makes it more important than ever to adopt a zero-trust approach to security.

Zero-trust security assumes that no user or device is inherently trustworthy, requiring continuous verification for all access requests. Multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection and response, and real-time monitoring of network traffic are all key elements of this strategy. Companies also need to review and update their data protection policies to comply with regulations like GDPR, which continues to evolve in 2025.

Planning for the Future

The hybrid work model is here to stay, and its impact on IT infrastructure will only continue to grow. Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind, facing productivity loss, security breaches or even regulatory penalties. On the other hand, those that embrace the new reality can gain a competitive edge, attracting top talent and building more resilient operations.

At Edmondson’s IT Services, we’re helping businesses across Yorkshire and the UK adapt to the hybrid work environment. Whether you need help upgrading your connectivity, managing devices or strengthening your security, we can provide expert advice and personally tailored solutions to match your business's needs.

We offer a free IT health check to assess your current systems and recommend improvements, ensuring you’re ready for the demands of 2025 and beyond.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your business in the hybrid work era, get in touch today. You can call us on 01924 666 660 or visit our website to book a consultation. Let’s make sure your IT infrastructure is ready for whatever comes next.