form should empower both those present in the office and those participating remotely to contribute actively and engage in discussions. • Ensure Scalability and Flexibility for Growth: The last thing a company wants is to continually update their technology to accommodate a growing team or shifting work environment. By enabling scalability and flexibility, installers can help design future-proof systems for customers. The pandemic taught us that we never know when we may need to return to a remote work structure, and flexible solutions mitigate against other investments that need to be made in the eventuality. That being said, installers should design solutions that can scale to accommodate the organization’s growth and/or changing collaboration needs. • Prioritize User-Friendly Interfaces: Throughout the pandemic, companies learned that even with good intentions, programs and systems that are difficult to use ultimately don’t work. It’s imperative that systems designers utilize user-friendly interfaces for collaboration tools that require minimal training and technical expertise – lessening onboarding time and ensuring widespread adoption. • Enable Universal Compatibility: Given that employees got accustomed to using various programs while working remotely, collaboration tools should be compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems. This ensures that everyone, whether in an office or remote location, can connect and collaborate using their preferred platform – whether they are dialing in from Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meets, or beyond. • Make Remote Management Possible: A major takeaway from the pandemic has been how important the ability to manage systems remotely is. Installers should be able to remotely manage and troubleshoot systems for customers to allow for easy monitoring and assistance. Screens to Boost Morale Even beyond offering superior collaboration capabilities, installers can design technology systems that utilize screens to engage employees and broader audiences to cultivate a positive office environment that they can’t get at home. Screens provide a versatile platform for extending brand messaging, fostering engagement and leaving a lasting impression on various stakeholders. For example, screens in common areas can showcase company achievements, employee spotlights and community involvement, fostering a sense of pride and connection among employees. Interactive screens in lobbies or waiting areas can captivate visitors with multimedia presentations, demonstrating innovation and professionalism. With return-to-work mandates throughout the U.S. increasing daily, the time to act is now. Technology resellers have the opportunity to take the lessons learned from remote work and design systems that make the office a better place to work. J Celine Fosse is the CMO of Airtame, creator of the hardware-enabled SaaS platform that allows seamless collaboration in businesses and schools. How can organizations improve in-office employee experiences? Provide consistent and simultaneous communications to all employees, whether they work from the office building, remote or hybrid 53% Offer more flexibility on hybrid/remote options 44% Offer more training on workplace tools 36% Reduce the number of apps/tools necessary to do my work 35% Introduce more helpful digital signage around the building 26% Support room/desk reservations 20% Facilitate wayfinding around the building 18% Provide contactless check-in 17% There’s nothing my organization could do to improve … 7% Source: Appspace survey of 900 U.S. employees and IT managers What capabilities would help employees perform their job more effectively, at the office? Self-service IT options 42% Easy communications 37% Easy file sharing 33% Easy collaboration 31% Automated workflow/processes 25% Ability to work on the go (from mobile devices) 22% Easy integration with third-party tools 19% Ability to access information about other employees 19% Virtual watercooler to help stay in the loop 12% Personalized newsfeed 7% Source: Appspace survey of 900 U.S. employees and IT managers ON PREMISES 8 REMOTE WORK SOLUTIONS rwsmagazine.com
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