Leadership recognizes how critical company culture is to engage and retain top talent. However, business leaders are at a crossroad on how to deliver a hybrid work technology strategy that provides flexibility and employee engagement while still encouraging people to return to the office.
According to Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index Report, over 70% of workers want flexible remote work options to continue, while over 65% are craving more in-person time with their teams. To prepare, two thirds of business decision makers are considering redesigning physical spaces to better accommodate hybrid work environments.
Leaders must consider how to equip all workers with the tools they need to contribute effectively from anywhere. Physical office space must be compelling enough to entice workers to commute and include a mix of social, collaborative spaces and focus areas.
Hybrid work technology
Here are five different hybrid work technology applications used in Red Thread’s own Boston WorkLife to inspire business leaders to create a successful and equitable hybrid work environment.
1. Café hub
The café hub is where you can socialize with coworkers or work alone together. You can also participate in casual or impromptu meetings, share a meal, or host an event, and communicate brand or news in a prominent location for visitors and employees via digital signage.
Featured hybrid work technology:
- 90” Dual Displays to showcase brand + news in a prominent location for visitors and employees
- Surface Go 3 laptop, the smallest, most portable and most affordable of the Surface Family
2. Connect nook
The connect nook is a great spot for heads down work for trainings, online learning, broadcasts, or seminars. Meet and collaborate with remote coworkers or customers in a professional environment where you could even join the video call using your own device.
Featured hybrid work technology:
- Poly P21 Studio (21” display, built in camera, microphones, speakers, lighting) all in one device
- Personal air purifier for clean air and eclipse light for optimal lighting
3. Flex team huddle
Host informal customer meetings, colleague collaboration sessions, team meetings, or informal presentations in the flex team huddle space. You can easily reconfigure mobile furniture and collaboration devices for ad-hoc meetings or shift to personal flex for focus time or transition to private meetings with boundary solutions.
Featured hybrid work technology:
- 50” Microsoft Surface Hub 2S mobile collaboration device
- Surface Laptop 4, everyday laptop
4. Learn lab
The learn lab is a great space for larger client or internal meetings, such as trainings and workshop sessions. You can configure tables for a presentation or breakout mode on the fly while also using the large display for content sharing and remote meetings.
Featured hybrid work technology:
- 85” Microsoft Surface Hub 2S, coordinated meetings enable Teams Rooms devices to simultaneously join
- PurifySpaces ceiling-mount unit to keep employees safe against airborne viruses
5. Team studio
Collaborate as a group using analog whiteboards, dual displays, and multiple seating areas in team studio. You can choose between perching, standing, and sitting postures while enhancing the quality of video calls via optimal acoustics and lighting.
Featured hybrid work technology:
- Microsoft Teams Room system, including Logitech meetup camera, Crestron flex touch panel and Shure MX910 ceiling microphone
- PurifySpaces tower unit to keep employees safe against airborne viruses
What’s working now?
Every organization will need a hybrid work technology plan that also encompasses policy and physical space. We’re here to help you on your journey, wherever you are, to creating an equitable hybrid workspace. Connect with us today to get started or check out our latest Hybrid Technology Office Lookbook for inspiration!
