The flexibility that comes with a hybrid work schedule is life-changing for many workers, but for hybrid work to be effective employers need to give their employees the tools they need to succeed. When coworkers are unable to be in the same space together, technology can help bridge the gap, but it has to be the right tech. Unfortunately, many organizations have not upgraded their tech since the transition to hybrid and remote work, and it’s leaving their employees in a bind. 

Remote workers need to be able to clearly see and hear their in-office counterparts during hybrid meetings, ideally in a way that feels natural enough that employees can find a rhythm to organically collaborate. Cameras and microphones are one of the best ways to achieve this, but not all tech is equal in its effectiveness or ease of use. 

The 2023 State of Hybrid Work: U.S. report highlights a glaring issue – technical difficulties during online/hybrid meetings. An astonishing 80% of workers have lost valuable time due to these issues, essentially counteracting the technology's intended purpose of enhancing collaboration and productivity. Investing in pricier yet consistently reliable tools can often prove more cost-effective in the long run, considering the financial cost of wasted time during meetings. 

The report also reveals that a substantial percentage of employers lag behind in adopting updated video meeting technology. In 2023, only 37% of employers in the U.S. upgraded their video meeting technology – that number drops to 28% in the global report. This points to a concerning trend where a significant portion of the workforce continues to rely on outdated technology. These obsolete tools were likely designed to optimize in-office productivity and may not adequately facilitate collaboration across employees in different geographical locations, especially in the context of hybrid and remote work.

A global issue

The workforce's stance on the importance of good technology is resounding. In the State of Hybrid Work: U.S. report, 83% of respondents ranked good technology as vital to their work, often more critical than flexible work locations. This issue isn't confined to the United States; it's a global concern.

• The State of Hybrid Work: U.K. found that 82% of employees have lost meeting time in their hybrid meetings due to technical difficulties and only 25% of companies upgraded their meeting technology in the last year. 
• The State of Hybird Work: Germany report found that 79% of employees have lost meeting time in their hybrid meetings due to technical difficulties and only 27% of companies upgraded their meeting technology in the last year. 

• The State of Hybrid Work: France report found that 80% of employees have lost meeting time in their hybrid meetings due to technical difficulties and only 25% of companies upgraded their meeting technology in the last year. 
• The State of Hybrid Work: Nordics report found that 83% of employees have lost meeting time in their hybrid meetings due to technical difficulties and only 27% of companies upgraded their meeting technology in the last year. 
• The State of Hybrid Work: Netherlands report found that 80% of employees have lost meeting time in their hybrid meetings due to technical difficulties and only 30% of companies upgraded their meeting technology in the last year. 

Hybrid problems, cutting-edge solutions

Many employees face issues related to hybrid work that upgraded technology can easily solve. The most common of these issues are: audio/echo distortion (80%), not being able to see the presentation (73%), not being able to see faces and missing visual cues (77%), and not being able to hear everyone (78%), according to data gathered for the State of Hybrid Work: U.S. report. 

Cutting-edge hybrid technology like the Owl Labs’ ecosystem of devices are specifically designed to solve these problems. The Meeting Owl 3 + Owl Bar work together as a front and center solution that covers every angle in a room. Their high-fidelity microphones ensure there is no audio distortion or echos. Their AI-driven software automatically focuses on the speaker using the best angle to make sure everyone can be clearly seen and heard, and facilitates more face-to-face contact to make collaboration a more natural experience for everyone. Other devices like the Whiteboard Owl and Expansion Mic give companies even more tools to transform any type of space into a modern hybrid meeting room. 

In the era of hybrid work, the value of flexibility is undeniable, offering employees a life-changing opportunity to balance their personal and professional lives. However, for hybrid work to truly thrive, employers must equip their teams with the tools they need for success. Employees worldwide yearn for tools designed for this new era of hybrid work. 

Employers who embrace this shift and invest in modern technology will lead the way in creating successful organizations. As we continue to navigate the future of work, we must actively ensure that technology remains a facilitator of progress, not a hindrance to our creative collaboration. Together, we shape the future of work.