How Did Businesses Navigate Workplace Change in 2025 and Where Did Ethos Support Them Most?
2025 has been a year defined by rapid workplace transformation. Businesses have been balancing hybrid work, increased cybersecurity pressures, rising expectations around sustainability and the growing influence of AI and automation. The simple takeaway is that most businesses’ focus was on clarity, resilience and smarter workplace technology. Throughout the year, Ethos supported teams by helping them streamline operations, strengthen security and work more efficiently. Here are the key themes that shaped 2025, along with the questions business leaders most frequently asked us at Ethos. How Did Businesses Use AI and Automation to Work Smarter? AI and automation have become essential tools, rather than long-term aspirations. Business leaders wanted practical ways to reduce manual work, improve accuracy and speed up everyday tasks. How businesses applied automation to remove inefficiencies As soon as teams experienced tangible time savings, confidence in adopting AI-driven tools increased significantly. How Did Businesses Strengthen Their Cyber Resilience? Cybersecurity remained one of the biggest concerns throughout 2025. With hybrid work now the norm and attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, businesses are seeking clear, honest advice on reducing risk. Common cybersecurity improvements businesses requested Government data revealed that 27% of UK businesses experienced a cyber incident in the past year. Ethos supported customers by focusing on practical, immediately actionable steps that strengthened security without disrupting productivity. What Changed in the Hybrid Work Experience? Hybrid working continued to mature. Businesses were less focused on where employees worked and more concerned with providing a consistent and frustration-free experience. Challenges businesses wanted to overcome Solutions that helped businesses modernise hybrid work The clearest insight from 2025: Hybrid work is successful when the experience is equal for everyone, regardless of where they work. Why Did Sustainability Shape More Technology Decisions? Sustainability has moved from being a target to becoming a measurable and operational priority. Businesses wanted to reduce waste, cut energy use and demonstrate environmental responsibility through everyday workplace decisions. Top sustainability actions of 2025 Ethos continued to champion sustainable print through its partnership with PrintReleaf.In 2025, Ethos and its customers offset more than 107 million printed pages, replanting over 12,800 trees and reforesting more than 128 acres. These figures illustrate how everyday print decisions can lead to measurable environmental benefits. What Problems Did Businesses Solve Through Technology Projects? Across various sectors, including legal, manufacturing, retail, and charities, businesses consistently face similar challenges. They wanted to modernise without disruption and improve efficiency without adding complexity. Common problems addressed in 2025 Improvements Ethos helped businesses achieve These upgrades helped businesses reduce costs, strengthen compliance and create more scalable and sustainable working environments. FAQ and Key Takeaways What was the most influential workplace trend of 2025? AI and automation supporting everyday tasks and reducing manual workload. What worried business leaders the most? Cybersecurity, particularly protecting hybrid workers and connected devices. Where did businesses see the fastest operational improvements? Digitising manual workflows, reducing print waste and modernising collaboration tools. Why did sustainability influence so many IT and print decisions? It shaped compliance, procurement, reporting and long-term planning. What did businesses ask for most often? Technology that is simple, secure, reliable and easy for teams to use. What Should Businesses Do Next? If you want to explore how these workplace trends apply to your business or identify opportunities to improve efficiency, security or sustainability, Ethos can help you plan your next steps. Speak with us today about Workplace Technology Services and how you can prepare for 2026.
