Hybrid is here…but are you ready?
A well-planned home office space? Check.
Remote collaborative software deployed? Check.
A ‘can do’ attitude instilled in your workforce? Check.
The right personal video conferencing in the right places?
Well, for many organisations, maybe not yet.
So, as the slow return to normal promises a v-shaped post-pandemic bounce-back, now really is the time for organisations to gear up.
It seems like an age ago now but, pre-pandemic, many of us relied on email or face-to-face meetings to run our organisations and departments.
Today, video conferencing is the default, whether we are at home OR back in the office.
It seems all communication – no matter whether it is scheduled or spontaneous, long or short – is now carried out via video.
The game-changing cloud-based technology that has enabled that seismic shift in global ways of working is now yesterday’s story.
For the smart organisations keen to capitalise, it now needs to be all about the quality of that communication.
And that means crystal clarity and pin sharpness are the new differentiators.
“The reality is that we are all now digital nomads and the hybrid working model is the way forward,” says Michelle Ritz, Marketing Manager at Jabra, a leading global manufacturer of audio and video solutions.
“The need for reliable and professional-grade video conferencing equipment should be paramount for any business or organisation that values how others view it.
“Employees on video conferencing calls are the voice and face of the organisation, no matter whether those calls are with internal colleagues or external customers or partners.
“Organisations need to move on from their employees using their own devices. That was something forced on most people by the need to quickly start working from home because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
“We’re all at the start of a new era now, which combines working from home with also going into the office. Certified devices provide users with the best possible experience, and that’s what organisations should be focused on delivering.”
Not that business isn’t on the same page.
A recent survey carried out by Jabra revealed that 90% of business leaders envision creating some kind of hybrid working environment and 68% of employees believe hybrid is the right way to go.
However, just 11% of the same leaders said they had actually pushed the button on a plan to get there.
And – perhaps most pertinent of all – 73% of employees said that whenever a hybrid model IS rolled out, they expect their employer to provide all of the professional and certified gear they need to make it work.
“The reality is that many organisations are still developing their return-to-office plans and will find themselves behind the curve,” says Jabra’s Product & Business Manager Tim Hernquist.
“Offices are re-opening and workforces are beginning to return, and that means all areas need to be video-enabled.
“Laptop video can deliver very poor quality and, once people are back in the office, that will become more and more evident.
“In the past, people dialled into a conference. Today, people are using full, video-enabled Microsoft Teams integrations.”
Some employees will get cash allotments with which to go out and equip themselves.
But that risks purchases being made that are not the most appropriate or of the best quality.
“Also, if employees buy and deploy their own equipment, it’s likely that the organisation’s IT manager will not be able to provide support whenever there is a technical issue,” says Hernquist.
“That’s why it is always best practice to consult with an expert provider that understands the issues and can provide the best solution.”
For some organisations, the best solution may be an upgrade of the existing kit.
But many will be video-equipping offices and workforces for the first time, from scratch.
Clever (and affordable) features such as Jabra’s 180-degree field-of-view and active ‘follow the speaker’ functionality within its brilliant PanaCast 20 camera combine with slick design and unparalleled pre and after-sales support to ensure the best possible results.
It seems video-equipped hybrid-readiness may be closer than you think.
So…what are you waiting for?
- To learn about Jabra’s range of superior video conferencing equipment, visit www.jabra.com
