Solving IT challenges in hybrid workspaces: a guide for landlords and operators

The challenge: IT complexities in hybrid workspaces

The shift to hybrid work has transformed commercial real estate. Landlords and operators now face growing pressure to offer secure, seamless, and tech-enabled work environments that meet modern tenant expectations. However, this shift introduces its own IT challenges:

• Connectivity & infrastructure
  Tenants are demanding fast, reliable, and scalable networks. Meanwhile, legacy systems often struggle to support flexible workspaces.
• Cybersecurity risks
  With shared networks and remote access, flexible workspaces are prime targets for cyber threats.
• Operational complexity
  Managing IT across multiple office models (flex, traditional, co-working) creates inefficiencies and integration challenges.
• Data-driven decision making
  Landlords lack visibility into how spaces are used, making it difficult to optimise occupancy and profitability.

The solution: a tech-first approach to hybrid workspaces

To stay competitive, landlords and operators must balance multiple priorities - ensuring reliable connectivity, maintaining security across shared networks, integrating IT with property management systems, and making data-driven decisions to optimise occupancy and profitability. Each of these elements requires careful planning and ongoing management, but real estate teams are not typically structured to handle the demands of modern IT infrastructure on their own.

From speaking with landlords and operators, we know they face the challenge of providing cutting-edge technology without adding complexity or disrupting their core business. To achieve this, they need:

1. Smart connectivity & scalable infrastructure

Hybrid workspaces need fast, reliable, and adaptable connectivity. Top of these requirements are:

• High-speed network solutions tailored to flexible and traditional office environments.
• Scalable infrastructure that grows with tenant demand.
• Cloud-based services to support remote and on-site workforces.

Michael Clark, Sales Director at Wavenet Connected, shares: “My team and I have supported many landlords and operators with consultancy and tailored IT solutions, and they will often tell me they want the flexibility to choose which services they deliver in-house while ensuring their tenants have access to a full suite of IT and communication solutions. Having a partner who can provide both traditional connectivity and a complete range of IT support is crucial in making this work.”

2. Cybersecurity built for shared workspaces

With shared networks and open environments, security is a top concern. Landlords and operators need:

• A robust security solution to protect against threats.
• Customisable access controls to manage network permissions.
• Proactive monitoring to detect and prevent breaches

Managing diverse IT needs across flexible and traditional office spaces can be complex. To ensure efficiency, landlords and operators benefit from:

• Centralised IT support for multiple locations.
• Proactive maintenance to prevent downtime.
• Integrated property management systems for seamless operations.

Michael adds: “When I speak with operators, they tell me they want technology to enhance the customer experience without adding unnecessary complexity. They’re focused on real estate, not IT, and need a partner who understands their world, rather than expecting them to learn ours.”

4. Data driven insights for better decision making

Understanding how workspaces are used is key to maximising occupancy and profitability. The right IT setup provides:

• A single view of IT services and performance data.
• Actionable insights to optimise space utilisation.
• Enhanced reporting for informed decision-making.

Michael explains: “At industry events, I constantly hear operators discussing the untapped potential of data in flexible workspaces. There’s so much information available, yet many still aren’t using it effectively. The ability to leverage this data for decision-making will have a huge impact on yields, efficiency, and sustainability.”

So, where should you start?

Delivering all these elements effectively requires dedicated resources and deep expertise—something that many internal IT teams simply don’t have the capacity to handle alone. That’s why so many landlords and operators turn to us for support.

At Wavenet Connected, our specialists provide end-to-end solutions tailored to the commercial real estate sector. With over 20 years of experience, we help landlords and operators integrate the latest technology seamlessly into their workspaces—whether they operate flexible, traditional, or hybrid models. Our expertise ensures that your IT strategy is as adaptable as the spaces you manage.

Together, we can enhance your hybrid workspace with technology that works for you. We offer:

• Security: Cybersecurity solutions tailored to shared environments.
• IT support: Proactive and reactive support to minimise downtime.
• Connectivity: Scalable networks to meet tenant demands.
• Collaboration tools: Voice, video, and messaging solutions.
• Smart AV technology: Modern meeting space solutions for better user experience.

Every asset is unique, so if any of these challenges resonate with you, get in touch and one of our flex space specialists will help you find the best solution for each of your assets.