Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, many companies had little choice but to shift from office to remote work. Despite concerns, many businesses found that work from home (WFH) arrangements led to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Now, as companies and employees adjust to post-pandemic times, remote work is here to stay for many. But finding a balance between office and remote work is essential.

The hybrid or blended working model trend is rapidly gaining acceptance among contemporary employers. Many business owners have established or are considering a hybrid work schedule, which means employees work from home at least twice a week.

Sudden change required quick decisions, but many companies are now refining strategies and communication systems. Poly audio and video conferencing solutions can support effective collaboration between in-office and at-home team members. Let's look at the growing popularity of hybrid work environments, the benefits of video conferencing, and efficient workstations.

Hybrid Work Popularity

PwC's survey shows 55% of employees favor a hybrid work environment post-pandemic. Numerous surveys echo this sentiment, indicating that adopting a hybrid work model is the path toward the future for business owners.

In fact, most hybrid workers prefer to work from home. According to a FlexJobs survey conducted from March to April 2021, 65% of participants actively declared that working from home provides fewer distractions and eliminates the stress of commuting.

For example, you could implement a rule that requires your employees to report to the office for three consecutive days. The remaining two days of the workweek, they could operate from the comfort of their homes. This strategic arrangement boosts trust and autonomy among your staff, enhancing morale and driving up job satisfaction.

A company's confidence in its employees’ ability to work remotely and productively shows confidence in their professional integrity. Trust that your teams won't misuse business hours for personal affairs fosters loyalty and leads to consistently superior performance.

Benefits of Poly Video Conferencing Solutions

Managers must maintain communication with their remote teams. Poly video conferencing solutions are pivotal in ensuring that all participants have a shared understanding of their projects and related work. According to a survey by Cisco, an overwhelming 87% of participants identified video conferencing tools as instrumental to the successful execution of project management.

The key to successful video conferencing is stable internet connectivity to facilitate interaction with tools such as Zoom. Equally, implementing Poly video and audio-conferencing solutions in a hybrid work environment maintains reliable communication with managers and employees.

Here are three video conferencing solutions that enhance collaboration in hybrid workspaces.

Webcam

Poly video conferencing solutions help managers and supervisors facilitate coordination with their team members. The Poly Studio P5 Webcam is one tool that offers the best looks on video calls. It has a built-in microphone that enhances voice capture, ensuring that team members on both sides can communicate clearly. Poly Studio Webcam also has a camera and USB port for connecting to a headset.

Virtual Platforms

Collaborative platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet are ideal for virtual meetings.

Zoom

Zoom is easy and only requires sending URL invitations to attendees with Zoom accounts. Once an invitee clicks on the link, they join a virtual meeting room from where they now proceed with work discussions.

If your organization lacks headsets or the existing ones are substandard, consider opting for the Poly Studio P5 Webcam Kit W/ Poly Blackwire 3325 Headset with a webcam and a headset.

Google Meet

Following Zoom’s popularity, Google joined the fray by releasing Google Meet as an alternative platform. As a business owner, you can host virtual meetings with up to 250 participants on Google Meet. Using the platform requires participants to establish a Google account if they don't already have one.

The Power of a Reliable and Efficient Workstation

Workstations comprise high-performance computers with heavy workload capabilities. A typical workstation should handle technical workflows and heavy data with ease. Regardless of your company’s industry, investing in technology with fast processing, massive storage, and minimal disruption is essential. Besides powerful computers, efficient workstations should have reliable conferencing tools and power connections.

Conferencing

As a business owner, you must equip your team with conferencing tools to ensure seamless communication. Understand that in the hybrid work model, only a handful of your employees may be in the office on any given day. You'll also find it necessary for your team to conduct video conferences to discuss specific details or share progress updates with clients. To meet these needs, consider integrating the array of products offered by Poly video conferencing solutions into your workflow.

For instance, the Poly Studio X30 Video Bar W/ TC8 Touch Interface is ideal for conferences and accommodates up to six participants. It includes an integrated calendar that helps everyone find their scheduled meeting. In addition, the Video Bar and its Touch Interface facilitate wireless content sharing.

On the other side of the screen, the Poly Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display is an excellent WFH tool choice. This 21.5" monitor connects to a laptop or PC via a USB connection, and all participants can be viewed simultaneously. The Personal Meeting Display integrates with any video app.

Power Connection

Equally, an efficient workstation requires power-connection accessories. The office design should allow employees to connect their laptops to power outlets for easy recharging. Moreover, cable management measures should be in place to ensure a clutter-free environment. Well-laid cables keep the office organized and enhance productivity.

Takeaways

The hybrid work model is a versatile system whose implementation saves time and money. Consequently, your workers can devote more time to their families and experience extended periods of relaxation, ultimately contributing to personal satisfaction.

Contact us today for the best video conferencing solutions to support your company’s hybrid work lifestyle.

Sources:

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/401738/coordinating-hybrid-work-schedules-5-important-findings.aspx

https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/business-transformation/library/covid-19-us-remote-work-survey.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/m/en_emear/offers/collaboration/video/pdfs/co-05-forbes-insights-3party-wp-cte-en-uk.pdf

https://explore.zoom.us/en/video-engagement-survey/