This time a couple of years ago, how many businesses were seriously considering downsizing
their offices? How many business leaders truly believed that a work-from-home model
(WFH) could be appropriate for their organisation? In fact, how many individual employees
within the workforce thought it could be a sustainable way of them working?
Probably most of us would guess at low percentages as answers to each of those questions,
and yet here we are. WFH is commonplace. Productivity hasn’t fallen through the floor.
Business and employees have adjusted and embraced the possibilities afforded by WFH.
As we slowly open up from severe lockdowns and approach our new normal where most of
us are vaccinated and we live with covid in the community, is now the appropriate time to
reconsider our ongoing office requirements?
Hybrid Working
Hybrid Working perfectly describes the ongoing reality of having some office-based
employees, while others work remotely. Communication is key to managing that
successfully and videoconferencing is a valuable tool for keeping physically disconnected
individuals, logically, effectively and productively connected.
Downsizing
Accepting Hybrid Working as the way forward, means downsizing office space changes from
being merely possible, to being highly desirable – why commit resources to unproductive,
unoccupied space? A reduced headcount requires less workstations, less comfort facilities
and less capital committed to maintaining property. Reducing the size of the office is just
the start. Most importantly, remaining space must be re-imagined and configured for
optimal communication between a physically separated workforce. Videoconferencing is
made for this situation.
Videoconferencing
Maximising the effectiveness of videoconferencing strongly suggests that any modern
workplace must consider having a dedicated space – like a traditional boardroom or large
meeting room – with appropriate high-quality audio-visual equipment and communication
software installed. A space where those working onsite can communicate effectively and
securely with those working remotely.
Audio-Visual Setup
The IT Agency recommends Microsoft Teams as your choice of high-quality communications
software, accompanied by a range of hardware designed to work with this system.
Hardware you’ll need to consider, includes – speakerphones, display monitors, microphones,
web cameras, headsets and soundbars. Logitech and Microsoft each produce technically
excellent examples of this hardware, but you’re by no means restricted in your options.
Our experts have relationships with many of the top manufacturers and can impartially
advise you in selecting the optimal equipment for your budget and requirements. We can
then source the chosen hardware and software, at the best prices, on your behalf.
Finally, we’ll be glad to come onsite at your workplace to setup and test the complete audio-
visual system to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Ready to talk?
We are! Call us on (02) 8317 4730 for expert advice on how to optimise your
communication and videoconferencing capabilities in the age of Hybrid Working.
