With Hybrid work environments not going anywhere, many companies are still struggling to adjust to 'new normal' challenges, even over two years well into the pandemic.
I sat down with Sam Kennedy, Senior Director, Product Marketing at leading workplace collaboration solution provider Crestron, to get his perspective on challenges, solutions, and everything in between.
Hybrid Awareness
There's a growing awareness among businesses of the fact that 'hybrid' is not just a trendy term – it's now a way of life.
"Companies are realizing that every space in a workplace — from the largest conference room to a corner niche where two or three employees may gather — needs to be connected in a manner that allows for collaboration between both in-person and remote staff," Kennedy notes.
Current research indicates that a certain segment of almost every firm will be working remotely on any given day, which means companies cannot afford to be caught off guard.
"It’s critical that businesses provide truly hybrid workspaces that allow for seamless communications for all employees."
The Key Challenge
One of the most significant challenges companies face as part of their return to the office, has to do with the concept of “meeting equity” – enabling all employees, regardless of physical location, to have the same level of experience and involvement.
"When employees return to the office, management must ensure that they are making the experience 'worth the commute.' Conversely, the remote experience should be equally satisfying," Kennedy explains.
We all know the unfortunate experience of joining a meeting remotely, only to be greeted by a poor perspective of the conference table that makes in-person attendees difficult to see and hear. On the other hand, the company's in-person staff might also experience issues connecting to a meeting from the office.
"Companies should make sure they've got all their workers covered – both in and out of the office," Kennedy says.
