As organisations have already settled into hybrid working models, effective collaboration across remote and office-based teams has become essential. Microsoft SharePoint—including its online and on-premises variants—is emerging as a central platform for internal communication, document sharing, and collective workflows. In Australia, adoption is rising in line with growing hybrid work patterns.
The Shift to Hybrid Work in Australia
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that as of August 2024, 36% of workers regularly worked from home, up significantly from 5% pre-pandemic.
A separate Productivity Commission report highlights that hybrid work does not reduce productivity and can improve employee satisfaction while trimming commute time and sick leave.
The Australian HR Institute found 45% of organisations believe hybrid models enhance productivity, with 28% no longer mandating office attendance. Meanwhile, a Local Digital survey reported that 53% of employees work remotely part-time, and 69% of employers offer hybrid arrangements. In parallel, Deloitte and CBRE note that 62% of businesses are deploying collaborative infrastructure, like video conferencing and smart meeting rooms, to support hybrid
Why SharePoint Matters in Hybrid Environments
1. Centralised Content and Document Management
SharePoint enables consistent document storage, search, and version control. It’s tightly integrated with OneDrive and Microsoft Teams, enabling teams to collaborate on documents in real-time, regardless of location. This unified content ecosystem eliminates duplication and confusion for distributed teams.
2. Intranet Portals as Engagement Hubs
SharePoint-powered intranets gather news, policies, project spaces, and support resources in a single portal. This improves internal communications and preserves organisational culture in remote and distributed teams.
3. Teams Integration and Workflow Automation
The Microsoft 365 platform embeds SharePoint-based libraries directly into Teams channels. Workflows can leverage Power Automate and Power BI for process automation and analytics, giving hybrid teams real-time insights and task management tools.
4. Flexibility via Online and On-Premises Deployment
Organisations can tailor their deployment using SharePoint Online (cloud-native) or hybrid models (combining on-premises infrastructure). This allows compliance with data residency rules or legacy integration, while maintaining seamless access.
Australian Case Examples
- Sunshine Coast Council
By implementing a SharePoint Online intranet, Sunshine Coast Council connected over 300,000 residents and thousands of staff across departments. They used native Out-of-the-Box SharePoint features, Office 365 Groups, and governance automation to improve navigation, content discoverability, and self-service IT support.
- NRMA
A major transport organisation used SharePoint and Teams to deploy a unified intranet, integrating Power BI and Power Automate. The result was faster access to corporate data and an automated office resource booking system, streamlining hybrid collaboration.
- Avanade
An IT consultancy designed its hybrid experience around Microsoft 365. SharePoint served as a back-end for Teams Rooms and data management, while Power Platform tools supported secure collaboration and wellbeing-tracking workflows.men
Best Practices in Deploying SharePoint for Hybrid Teams
• User Onboarding and Change Management
Technical builds aren’t enough. Organisations need governance plans and training. Sharing Minds, for example, emphasises guided adoption via communications, champion programs, and embedded training, crucial to embedding SharePoint in daily use.
• Governance and Adoption Frameworks
Reddit users with SharePoint experience emphasise:
“Don’t overcomplicate the environment, permissions should be left clean and simple… Focus on a structure based on how people will go looking for stuff. Governance policies that balance structure with user autonomy prevent siloing and “shadow IT.”
• Use of SharePoint Templates for Hybrid Readiness
Microsoft has released a preconfigured “Workplace Transformation” SharePoint template, including communication sites and checklists. Designed to guide users through hybrid setups, this template supports customised rollouts and training pathways.
• Integrating Teams and SharePoint
Embedding SharePoint sites and document libraries in Teams channels and utilising Power Platform tools ensures that files and workflows tie directly into daily collaboration tools.
Measurable Benefits
- Increased productivity: 43% of remote-capable businesses recorded higher productivity under hybrid arrangements.
- Improved employee retention: 71% of remote workers report better work-life balance, which improves staff retention.
- Improved employee retention: 71% of remote workers report better work-life balance, which improves staff retention.
- Reduced commuting and office costs: Hybrid arrangements lower facility overheads and reduce staff transit costs.
- Governance and security: Office 365 E5 adoption, which includes SharePoint tools, is rising in Australia to address cybersecurity needs in hybrid environments.
Key Considerations
- Avoid Complexity Overload
Keep architecture logical—limit site hierarchies and permissions, and retain a clean navigation experience. - Prioritise Training and Support
End users need guidance to navigate new tools. Developing tiered support structures ensures faster troubleshooting and better onboarding. - Evaluate Cloud vs Hybrid Infrastructure
Bench cloud flexibility and compliance with data regions. Hybrid setups may suit sensitive data scenarios or legacy systems. - Recognise and Adapt to Remote Work Trends
Support tools for remote collaboration, such as automation, analytics, and wellbeing technologies, are critical amid concerns around after-hours burnout.
Microsoft’s SharePoint platform has matured into a robust collaboration tool tailored to hybrid work environments. In Australia, remote capabilities and cloud adoption are rising, while governance frameworks and user training are gaining emphasis. When deployed correctly—with clear architecture, adoption planning, and team support—SharePoint supports productivity, document control, and internal communication across diverse workplace scenarios.
Your SharePoint Solutions Partner
SharePoint simplifies teamwork by offering reliable document storage, straightforward search functions, and version control, essential for hybrid work environments. It prevents duplication and confusion among remote teams by providing a single unified platform. The primary advantages include easier document management, streamlined collaboration, and secure data sharing. Keeping the setup user-friendly ensures maximum productivity and ease of use. Properly implemented SharePoint systems significantly improve workflow and team efficiency. TechBlokes IT Solutions offers expert SharePoint consultancy tailored to the Australian market. We deliver:
- Strategic intranet builds
- Governance frameworks
- Migration and hybrid architecture
- Training and support programmes
- Teams’ integration with Microsoft 365
Contact TechBlokes IT Solutions today to explore a SharePoint solution in Australia that supports your hybrid workforce—secure, scalable, and aligned with your current IT infrastructure.
