Hybrid office. It sounds like an ideal solution: part of the team in the office, part remotely, everyone happy, flexible, economical.
But if we look behind the scenes – many companies struggle with the fact that supposedly there is a hybrid, and everyday life can still be chaotic.
Why? Because a working model alone is not enough. It needs to be retrofitted with good tools – ones that make life easier for both people and companies.
1. desk and room reservation systems that (don't) work
In theory: we have a system that allows us to reserve spaces.
In practice? An employee arrives in the morning, can’t remember if he reserved a desk, sees that someone is already seated, and the meeting room he had planned is “occupied” – even though it’s actually empty.
It’s not a matter of ill-will, but simple human distraction. People forget, change plans, make quick changes to their calendars. Real-time booking systems (with instant updates via an app or panel at the room) solve this problem.
They don’t do magic – they simply adjust the office to how we really work.
2. video conferencing devices that should be a backdrop but become an obstacle
A real life scene: a hybrid meeting, a team from the office, a few people online.
– “Can you hear me?”
– “We can’t see you.”
– “Let us know when you connect, we’re here waiting.”
Time passes, frustration grows.
Meanwhile, a hybrid meeting should not be an attraction in itself. It should be a backdrop that works unnoticed.
Good AV systems – with automatic camera framing, noise-canceling microphones and intuitive connectivity to Teams, Zoom or Webex – are not a luxury. It’s the foundation for a hybrid to make sense.
3. visual communication that supports, rather than duplicates - digital signage in the office
“We sent an email after all.”
Yes, but everyday life shows that emails are often lost in a sea of other messages. That’s not to say that employees don’t read them – rather, they’re easily forgotten on the run.
This is where digital signage works great: screens in the office reminding people of important events, schedule changes, and company information. It’s such an additional signal that supports rather than replaces other channels.
4. space that consumes itself
Empty rooms, lights on, air conditioning running – this is not only a cost problem, but also an organizational one.
Occupancy sensors connected to BMS systems allow you to automatically manage the space: turn off the lights when no one is using them, adjust the temperature, save energy.
But more importantly – create comfortable conditions for people. Because no one wants to sit in a room that’s too cold or too hot just because the settings are “rigid.”
Summary - hybrid office solutions
A hybrid office doesn’t work by itself. It’s a complex organism in which space, technology and people must work together.
A good implementation is not just about hardware and systems – it’s also about understanding how your team actually works and what they need to operate without undue stress.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to this topic, we can not only offer support with AV solutions, but also, by working with architects, help design hybrid office spaces.
Together, we will create a workplace that really works – for both people and business.
