The best new tech to create a thriving workplace

By Chris Liebrand, Director of AV at Runtech Group

With burgeoning demand for workplace technology as the world adapts to more flexible ways of working, many manufacturers have been increasing their research and development budgets to deliver even better technology to the market to help businesses easily adjust.

For example, Logitech, a leading computer peripherals and software producer, boosted its annual budget by 27% in 2021 and it has doubled since 2016. Similarly, in the fourth quarter of 2021 fiscal year, Zoom spent $52.4 million to continue improving and developing their software. This surge in investment from into workplace technology has meant that over the past year we have seen some amazing new tech enter the market.

And with more than 75% of employees have said they prefer hybrid forms of working , we’ve put together a list of the best solutions to help you accommodate this and upgrade your workplace technology to ensure and encourage more collaboration between your team and clients.

Video conferencing

During 2021, Logitech added a number of products to their portfolio, including an improved video conferencing solution for a variety of room sizes, such as the Rally bar for mid-sized rooms; Rally bar mini for small rooms and Rally plus for large rooms. Combined with the Logitech Tap Controller, this allows users to benefit from the one-touch join to instantly deploy Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet conference calls. With a multitude of benefits, this all-in-one video bar is great for helping keep your hybrid workforce connected.

Additionally, Logitech released its Tap Scheduler, a purpose-built scheduling panel for meeting rooms. With a variety of mounting options, your workforce can visibly see which rooms are available from a distance keeping your organisation moving smoothly. You can also sync your chosen video conference service platform to provide a seamless experience.

Meanwhile, towards the end of last year, Poly announced new Microsoft Team Rooms Studio Kits due to the growing demand for meeting room technology. The new products feature Poly DirectorAI, which uses AI and machine learning technology to make remote participants feel more present. Poly have covered every room size, with options for huddle, small, medium and large meeting rooms.

Audio solutions

An interesting award-winning sound solution created by Shure is its Ecosystem. The fully customisable solution allowing you to create, manage, and scale your audio for an effortless experience for any sized room. You can mix and match ceiling, table, wall, and speakers to ensure your room has exceptional sound.

A popular solution for video conferencing and in-room audio is the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 with TruVoicelift technology. With a variety of mounting options, the microphone highlights voice whilst reducing background noise, ensuring everyone can be heard loudly and clearly. For smaller meeting rooms of up to 10 people, opt for the TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker for a great price point.

Screen displays

The Clevertouch UX Pro Gen 2 is a powerful and feature-rich 4K touchscreen with a built-in microphone and camera. With four different sizes starting from 55”, this award-winning solution is great for any size meeting room where you’d like to share content from any device and annotate seamlessly.

A similar solution with the ability to link dual screens is the DTEN D7. Designed for best-in-class video communications, this all-in-one solution gives a collaborative experience with one-touch to start Zoom meetings. The ultra-responsive touch screen allows you to annotate and content share with ease.

However, if you don’t need an interactive touchscreen feature, LG is a popular option due to the Ultra HD resolution and range of sizes. If you have any open spaces within your office or would like to display messages, this solution is a great option for digital signage.

If you have a large office, place a GoBright Wayfinding solution in the reception or floor entrance to direct to help customers find their way through the building. Available in different sizes, customise what you’d like to display.

BYOD

The Logitech Swytch brings true flexibility to all your meetings rooms making it easier for teams to meet, present and stream. With a one-cable laptop link to a rooms conference camera and display, this plug-and-display product is perfect for any sized meeting room.

Designed to improve hybrid meetings, the Barco ClickShare allows you to automatically connect your laptop to room cameras, speakers, and sound bars. With options for huddles, small, medium and large boardrooms, this premium wireless solution is very popular.

If you’d like further information about any of the above solutions please feel free to contact specialist team on [email protected].