Intelligent Workplaces: The Technologies Powering 2026 and Beyond
Empowering Businesses for a Smarter, More Sustainable Future As we look towards 2026, workplace technology continues to evolve rapidly, redefining how people connect, collaborate, and deliver results. Artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid working, and sustainability-led innovation are no longer emerging ideas; they are the foundation of the modern workplace. According to Grand View Research, the global managed services market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 14% from 2025 to 2030, reaching $731 billion. Meanwhile, Quocirca’s Future of Work 2030 report reveals that two-thirds of IT decision-makers plan to increase AI investment in the coming year. At Ethos, we believe technology should make work simpler, smarter, and more meaningful. As a trusted Workplace Technology Partner, we help organisations bring people and technology together to improve productivity, strengthen security, and deliver measurable sustainability outcomes. Below, we explore five key technology trends shaping the workplace of 2026, and how Ethos helps organisations turn innovation into opportunity. 1. AI-Driven Workflows: From Automation to Intelligence Artificial intelligence has evolved from an exciting concept into a practical business enabler. From automating document-heavy processes to generating real-time insights, AI is transforming how teams work and make decisions. Solutions such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) are already helping businesses improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Ethos supports organisations in implementing AI responsibly through our Automation and Workflow Transformation services. By integrating tools like DocuShare Flex and Microsoft’s AI ecosystem, we help teams eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on higher-value work. Did you know? According to Quocirca, 28% of IT leaders say productivity improvement is the top benefit of AI adoption. AI isn’t about replacing people; it’s about empowering them to work smarter and achieve more. 2. Hybrid Collaboration: Connecting Teams Without Limits Hybrid working is now a permanent part of the business landscape. However, ensuring consistent, high-quality collaboration across locations remains a challenge for many organisations. The answer lies in creating intelligent, inclusive workspaces that enable seamless communication wherever people work. Ethos delivers this through Audio-Visual (AV) and Unified Communications solutions, including Room in a Box, Microsoft Teams and Zoom integration, and workspace monitoring tools. These solutions make collaboration intuitive and reliable, helping teams stay connected whether in the office, at home, or on the move. By combining collaboration technology with proactive support, Ethos helps organisations build hybrid workplaces that enhance engagement, culture, and performance. 3. Cybersecurity and Trust: Protecting the Digital Workplace As workplaces become more connected, digital trust has become a core business priority. According to Quocirca, 41% of IT leaders cite data privacy and security as their top concern when implementing AI. Ethos helps organisations strengthen their defences through Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services. Our layered approach, based on Zero Trust principles, includes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), vulnerability management, and dark web monitoring. These measures work together to protect data, users, and devices across every environment, ensuring businesses can innovate securely and confidently. At Ethos, cybersecurity isn’t just about protection. It’s about creating the trust and resilience that enable growth. 4. Sustainable Technology: Building a Greener Workplace Sustainability is now a strategic priority for every organisation. Companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress on reducing emissions and improving efficiency. Industry insights from Grand View Research and Quocirca indicate that sustainability and carbon performance metrics are now playing a central role in IT procurement, as organisations seek technologies that strike a balance between performance and environmental responsibility. Ethos integrates sustainability into every layer of our service offering. From PrintReleaf’s carbon offsetting and energy-efficient devices to Device as a Service (DaaS) models and telemetry-based carbon tracking, we provide clients with the tools to monitor and manage their environmental impact. By embedding sustainability analytics into workplace technology, Ethos helps organisations achieve their ESG goals while improving performance and reducing costs. 5. Flexible Technology Models: Driving Agility and Control In today’s rapidly changing economy, flexibility and cost control are essential. Businesses require technology that scales, adapts, and evolves in response to their changing needs. Ethos provides this agility through Device as a Service (DaaS) and Technology as a Service (TaaS) models. These flexible solutions allow organisations to access the latest hardware, software, and support through simple subscription-based contracts — eliminating large upfront costs. Using AI-powered telemetry and lifecycle analytics, Ethos helps organisations monitor device usage, optimise performance, and reduce waste. The result is a workplace that’s agile, efficient, and built for the future. Looking Ahead: Creating the Intelligent, Sustainable Workplace The most successful organisations will be those that view technology as a connector, uniting people, processes, and purpose. By embracing AI, automation, hybrid collaboration, cybersecurity, and sustainability, businesses can create workplaces that are not only smarter but also more human and resilient. At Ethos, we bring this vision to life through our Workplace Technology Services, enabling organisations to transform how they work, collaborate, and grow. Start Your Digital Transformation Journey with Ethos Every organisation is on its own digital journey. Whether your focus is improving collaboration, embedding sustainability, or leveraging AI, Ethos is here to help. Our team can assess your current workplace technology environment and design a strategy that enhances efficiency, security, and sustainability. Get in touch today to arrange your free Business Technology Health Check and discover how we can help your organisation thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Protecting SMEs in the Hybrid Workplace: Smarter Cybersecurity Strategies
The modern small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) faces a dual challenge: enabling flexibility for hybrid teams while keeping sensitive data secure. With employees splitting time between the office, home, and mobile working, cyber risks have multiplied, leaving many businesses exposed to threats they hadn’t considered before. At Ethos, we believe cybersecurity should not be a barrier to productivity. It should be an enabler. Our mission is to help SMEs stay secure, resilient, and agile with managed IT and cybersecurity solutions designed around the realities of hybrid working. Why SME Cybersecurity Needs a Fresh Approach The takeaway? SMEs need to move from reactive fixes to proactive, strategic protection. IT Security Services Tailored for Business Growth Ethos delivers end-to-end cybersecurity and IT support that scales with your business, giving you confidence to grow securely: Securing the Hybrid Workplace Hybrid work shouldn’t compromise security. With Ethos as your workplace technology partner, you can: From IT Defence to Cyber Resilience Traditional IT defence is no longer enough. Businesses now need cyber resilience: the ability to prevent, withstand, and recover quickly from digital threats. Ethos helps businesses embed resilience into everyday operations, combining protection, detection, and recovery in a single, integrated strategy. This approach allows SMEs to innovate, scale, and compete with confidence, knowing security underpins every step. Building Confidence with Backup and Recovery No system is invulnerable. That’s why preparing for disruption is just as important as preventing it. Ethos provides Backup & Disaster Recovery solutions that ensure your business keeps moving: Start Your Cybersecurity Journey with Ethos Your business deserves IT that is as secure as it is flexible. By partnering with Ethos, you gain access to scalable IT security services designed for the realities of hybrid working. Book a Free IT Consultation today and discover how Ethos can help you stay protected, productive, and future-ready. Meta Description (SEO):Ethos helps SMEs secure hybrid workplaces with tailored cybersecurity and IT services. Protect data, enable resilience, and support business growth with expert backup and recovery. Book your free IT consultation today.
