Can Britain’s productivity be unlocked by reinventing workplace technology?
British productivity has suffered in recent years, often described as ailing or in crisis, and the Labor government has put improving productivity levels at the heart of its new agenda. The consequences of ‘sagging’ productivity for Britain are far-reaching, from lower wages to job losses and reduced economic growth. All this puts pressure on companies, individuals and communities.
The productivity puzzle is further complicated by the continued impact of the seismic shifts the working world has experienced during the pandemic. Recent trends have created a battle between the desire for flexibility and corporate mandates as they return to the office. Amazon’s recent shift to a full-time office mandate was met with uproar among employees, but bosses continue to insist it’s the best move for the company. And they’re not alone: in Britain, the financial sector is said to be considering a full-time return to the office. Such mandates have sparked all kinds of criticism about employee morale and productivity.
The problem is clearly complex, but its solution is unlikely to lie solely in the efforts of workers. In fact, the key could possibly be in an expected place; it could be in the technology we all use every day.
Head of Product, Strategy and Design at Neat.
It can happen anywhere
There is ample evidence that hybrid working, when done properly, does not impact business productivity. Many of the trends out there suggest that when technology fails employees, they feel disconnected, unmotivated and unproductive.
This is not surprising when 93% of communication is non-verbal, from body language to facial expressions and tone of voice. We absorb a multitude of external signals every day that lead to deeper relationships, collaboration and improving overall productivity.
For businesses, the effective use of technology can help close the gap between home and office. Video conferencing solutions allow all team members to be seen and heard equally, building a sense of connection and collaboration even when team members are physically separated.
The AI behind the connection
Think for a moment about the frequency of your meetings these days, where the separation between home and office means that remote participants are often limited to a few small pixels on a screen, unable to participate in the dynamics in the room.
AI-powered framing technology solves this problem by automatically framing everyone in the room and bringing them up close, so remote participants can see and understand everything that’s happening. It’s a small change, but one that can change morale and engagement.
It’s not just what you see, but also what you hear. Advanced audio technology is essential for creating a focused and productive meeting atmosphere. Background noise is a common problem when working remotely because it disrupts communication and distracts others. By filtering out unwanted sounds, AI-powered noise cancellation improves audio clarity, increasing engagement, contribution and, of course, productivity.
Additionally, audio technology that solves problems with ‘duplicate conversations’ (which allows multiple speakers to be heard clearly during dynamic discussions) is critical to supporting productivity in hybrid meetings.
Reimagining the workplace
Embracing a technologically advanced and truly hybrid work approach can mean the real difference between a productive and an unproductive team. Today, traditional office spaces are increasingly seen as barriers to productivity. To thrive in this new era, organizations must embrace innovative approaches to work design and technology.
Philip Ross, a leading expert on workplace transformation, argues that we need to ‘de-engineer’ our current practices. By challenging outdated assumptions and habits, we can create more flexible, efficient and fulfilling work environments.
When used strategically, technology can be a powerful tool for increasing productivity. AI, automation, and collaboration tools can streamline tasks, improve communication, and create a sense of community. However, it is essential to remember that technology is not a silver bullet. The human element remains crucial; business needs to see the two as intertwined and not mutually exclusive.
A future of human-centric technology
A truly productive workplace is one where employees feel valued, engaged and empowered. By prioritizing human-centered design and investing in innovative office technology, employers can create a future where productivity and well-being thrive.
To achieve this vision, companies must take a holistic approach to workplace transformation. This means not only investing in technology, but also encouraging a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. By embracing the power of technology and human ingenuity, Britain can unleash its full potential and become a world leader in productivity.
Building a competitive advantage
People need to feel connected to do their best work. They like to feel confident in meetings and want authentic ways to communicate with each other. They want to add value; to be seen and heard.
This sense of connection – enhanced by technology that includes everyone in hybrid and office environments – will inspire a new era of productivity in businesses. And who knows, with the right investment in people through technology, we could solve this productivity puzzle once and for all.
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