Enabling the change to flexible work environments

Enabling the change to flexible work environments

Jabra is providing the technology to give employees the work strategies that they want and need

Elly Yates-Roberts |


Organisations worldwide have adopted new ways to deliver flexible working methods to their employees, and audio equipment provider Jabra is facilitating this shift with intuitive technologies. The firm’s video solutions director for EMEA North James Spencer tells us more. 

What are the most notable changes in working trends since the pandemic?
With an increase in remote working, we operate in distributed teams more now than ever before. We have seen a major shift as organisations commit to a future of hybrid working. This has led to an acceleration in the adoption of video usage and greater reliance on conferencing technology to keep teams connected, wherever they are. 

According to Jabra research, 66 per cent of office workers were using a stand-alone webcam or built-in PC camera before the pandemic hit. Now 86 per cent of home workers are doing the same.

Organisations are evaluating the best working models to ensure their teams can function effectively. This also means giving staff the tools to be productive and successful. Businesses are increasingly realising the benefits of professional technology for use in the home office.

In addition, organisations are re-evaluating their physical office and real estate. With hybrid working on the rise, it is likely that office space will get smaller. Businesses must now assess the use of their current space and how to meet the changing requirements for staff.

High-quality video conferencing technology is now more important than ever. How is Jabra contributing to – and improving – this market?
Jabra has created a solution where everyone can feel engaged and interact without missing out on a key moment of any meeting. PanaCast 20’s personalised Intelligent Zoom ensures users stay in the centre of the frame and adjusts their picture as they move. With the Picture-in-Picture feature, users can integrate a second video stream within the main picture, so they can share a close-up of the main image while continuing to present in a smaller window. This takes the video experience to the next level, making meetings feel more seamless and natural, as if everyone is in the same room.

With this intelligent personal video camera, video conferencing and team collaboration should feel effortless. PanaCast 20 works with all leading unified communications platforms. 

Despite its convenience, video call fatigue is a real problem that affects employee productivity and well-being. How does PanaCast prevent or reduce this for its users?
Having reliable technology that delivers an exceptional user experience is essential in helping to reduce fatigue and stress levels, while boosting productivity. The challenge is how to have the best user experience in changing, and potentially noisy, environments.

PanaCast 20 provides 4K Ultra HD picture quality that is crystal clear. Artificial intelligence -based Intelligent Lighting Optimisation analyses your environment and automatically adjusts your image in real time to enhance the video quality.

Users can also benefit from secure video collaboration combined with outstanding audio. PanaCast 20 is the professional’s choice for a personal video solution for the home office.

Many businesses deploy technologies without giving staff any formal training or instruction. How can employers ensure their staff get the most of new investments like PanaCast 20?
We should look beyond the adoption of technology and take a long-term view of education and providing guidance for staff.

At Jabra we have a dedicated customer success manager to help organisations get the best out of their technology and investments. We provide tailored support, from personalised activities and training to bespoke user manuals, and work with partners to deliver in-person and virtual training, where staff can ask questions and get advice.

Despite many people choosing to work entirely remotely, others may struggle with the new culture that is partially replacing in-person interactions. Do you have any ideas for how businesses can help staff embrace hybrid working and the technology that enables it?
The goal should be to find the optimal approach for your organisation and to be flexible in understanding individual needs. While many staff have embraced remote working, the office should still be seen as an essential hub that brings teams together in person, and where people feel inspired and motivated.

Businesses should assess the functionality of their office and facilities to determine if changes will deliver real benefits and value. This could mean reconfiguring meeting rooms to create more open zones, adopting new technology or optimising space for both virtual and face-to-face meetings. 

As we all adapt to new ways of working, it is imperative to find the right balance. Now is the time to have a plan in place to help staff adapt, to accommodate changing needs and support the future of hybrid working.  

This article was originally published in the Autumn 2021 issue of Technology Record. To get future issues delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for a free subscription.

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