Take Your Meeting Outdoors - The Future of Collaboration

The new normal of workplaces is a hybrid model that features both in-office and remote collaboration in each meeting. A typical hybrid model includes designated days for in-office meetings and collaboration, and remote days for individual focus and flexibility. Designed to support employee engagement through collaboration, a hybrid workplace should incorporate consistent technology through meeting solutions and digital signage. 

Even with a hybrid model, many employees don’t want to return to the office. Companies are searching for a solution to get their employees excited about returning. After all, offices are designed to be spaces for collaboration and productivity. We are on the verge of another dramatic shift as corporate offices, property management companies, hospitality facilities (e.g., hotels and resorts), restaurants and event venues transform nontraditional spaces, such as outdoor courtyards, rooftop patios and poolside cabanas, into meeting spaces. 

Prior to COVID-19, offices for companies like Amazon, Facebook and Google were well known for fostering a unique employee experience with amenities such as dog parks, game rooms, meeting booths, yoga, well-being spaces and rock climbing walls. Today, employees no longer crave the unique amenities. Instead, they’re asking for a safe space. According to a recent study, 97% of the workforce wants changes to make work environments safer. An outdoor setting can promote increased safety measures by enabling adequate social distancing and clean, open air to support employees' physical and emotional well-being. 

Outdoor spaces integrated with weatherproof technology can redefine corporate collaboration and attract new guests for hotels, resorts, restaurants and event venues. Meanwhile, this enables companies to maximize their office space by utilizing new, unique outdoor spaces. Relocating meeting spaces outdoors doesn’t mean you have to be limited by technology though. 

AV Planners’ trusted manufacturer partners provide cutting-edge, easy-to-use technology designed for outdoor spaces: Examples include Planar’s HRO Series video wall displays, QSC’s AcousticDesign Series loudspeakers for outdoor audio, Sound Management Acoustical for clear, intelligible acoustic treatments, and Middle Atlantic’s solutions for reliable, outdoor power. Touchless, voice-activated technology can be deployed to control lighting, audio and video equipment. Bring your own device (BYOD) technology can simplify presentations, while also helping individuals avoid using the same device that has been touched by others. By incorporating reliable, easy-to-use outdoor technology into unique spaces, you can promote impromptu collaboration in casual meeting environments with productivity in mind. As always, employee health and safety should remain the top priority for companies transitioning to outdoor, hybrid workplaces. 

If you’re looking for support navigating technology for the future of the workplace, AV Planners has proven success in designing and integrating indoor and outdoor hybrid workplaces. Contact AV Planners to learn more about our services. Keep up with the latest news from AV Planners on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.