‘Professional audio equipment is key to hybrid working’

A new report has found that almost three-quarters of successful organisations at a higher hybrid maturity level have invested in professional audio equipment.

The research, which was carried out by global market research firm IDC and commissioned by Shure, shows that businesses are overlooking key opportunities to improve the employee experience regardless of location, and that an investment in high-quality audio results in more collaborative and flexible ways of working.

It was revealed that 72% of organisations that are “thriving financially” use professional audio equipment, as do 63% of those with a “stable economic performance”.

IDC interviewed more than 600 people across the US, China, Japan, the UK, France and Germany to investigate the barriers to creating a successful hybrid working environment.

Respondents highlighted poor communication and collaboration abilities, distracted employees and low attention levels, and technology shortfalls that impact collaboration as the main challenges of hybrid working.

While audio quality was not the only concern raised when specifying solutions for a hybrid environment, audio quality has an impact on individual and group productivity, according to the report.

The research asserts that organisations investing in audio equipment will enjoy a range of benefits:

• 94% of respondents believed it can help recreate the natural flow of face-to-face meetings, contributing to team motivation
• 90% of respondents said it facilitates meeting equity and boosts productivity
• 90% of staff regarded it as an investment in their future at the company
• 73% of respondents said it makes them feel valued, increasing their happiness and mental wellbeing

The adoption of hybrid working environments varies by country, according to the report. The US is ahead of the curve, with many companies having invested in high-quality audio equipment for meeting rooms.

Organisations in the UK show a higher adoption rate of truly hybrid work models than European countries such as Germany and France. In Asia, there has been a tendency for workers in China and Japan to return to the office, reducing the importance of hybrid working.

Shure’s chief information officer, Robin Hamerlinck, says: “Hybrid meeting environments became the new normal in recent years, and it’s apparent that they’re here to stay, but organisations are still not equipped with the tools needed for effective communication – even though many have tried.

“As a result, employees are left discouraged and disengaged, creating a cycle of frustration. It’s critical that from the top of the organisation down, employees are using technology that enables them to communicate in the right way.

“Sourcing the correct audio equipment is the first step, and a step that puts all employees on the same playing field, so that meeting equity is achieved.”

Mick Heys, IDC’s vice-president, future of workspaces and imaging, says: “Organisations were pushed to make rapid decisions around hybrid work when it emerged. Those weren’t always decisions that worked in the best interests of employees and overall business success.

“During our research, we discovered that 50% of organisations say that poor audio quality leads to reduced decision-making ability. If you think about how long you spend in meetings and how long you spend on conference calls, if you can improve audio in each one, that is the gift that keeps on giving.”

To download the report, click here.