Seven Ways Workplace Technology Can Transform Productivity and Engagement
The Role of Workplace Technology in Productivity Businesses of every size are under constant pressure to deliver greater efficiency without compromising employee engagement. The right workplace technology can make this possible. According to Quocirca’s Predictions 2025, organisations are accelerating the adoption of intelligent document processing, cloud services, and AI-enabled tools to improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability. At Ethos, we take a consultative approach to workplace technology. By tailoring solutions to each organisation’s unique needs, we enable our clients to integrate systems, reduce manual effort, and create a working environment where employees can thrive. 1. Streamline Workflows with Managed Print and Document Services Ethos’ Managed Print and Document Services provide secure, efficient printing, scanning, and document workflows across the organisation. By removing bottlenecks and automating routine document tasks, employees spend less time managing files and more time adding value to the business. 2. Enable Hybrid Collaboration with AV and Digital Workspaces Today’s hybrid workplaces demand seamless communication. Our AV and Unified Communications solutions, including “Room in a Box” and Teams/Zoom-ready devices, help organisations connect their people wherever they work. Our Device as a Service (DaaS) model ensures access to the latest technology without large upfront costs, supporting both flexibility and engagement. 3. Boost Efficiency with Intelligent Automation Paper-heavy and repetitive processes can quickly drain productivity. Ethos deploys Intelligent Document Processing and custom workflow solutions that digitise and automate tasks such as approvals, HR onboarding, and finance workflows. As Quocirca predicts for 2025, adoption of automation technologies will continue to rise as businesses look for faster, error-free processes that deliver measurable results. 4. Build Confidence with Cybersecurity A secure workplace is a productive workplace. Our cybersecurity services include endpoint protection, dark web monitoring, advanced email security, and vulnerability scanning. Protecting systems and sensitive data reduces risks and gives employees confidence to work productively without disruption. 5. Enhance Collaboration with Microsoft 365 and Cloud Services Our Digital Transformation services empower teams to work smarter. By integrating Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, and Valo Intranet, Ethos creates connected environments where information flows freely. With our cloud solutions and the Microsoft Power Platform, employees can collaborate, analyse data, and automate tasks, driving productivity and engagement. 6. Strengthen IT Resilience with Managed Services Downtime can have a major impact on employee engagement and efficiency. Ethos provides Managed IT Services, including backup, disaster recovery, and proactive IT management. With national coverage from our in-house engineers, we ensure your teams have the tools they need to stay productive, no matter what. 7. Empower Teams with AI and Data-Driven Insights With tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Fabric Consulting, Ethos helps organisations make the most of AI and data. Copilot reduces time spent on routine tasks like drafting and summarising, while Fabric brings together business data for powerful analytics and smarter decisions. Together, these solutions enhance both productivity and employee engagement by enabling more meaningful work. Ready to Unlock Smarter Working? At Ethos, we believe technology should enable people, not overwhelm them. Our tailored, scalable solutions are designed to improve productivity, reduce costs, and create workplaces where employees feel empowered and engaged. Contact Ethos today to discover how we can transform your workplace technology and help your teams work smarter.
