In the wake of the global pandemic, remote work has not only become a trend but a lifestyle. The shift from
traditional office
settings to the "anywhere office" is here to stay. As per the latest Knowledge worker study, 51 percent of the working population is either working from home, co-working space, hotel, café, on the go or other public place. What was once seen as an emergency response to a crisis has now evolved into a way of life for many professionals.
This new work paradigm has given rise to various trends, such as the emergence of full-time employees as influencers. It's fascinating to explore how these individuals manage their work from diverse locations while staying productive.
Third spaces becoming mainstream
For years, our work lives revolved around traditional office spaces – be it a conference room, lounge area or your own workstation. Monday through Friday, from nine to five, we gathered in person to get work done. Then, the pandemic thrust us into home offices, introducing us to new tools and techniques for remote collaboration.
Now, with the transition to
work from anywhere
, the "third space" is gaining acceptance—a workspace distinct from the traditional office or home. People now are working from different locations or even on-the-go as and when it suits them – it can be either a co-working space, café, library, or elsewhere. Therefore, its crucial to equip yourselves with to transform any space into a productive workspace, whether you’ve got an hour in a cafe or need to escape the distractions of home.
The challenges of working in the third space
Often, we hear phrases like ‘Unable to hear’, ‘the video isn’t clear’, ‘let me re-join’ because distant working comes with their own fair share of challenges. A report by
Jabra
suggests, 38% of knowledge workers faces connectivity and communication difficulties which are viewed as the biggest challenges. First and foremost, there's the struggle to maintain a work-life boundary. Distractions abound, making it difficult to stay focused. Additionally, communication can be a hurdle; virtual meetings and collaboration tools may not always be as effective as face-to-face interactions. The lack of access to office resources and the potential for technical issues can hinder productivity.
Hence, it is imperative to switch to smart gadgets for effective work regardless of the environment.
Audio and Video Technology at work
As it is rightly said ‘Necessity drives invention’. Emerging technologies are born from evolving needs and desires of people. The pandemic vividly demonstrated how technology revolutionized our work and the way we communicate. As we swiftly propel into a digital era, real-time communication has become integral to our lives, influencing online meetings, live video streaming, social media, and entertainment. In the modern workplace, these technologies play a pivotal role in communication, collaboration, and productivity. High-quality audio technology, such as noise-cancelling headsets and microphones, has become a necessity for clear communication in both remote and traditional office settings. These tools reduce background noise, ensuring that meetings and discussions are crystal clear, even in noisy environments.
Similarly, video technology is equally crucial, enabling face-to-face interactions, screen sharing, and virtual cooperation. Video conferencing platforms bridge geographical divides, facilitating teamwork across locations.
Whether it's a professional headset equipped with advanced chipsets and premium noise-canceling microphones, a portable conferencing webcam boasting AI capabilities and good camera quality, or a speakerphone ensuring you are being seen and heard regardless of the location - these tools enhance connectivity and productivity. They provide real-time, high-definition video, and audio that enables effective remote work and virtual meetings. While most of the third places will have internet access, leaders and IT decision-makers must ensure employee productivity and connectivity through flexible audio and video technologies.
In a global context, these technologies have become indispensable for international businesses, connecting teams, partners, and clients worldwide. The adaptability and innovation in audio and video technology continue to shape the future of work, making it more efficient, collaborative, and accessible than ever before.
By: Peter Jayaseelan, vice president & managing director- South Asia and Head- Public Sector, Jabra (APAC).
English (US) ·