It takes two to tango

By definition, any meeting requires at least two participants. What surprises me though is that so many organisations don’t seem to understand this concept. When establishing a strategy for the way their people will communicate and collaborate, the platform is front of mind and the battle between Microsoft, Zoom, Google etc rages on. But irrespective of the software, what about the meeting devices? For meeting rooms? For hybrid workers? For contact centres?

The choice of device is often the afterthought using whatever is left of the overall budget. By device I mean the headset, webcam, speakerphone or meeting room technology. These devices will be used as much as the platform, but they often get much less of the attention in the evaluation cycle. I strongly suggest that device choice is high on the agenda.

The other consideration missed is where we started, that there are at least two participants in communications engagement. Organisations often think about the high value or highly visible elements like their meeting rooms but forget about the other end. When reviewing technology like collaboration devices, you need to sit at both ends to experience what it is genuinely like. Of course, this poses some logistical challenges so you will need to elicit support from others. Consider also potentially add recording into your evaluation mix but this is also challenging and complex. The best option is to simply engage over the platform you have chosen at both ends of the conversation so you can make an informed decision.

Devices at the remote end are the ones that get the least attention. Today then can come in many new form factors and these open an array of new possibilities. Take for instance the new Microsoft Surface Duo 2. This is really the first business class device aimed at keeping people engaged in their workflows. The marketing catch phrase of two screens, limitless possibilities doesn’t do justice to the enhanced audio and cameras which enable new meeting experiences. Think field workers, first line responders or simply hybrid workers. The experience at the far end, is stark in contrast and is noticeable when you are using a device purpose built for great audio and video in meetings.

The tyranny distance imposed today is leading to new styles of working, opening new possibilities. But these new engagement styles require us to rethink the way we think about the devices our people need so that both they and those at the other end of calls can engage best. We have today an opportunity now for the first time to remove the barriers to information and communication. To do so, we need to start with thinking about both ends of the two-way engagement.

Generation-e enables people to simply and securely meet collaborate and share. We remove collaboration & information barriers in a hybrid workplace world, enabling people to have better experiences wherever they choose to work from and empower them to build brighter futures. www.generation-e.co