IT and Facilities Managers: Pioneers of the Hybrid Work Era
Embracing the Hybrid Challenge
Organisations are facing a new conundrum – How to achieve balance: enhancing the working experience for both in-office and remote employees, enabling effective communication and collaboration regardless of location.
To navigate these challenges, organisations are in search of answers, and this is where IT and facilities managers can step in and deliver.
Hybrid working is here to stay; Millennials and Gen Z employees embraced it during the lockdowns; the flexibility it offers, particularly for parents trying to juggle work, the school run, kids’ clubs and the endless other tasks involved in running a home, has made ‘Hybrid working” a must-have for many of those job hunting, and those organisations not offering hybrid working are likely to lose their existing talent as well as not being able to recruit new talent.
But how do businesses find solutions that work for everyone?
As organisations grapple with the implications for office space, remote and in-office experiences, and employee well-being, they face challenging questions.
- What kind of office space is required?
- How can offices be made hybrid-ready?
- Which meeting rooms will be needed?
- What technology is necessary, and how can it be effectively scaled?
Rather than waiting for directives from higher management, IT and facilities managers can proactively address the issues surrounding hybrid working and become key contributors to successful organisational transformation. This requires a deep understanding of the challenges at hand and up-to-date knowledge of available technology solutions.
Knowing Your Workspace and Meeting Rooms
IT and facilities managers can better comprehend the challenges by developing a comprehensive understanding of their building, much like a teacher knows their students. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each room is crucial.
Are the rooms adequately sized and in sufficient numbers?
- In larger rooms, is the screen size adequate to see everyone clearly?
- Does the ambient lighting hinder visual impact?
- Can everyone, both in the room and remote, hear each other clearly?
Utilizing data and user feedback can help identify any existing issues or potential problems, allowing the organisation to provide a better and more productive workspace.
Smart AV Leading the Way to Avoid Problems
Undeniably, a successful hybrid meeting experience relies on both high-quality audio and visual components. Poor sound or low video quality can lead to distractions, frustrations, and ineffective communication. Cable clutter can make the workspace messy and even pose safety hazards. If only a few participants can utilise collaborative tools, it alienates others, resulting in underwhelming experiences for both employees and guests. This scenario often leads to IT support calls and complaints, which can harm an organisation’s reputation.
Smart technology, particularly when offering all-in-one functionality, can significantly improve the situation. They enable seamless and productive meetings, leaving a lasting impression. Cutting-edge all-in-one touchscreen and conferencing units, for instance, can create a memorable wow factor and provide simple ways to collaborate and share information.
Enabling Collaboration with Intelligent Technology
Creating a remarkable experience and facilitating collaboration for employees and customers is not a distant dream—it is within reach with existing technology. It is essential for IT and facilities managers to stay informed about available solutions that enhance collaboration and meeting participation in order to capitalise on this potential.
Read our case study with our customer Nomios
If you’d like to book a meeting with one of our “workplace” specialists, who can walk you through the solutions available and advise on what technology would be best for your organisation, please contact Jonathan or complete the form below.