Personal collaboration spaces are all the rage — and for a good reason. Amazing ideas are born when people with different perspectives and areas of expertise collaborate. Projects often progress faster, helping businesses thrive and grow.

However, creating these spaces can be challenging — especially in today's hybrid workforce. Some believe creating an optimal collaborative working space begins by pushing individual desks together, but this only addresses physical proximity. You must create the proper foundation, starting with the right mindset and updated equipment.

The rise of hybrid work environments

The advantages of collaborative workspaces have been brought to the forefront for years. It's a philosophy that small teams and large companies like Google and Facebook implement.

In 2020, hybrid business models became the norm, as over 80% of company leaders offered remote work options.

Since then, this model has dominated — businesses haven't looked back. However, that doesn't mean there aren't challenges, especially when aiming to create a collaborative, hybrid workspace. The right tools and equipment are required to make this approach work.

You must learn to bridge the gap between digital and physical collaboration to adapt. Data shows that moving forward, nearly 70% of leaders plan to rely on user devices and integrated room tech. Updating this equipment will be vital to team success — but where do you begin?

Do your research to invest in the right equipment

You need to do your research to ensure remote and physical team members show up equally while focusing on an optimal ROI. What will help your team collaborate?

For communication and collaboration, you may require updated conferencing equipment.

Others are investing in smart offices, focusing on connected technology to help teams collaborate and boost productivity. This approach requires a combination of software and hardware tools. As Harvard Business Review says, the tech and equipment you implement in today's hybrid world define employee experiences — yet only 30% of employees say they have access to technologies that exceed their expectations.

Even more shocking is that employees are 230% more engaged and 85% more likely to stay 3+ years in their jobs when they feel they have the technology that supports them at work.

Research the latest trends to see what equipment you need and why. For example, wearable technology could boost employee engagement in today's hybrid work environment, so it's something to consider. This option can help maximize resources and provide real-time data for better decision-making. Security is another rising concern, so you should look for equipment with encryption technology, like the Jabra Engage 55 Series.

Bottom line: The success of hybrid work models depends on choosing the right collaboration tools and equipment. Whether you want to share data, improve communication, or encourage greater collaboration, invest in must-have technology.

Next steps

There is a lot to consider as your workspace evolves. Here are some suggestions to assist you:

• Focus on the right equipment for your space and team. For example, depending on your setup, do you have enough microphones and cameras to hear and see everyone? Do employees require certain technology or resources to be productive? Check out these Jabra Speak2 75 Speakerphones.
• Ensure connectivity by investing in business internet services and tools. Help remote employees stay online and provide a reliable, fast connection in the office. Discover Linksys Velop Whole Home Wireless Mesh System Black.
• When creating collaborative spaces, include a combination of individual and workgroup areas. Team members should be able to flow between these spaces freely, and remote people should be able to connect to in-office employees easily. Implement an open office design with various workspaces if your office allows it.
• For greater collaboration and connectivity, invest in the right management tools like Google Drive, Slack, Dropbox, Airtable, and Trello. Ensure teams have the hardware to succeed alongside these software tools, including everything from audio to video devices.

Hello Direct Can Help

Creating a suitable space and investing in the right products for the hybrid workforce can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. At Hello Direct, we carry all top brands and solutions, making this transition seamless and effective. From phone and mobile equipment to networking and conferencing solutions, Hello Direct has it all — and at competitive prices.

Need help to choose the best equipment for your business? Connect with our friendly, knowledgeable customer care team — contact us today!