If you’re running a hybrid team, you’ve probably already asked yourself this:
How do we keep everything running smoothly when some employees are in the office and others are working remotely?
Hybrid work is here to stay. However, it comes with numerous moving parts. From securing remote access to keeping devices up to date, managing IT for a hybrid workforce is no small task. That’s where an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how an MSP supports hybrid work and helps businesses avoid the common pitfalls of juggling IT on their own.
What is Hybrid Work and Why Does It Need IT Support?
The Rise of Hybrid Work Models
Not long ago, “going to work” usually meant going to an office. Now, for many businesses, it means giving employees the flexibility to work from home, from the office, or anywhere in between. Hybrid work is a blend of both worlds, and it has quickly become the new normal.
According to Gartner, over 70% of U.S. companies are adopting some form of hybrid work model. But with that flexibility comes complexity.
Unique IT Challenges of Hybrid Workforces
Hybrid work creates an environment where:
- Employees access data and apps from multiple locations
- Devices are scattered across home offices and corporate networks
- Cyber threats target remote and vulnerable endpoints
An office with full-time onsite employees is relatively straightforward to manage. However, once you factor in remote connections, cloud services, and a range of devices, IT management becomes increasingly complex. That’s why many companies turn to an IT Managed Service Provider for expert help.
How an IT Managed Service Provider Supports Hybrid Work
1. Strengthening Cybersecurity for Remote Access
Hybrid work increases the risk of cyberattacks. Employees logging in from personal networks are easy targets for phishing and malware.
An MSP will:
- Set up secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Implement advanced threat detection and response
- Manage firewalls and endpoint protection
- Provide employee cybersecurity training
2. Ensuring Reliable Cloud Services and Data Access
Cloud services are essential for hybrid teams. An MSP ensures your cloud platforms (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, file-sharing apps) are:
- Properly configured
- Consistently backed up
- Secure against unauthorized access
3. Managing Devices Across Multiple Locations
Laptops, tablets, smartphones... hybrid work relies on a variety of devices, often outside the company’s physical network.
A Managed IT Service will:
- Maintain visibility and control over all devices
- Monitor patching and updates
- Enforce device compliance policies
4. Providing 24/7 Help Desk Support
Hybrid workers can experience tech issues at any time, from anywhere. An MSP typically provides 24/7 support, so your employees always have help when they need it, whether they’re in the office or working from home.
5. Streamlining Communication and Collaboration Tools
Whether your team uses Zoom, Teams, Slack, or VoIP phone systems, an MSP helps integrate and support these communication platforms, ensuring everyone stays connected and productive.
6. Handling Software Licensing and Updates
Keeping track of software licenses and ensuring all apps are updated (and compliant) is a constant challenge. An MSP manages this for you, saving time and reducing risk.
7. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
If disaster strikes, how quickly can your hybrid team recover? An MSP builds and tests disaster recovery plans so your business can bounce back from cyberattacks, outages, or data loss, with minimal downtime.
The Business Benefits of Using a Managed IT Service for Hybrid Work
Predictable IT Costs
With an MSP, you typically pay a monthly fee for comprehensive IT management. This provides predictable costs instead of unexpected expenses when something breaks.
Improved Productivity and Employee Experience
When employees can rely on fast, reliable tech support, they stay productive, no matter where they work.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
An MSP keeps your systems secure and ensures you meet industry compliance standards, reducing risk and protecting your reputation.
Common Problems Hybrid Companies Face Without an IT Managed Service Provider
Increased Risk of Cyberattacks
Without professional security in place, hybrid companies are more vulnerable to ransomware, phishing, and data breaches.
Inconsistent User Experience Across Remote and Onsite Teams
When tools and access are not adequately managed, remote employees may struggle with lagging systems or poor connectivity, which can be frustrating for everyone involved.
Data Silos and Version Conflicts
Without centralized cloud management, files get scattered across local drives, leading to version control issues and lost productivity.
IT Downtime Affecting Business Continuity
When something breaks and your team has to wait hours (or days) for a fix, productivity and morale take a hit. An MSP reduces downtime with proactive maintenance and fast support.
Is an IT Managed Service Provider Right for Your Hybrid Team?
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Provider
- Do we have the internal IT resources to support a hybrid workforce fully?
- Are we confident in our current cybersecurity measures?
- How much time is our team spending on IT issues instead of core business functions?
- Could we benefit from more predictable IT costs?
Who Should NOT Hire an IT Managed Service Provider?
If your business operates entirely in-person with no remote work, and you already have a dedicated, well-staffed IT department that handles all of the above, an MSP might not be necessary.
However, if you’re managing a hybrid team with limited IT resources, an MSP is worth strong consideration.
Next Steps to Support Your Hybrid Workforce
How AIS Can Help
At AIS, we help small and medium-sized businesses across Las Vegas and Southern California manage the complex IT needs of a hybrid work environment. Our Managed IT Services include:
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud services
- Device management
- 24/7 support
- Backup and disaster recovery
We’ve helped dozens of local companies reduce IT headaches and improve hybrid productivity. And we can help your team, too.
Final Thoughts: Managed IT Services Supporting Hybrid Work
A strong IT Managed Service Provider can be the glue that holds a hybrid team together, keeping your systems secure, your employees productive, and your business running smoothly.
If you’re ready to explore how Managed IT Services can support your hybrid work environment, contact AIS today. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make the right choice for your business.
