Displays have long been a crucial part of the modern workplace, whether they’re used for wayfinding, booking meeting rooms, or collaboration. But in today’s world, the best workplace displays are proving to be more valuable than some companies realize.
Not only do these tools help companies share announcements and information quickly, but they can enhance hybrid meetings, strengthen productivity, and improve employee engagement. Combined with the right software, collaboration, and communication displays can help staff access information faster and stay aligned with company goals.
The question is, with so many options to choose from, ranging from digital whiteboards to all-in-one systems like the Microsoft Surface Hub, how do you ensure you’re investing in the right tech?
How to Choose the Best Workplace Displays
If you’re looking for the best workplace displays, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Solutions range from simple, easy-to-use screens, to flexible systems that feature built-in webcams, microphones, and even dedicated software for specific business needs. Making the right choice comes down to assessing your use cases, existing technologies, and priorities carefully.
Step 1: Identify Use Cases for the Best Workplace Displays
Before you can choose the best workplace displays, you need to know what you’ll be using them for. The screens you use for digital signage aren’t going to be the same as those you use for immersive collaboration and training sessions.
So, ask yourself, what will your teams be using these displays for? If your focus is on improving hybrid collaboration, for instance, and you already use a platform like Webex for meetings, you might choose an AI-powered collaboration display like the Cisco Board Pro G2. If you’re looking for a system that will empower teachers to deliver engaging lessons, you might pick a display from the VeiwSonic ViewBoard Collection, with built-in tools for educators.
Ask yourself: What are the biggest pain points right now? Are employees constantly complaining about missed announcements or unclear deadlines? Do they waste time trying to set up video calls? Are important events often overlooked due to email overload? Each of these challenges hints at a potential use case for communication displays.
Step 2: Identify Necessary Features
Once you’ve nailed down your primary use cases, it’s time to hone in on the specific features that’ll make or break your investment in the best workplace displays. Start with the basics. For instance, what kind of screen size are you looking for based on the space you’re going to be designing?
Do you need a specific resolution? If you’re using your display for hybrid meetings, a higher resolution could make it seem like remote team members are actually in the room. If you want to use a screen in various meeting rooms or spaces, portability might be crucial, too. From there, look for specific features linked to your use cases.
Collaboration displays with touchscreens (for interactive brainstorming), and built-in cameras and microphones can significantly boost engagement. Digital signage solutions can also benefit from interactive touch capabilities when users need to track down information.
Step 3: Consider Software Integrations
A top-of-the-line display is usually only as powerful as the software ecosystem behind it. That means making sure your chosen endpoint aligns perfectly with the tools your team members are already using. If you’re investing in meeting room displays or tools that help share valuable information with employees, the first thing you’ll need to consider is integration with UC platforms.
Your displays should integrate seamlessly with solutions like Microsoft Teams, Zoom Rooms, and Cisco Webex. Some UC vendors offer their own dedicated displays with these tools already built-in, or work alongside partners to offer comprehensive meeting room kits to businesses.
Beyond unified communication integrations, you might also need to consider integrations with:
- Calendaring and scheduling tools (particularly for meeting room displays)
- Booking applications, for office environments, desks, and meeting rooms
- Analytical and reporting apps, or CRM systems (for data-driven displays)
- Project management solutions, like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com
- Wayfinding and digital mapping tools
It’s also worth ensuring that your displays can either integrate with the endpoint device management platforms you already use or offer access to dedicated management software. For instance, Logitech allows companies to use Logitech Sync to track usage patterns, device health, and more.
Step 4: Consider Vendor Options
Based on the research you’ve done up to this point, you might already have an idea of the kind of vendors you’re going to consider for the best workplace displays. For instance, companies investing in collaboration displays may stick with flagship products offered by specific vendors, like Microsoft’s Surface Hub or Cisco’s Webex Boards.
You may also want to continue working with a vendor that you’re using for other AV technology. Logitech, Samsung, and Sony ,for instance, offer access to screens, cameras, and various other peripherals, making it easy for companies to build out entire meeting room spaces.
When you’re considering your options, don’t just think about the quality of the workplace displays offered by each vendor – explore the level of customer support they offer. Can they help you with designing an entire meeting room space, or integrating different tools? Do they offer access to enterprise-grade warranty and maintenance packages? Those additional service can take a lot of pressure off your IT teams.
Step 5: Optimizing Display Performance
Finally, once you’ve chosen the best workplace displays for your team, the last step is making sure you’re making the most of your investment. Use your endpoint management tools to keep track of maintenance issues, push updates, and monitor device health. Consider setting up custom profiles for teams, based on how they use displays for training, meetings, and focus work.
Align your hardware with your software, and upgrade communication and meeting apps regularly. Additionally, consider experimenting with accessories that might improve the impact of your solutions. Adding an AI-powered camera to a meeting room display, for instance, can help boost inclusivity and clarity in meetings.
Don’t underestimate the importance of strong security too. Treat your displays like any other device on your network, and take advantage of encryption options and access controls. For interactive boards, consider user authentication for certain features, so sensitive whiteboard sessions aren’t accessible to unauthorized viewers.
Upgrade Your Office with the Best Workplace Displays
The best workplace displays can be a powerful tool for today’s companies, bridging the gaps between hybrid workers, enhancing communication, and improving productivity. The key to success is choosing a solution that matches your specific use cases and needs.
Plus, remember that you can always upgrade as your business evolves, experimenting with more add-ons, accessories, and advanced immersive solutions for your teams.
If you’re still unsure what kind of displays your business needs, check out our communication display guide here. Or, if you’re looking for insights into the measurable business benefits of communication technology, explore this guide to improving employee experience with communication displays.
