Generally, changes in working practices tend to start with innovative organisations doing something new, driven by attempts to make marginal gains. These gains can help businesses operate more efficiently, save costs, collaborate better, or attract and retain staff. Some developments can help you do all of these things at once. When these changes gain traction, they proliferate, and in those instances, these practices, over time, appear in an increasing number of workplaces as other organisations recognise their benefits or if staff demand them.
Covid has, of course, been identified as by far the single greatest driver for hybrid working. The truth is that the pandemic didn’t change the way that people work. Hybrid and agile working practices were already happening. The pandemic just accelerated them.
Most of the technology was already in place to support Hybrid working: accessible desktop video tools such as Teams and Zoom, cloud telephony solutions, and internet connections at reasonable speeds. The early part of the pandemic was notable technologically because of the huge increase in users of the video platforms and the sales of laptops, cameras and headsets.
This has resulted in an increase in destination offices featuring gyms, coffee shops, pool and table-tennis. However, the majority of workers, when asked, feel that collaborating face-to-face with colleagues is the main reason to be in an office. Perhaps the best investment is in technology to facilitate this.
There are many ways that audiovisual and unified communications technologies can support the future of the workplace and help to make the office more attractive for employees.
There are many ways that audiovisual and unified communications technologies can support the future of the workplace and help to make the office more attractive for employees.
- Videoconferencing is an obvious way companies can support staff; with increased remote working, there’s a clear benefit to ensuring your staff have the easiest and most efficient ways to communicate, both internally and with those outside your business. Videoconferencing can help to bridge the gap and make it easier for everyone to stay on the same page. As users may only be in the office from time-to-time, it is critical that videoconferencing facilities are easy to use and improve upon the experience available from home. Intelligent cameras (like the new Logitech Sight AI Camera, is a great example of a solution that has been built with the modern meeting room in mind), and large interactive screens and digital whiteboarding are just some of the things that can improve the office experience and encourage attendance.
- Immersive digital signage can get messages across effectively and quickly to employees when they’re in the office, even those there for a short time.
- Large LED video walls can deliver impactful company townhall presentations, and then double-up as a place to watch key events, like big sports matches, surrounded by your colleagues.
- Desk reservation, room-booking and other occupancy technologies can help organisations start to understand how their workspaces are being used and then make changes to reduce costs or remove bottlenecks. Dashboards containing rich data about office attendance and technology usage can aid decision making, and in this period of significant change which we’re now facing as the true hybrid working patterns are established over the coming years, having this data will be especially important for facilities managers in medium and large organisations.
We find ourselves in a dynamic and significant time in in the evolution of working practices. The right technology decisions can help you navigate this, and positively influence the people you work with regarding how they tackle the combination of home and office working.
We would love to hear from you and appreciate any feedback. Of course, if you want to know more about the best AV and videoconferencing technologies that we’re putting in place for businesses across London and UK-wide, please just drop us an email at info@crossoverav.com and we’ll be happy to spend some time explaining all the options that are relevant to your organisation.
