Shure recently commissioned market firm IDC* to conduct a global study to reveal the challenges organisations are facing in hybrid work and how high-quality audio is the ‘invisible influencer’ that helps them optimise daily communication, client experiences and team satisfaction.
According to this research, fewer than 10% of organisations have adopted a standardised approach for meeting room audio technology across their businesses. This leaves workers dealing with inconsistent experience levels, as well-equipped rooms provide rich interactions, but poorly equipped locations deprive them of high-quality audio. Mature organisations are increasingly setting minimum standards for meeting room audio technology as they recognise the importance of providing consistent, good experiences to workers.
The IDC global study also revealed that 72% of financially thriving organisations are currently using professional audio equipment and 28% are planning to invest in high-quality technology. For organisations looking to stand out from the competition, audio is increasingly seen as a differentiator, both for user satisfaction and for making workplaces attractive for employees and customers alike.
With more than 50% of survey respondents pushing for a return to the office, 98% said they recognise the importance of hybrid meetings and 99% say they enable hybrid working model for internal and external collaboration, showing clearly that this model is here to stay.
In this hybrid working environment, it’s clear that audio’s role in terms of successful collaboration, productivity and decision-making will continue to be vital: 90% of respondents said that audio quality enables and encourages meeting equity with 73% saying good audio makes them feel valued, appreciated and more capable. In fact, 94% of respondents believe that technology investments can help recreate the natural flow of face-to-face meetings, contributing to team motivation.
A growing understanding that audio delivers value was also uncovered with 90% stating that high-quality audio helps to improve their organisation’s image and 90% saying that good audio results in better staff retention. This is seeing wider adoption of professional audio systems and the introduction of company-wide policies and standards to address and unify audio technology availability.
In the UK market specifically, the research has uncovered that hybrid still has some challenges with 63% of respondents agreeing that the main issue is poor communication and collaboration. There is therefore a need for IT departments to step in. The report asserts that high-quality audio isn’t merely a tech issue; it’s a human-centric concern that IT professionals must address. Investments in quality audio solutions can help dismantle the recurring cycle of workplace frustration, thereby enabling UK organisations to not just adapt but thrive in this new era of hybrid work.
“For IT leaders, the task is straightforward but crucial: invest in professional-grade audio equipment,” confirms James Hill, Director, Sales at Shure. “This is the foundational element that enables effective communication and equitable meetings, ensuring that everyone — whether at home or in the office — can contribute meaningfully.
From an IT perspective, implementing a successful hybrid work strategy isn’t just about software; it’s about making sure your hardware — especially audio equipment — meets the standards your employees need to excel.”