Why Mid-Year Reviews Are Essential for Workplace Technology Success
August offers a valuable mid-point in the year to reassess, refine, and realign your workplace technology strategy. A proactive review could help your organisation close out 2025 stronger, smarter, and more sustainable. As we move into the latter half of the year, businesses face new challenges and opportunities. From shifting hybrid work patterns to evolving compliance and sustainability pressures, now is the ideal moment to evaluate how well your current technology setup supports your strategic objectives. At Ethos, we help organisations simplify and future-proof their operations through flexible, integrated workplace technology solutions. A mid-year technology review can deliver valuable insights, enabling your team to improve efficiency, reduce risks, and maximise investment returns. Why Act Now? The workplace technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Operational demands, cyber threats, budget constraints, and ESG commitments are all intensifying. According to Quocirca’s State of the Industry 2025 and Office Print Industry’s Identity Crisis reports: A mid-year review offers the perfect window to: 1. Drive Efficiency with Smarter Workflows Manual, repetitive processes slow down productivity and introduce risk. A review of your workflows can highlight opportunities to modernise and automate. In our article on Workflow Automation, we explore how organisations use intelligent business process automation to streamline operations, free up teams, and improve accuracy. Now’s the time to evaluate whether your processes are holding your teams back—and how the right technology can empower them to do more with less. 2. Secure Your Hybrid Workforce Hybrid working has extended your digital perimeter. This opens new vulnerabilities, especially in print, cloud collaboration and endpoint security. Quocirca notes that visibility and control are often lacking across decentralised infrastructures, making mid-year an ideal moment to strengthen your defences. Consider whether your cybersecurity strategy needs updating: Ethos offers a comprehensive suite of services to support cybersecurity resilience, from threat monitoring to disaster recovery planning. 3. Improve ROI with Scalable Technology Underutilised assets and siloed tools can result in unnecessary costs. A mid-year audit helps identify where spending isn’t delivering value and how to correct course. Through DaaS and TaaS models, Ethos enables businesses to access the latest technology with minimal capital expenditure. These flexible services reduce the total cost of ownership and improve operational agility. Our Health Optimisation Report shows that organisations that evaluate their tech stack mid-year often see improvements in performance and cost-efficiency by year-end. 4. Align Technology with Your ESG Strategy Sustainability is now a strategic priority, and businesses are being measured on how well they manage their environmental footprint. Quocirca’s research highlights a growing expectation for partners to provide transparent, circular and measurable sustainability initiatives. Your mid-year review should assess: Ethos helps clients embed sustainability into their technology lifecycle, from low-energy devices to responsible asset recovery and carbon reduction tools. View of Building Greener Workplace’s Guide for more information. 5. Set the Stage for Smarter Year-End Planning August is often a quieter period, making it an ideal time to get ahead of Q4 procurement, strategic planning and budget forecasting. A mid-year review helps you: According to Quocirca, the most resilient businesses treat their technology as a living, evolving ecosystem, not a static asset. Mid-Year Review Questions to Ask To get started, consider: Partner with Ethos for a Smarter Second Half At Ethos, we take a consultative, client-first approach to workplace technology. From MPS and workflow automation to cloud, AV and cybersecurity, we help you build scalable, secure, and sustainable operations tailored to your goals.
Unlock Efficiency and Cut Costs with Data-Driven Workplace Solutions
In today’s competitive business environment, leveraging data analytics is no longer optional—it’s essential. At Ethos, we combine innovative workplace technology with advanced analytics to help organisations optimise operations, drive efficiency, and achieve measurable cost savings. Optimise Operations with Actionable Insights Understanding how resources are utilised across your business is the first step toward efficiency. Through advanced analytics, Ethos helps organisations uncover inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and implement solutions that enhance productivity. For example, our Managed Print and Document Services (MPS & MDS) are designed to optimise print environments by reducing waste, strengthening security, and improving overall performance. Meanwhile, our tailored workflow automation services simplify manual processes, freeing employees to focus on activities that generate greater value. Predict and Prevent Challenges with Analytics Predictive analytics allows businesses to avoid potential issues, ensuring smoother operations and smarter resource allocation. Ethos’ integration and automation solutions empower organisations to minimise waste, identify inefficiencies, and streamline processes before bottlenecks occur. Whether it’s through automating routine tasks or forecasting maintenance needs, our solutions not only reduce operational costs but also support business continuity and growth. Smarter Decisions Through Centralised Data Ethos offers tools to break down data silos and provide real-time visibility across your organisation. Our data integration solutions ensure decision-makers have access to a unified operational view, empowering faster, more strategic decision-making. By harnessing analytics, organisations can respond to changing needs with agility and confidence, improving short- and long-term outcomes. Sustainability Aligned with Efficiency At Ethos, we understand the growing importance of sustainability. Our eco-conscious technology solutions include energy-efficient devices and the PrintReleaf carbon offset programme, allowing organisations to meet their environmental objectives without compromising performance. Data analytics further supports these efforts by tracking energy usage and waste reduction, helping businesses align cost-saving measures with sustainability goals. Ready to Redefine Your Workplace? For over three decades, Ethos has been a trusted partner in workplace technology, delivering tailored solutions that simplify complexity and drive value. From advanced automation to sustainable print and IT services, we are committed to helping businesses succeed in an increasingly digital world. Book your consultation today to discover how Ethos can transform your workplace, reduce costs, and ensure your operations are ready for the challenges ahead.
