Coming back to the office is an exciting prospect for many people, but at the same time employees continue to demand flexibility. In an attempt to balance these needs, many companies have decided to try at least some version of a hybrid work environment, allowing employees to take better control of their schedules and productivity.

But with big employers like Google threatening pay cuts for remote workers, employees are rightfully concerned that those who choose to take advantage of a hybrid work arrangement will be undervalued. Being in the office full-time generally means more face-to-face time with management and opportunities to be a part of workplace culture. Many fear negative repercussions like getting passed over for a promotion or failing to connect with colleagues if they choose to work from home. This is where technology could be key to the success of the future hybrid office. By making seamless connections between office and home, we can create a more equitable workplace while retaining the benefits of remote work.

The scale at which companies employ technology will determine the efficiency of their hybrid work environments and, consequently, how equitable they can be. Those that go above and beyond will create a digital twin—a virtual representation of the entire office—that allows workers to participate even when they are physically not in the same space.