Why a Business Health Check Is Essential for 2025
As we enter 2025, businesses face a dynamic landscape driven by hybrid work models, advancements in automation, and growing cybersecurity threats. With these challenges come growth opportunities—but only for organisations that are prepared. A business health check is a vital tool for evaluating where your company stands today and ensuring your strategy is aligned with the future of work. The Evolving Workplace Landscape in 2025 The modern workplace has transformed dramatically. Hybrid working has become the norm for many organisations, introducing new complexities in maintaining collaboration, security, and productivity. Digital transformation has accelerated, fuelled by advancements in AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and data analytics. However, as businesses rely on digital processes, cybersecurity risks grow more significant. The UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, expected to expand in 2025, highlights the need for organisations to strengthen their data security and reporting practices. Sustainability is another critical priority. The UK government’s commitment to net-zero targets has made eco-friendly business practices imperative for organisations striving to stay compliant and competitive. For leaders and decision-makers, the question is clear: Is your organisation equipped to navigate these challenges while maintaining agility and resilience? The Benefits of a Business Health Check A business health check offers a structured way to: How Ethos Can Support Your Business in 2025 At Ethos, we specialise in empowering organisations with transformative workplace technology solutions. With over 30 years of expertise, we help businesses overcome challenges, adopt innovative tools, and drive operational efficiency. Comprehensive IT Health Checks Managed Print and Document Services Workflow Automation & RPA AV & Hybrid Work Solutions Sustainability Initiatives What to Expect from an Ethos Business Health Check An Ethos business health check includes: Embrace Change and Drive Success In today’s fast-moving business environment, staying still isn’t an option. A business health check with Ethos is your first step toward achieving operational excellence, securing your organisation’s future, and standing out in a competitive marketplace. Book Your Free Business Health Check Today Discover how Ethos can help your organisation succeed in 2025 and beyond. Schedule your free Business Health Check today and take the first step toward a more secure, efficient, and sustainable future.
Ethos Successfully Recertified for ISO14001 and ISO9001
We are proud to announce that Ethos has again achieved recertification for ISO14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO9001 (Quality Management), extending our accreditation for 12 months. This accomplishment highlights our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in quality and environmental responsibility, ensuring we continue delivering exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders. The ISO14001 certification reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability, focusing on reducing environmental impact and adopting eco-friendly practices. Meanwhile, ISO9001 demonstrates our focus on quality management, showcasing our ability to consistently deliver reliable, client-focused solutions through robust and efficient processes. Lisa Mawditt, Accreditations Manager, comments, “This achievement cements our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality management and environmental responsibility. It is a reflection of our team’s hard work, continuous improvement efforts, and adherence to global best practices, which we continue to uphold as we strive for excellence and environmental stewardship in all our operations.” These certifications reaffirm Ethos’s position as a trusted workplace technology services partner. Adhering to these globally recognised standards ensures we meet and exceed expectations while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and sustainability. As we celebrate this milestone, we recognise the efforts of our team to achieve and maintain these standards. Looking to the future, we remain focused on continuous improvement, working to deliver outstanding quality and sustainable practices that make a positive impact. Thank you to everyone at Ethos for your dedication and hard work in making this possible. Visit our insights page to learn more about our certifications and how we’re shaping the future of workplace technology services.
Ethos Reaccredited to the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard at Excellence Level
Ethos is delighted to announce that we have been reaccredited to the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard at the prestigious Excellence Level. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to creating a fairer, healthier, and more inclusive workplace for all. The Mayor’s Good Work Standard, launched in 2019, sets the benchmark for the highest employment standards in London. It celebrates organisations prioritising employee wellbeing, diversity, lifelong learning, and fair employment practices. Ethos first achieved accreditation in 2020, and since then, we have made significant progress across all four pillars of the Good Work Standard: fair pay and conditions, workplace wellbeing, skills and progression, and diversity and recruitment. Key Achievements The review panel praised Ethos for several standout initiatives, including: These initiatives reflect our belief that investing in our people strengthens our organisation and fosters a more inclusive and dynamic workplace. A Commitment to Progress Ethos is committed to championing the Good Work Standard by aligning best practices across our Group of companies at all locations. Although this is a London-based accreditation, we are working towards making a fairer, inclusive, and diverse environment for all, wherever we have a presence. For more information on becoming an accredited employer, please visit the London.gov website.