The workplace has changed and continues to change, but it will never return to Monday to Friday, 9-5. Today’s staff want the flexibility of a hybrid workplace, sometimes spending time in the office, and other times working from home / remotely. Many companies recognise that hybrid working can actually increase productivity and employee satisfaction. At the same time, customers and partners also expect digital access to your company and staff.
Forward-thinking companies have realised that AV technology is a critical cog in the workings of a successful, modern, hybrid workplace and are busy addressing their needs.
So, what are the five AV trends you’ll want to watch in 2024? Let’s take a look:
Meeting Equity becomes a top priority
Staff being unable to see and hear colleagues clearly was an issue that developed during and after the pandemic, making it more challenging for companies to conduct effective meetings. “Can you hear me?” remains a familiar opening statement. In 2024, firms will actively consider the remote participant experience in hybrid meetings when upgrading their meeting room AV.
Companies that make meeting equity a priority will:
- Ensure remote employees should have high-quality microphones, headphones, and speakers
- Use smart cameras to highlight contributors and provide natural room views
- Use appropriate microphone and speaker technology for meeting rooms and equip them with the right number of units for the room
- Treat meeting rooms with poor acoustics
Being a remote meeting participant need no longer mean you can’t participate equally!
Greater Use Of AI in Meeting Room AV
Another trend for 2024 is the increasing use of AI in the meeting room. The technology is no longer a “promise” but a reality, allowing new previously unthinkable capabilities.
For example, AV vendors are integrating artificial intelligence into audio and camera systems, letting them perform framing, noise cancellation, and transcription in real-time. These approaches give participants more freedom to focus on the content instead of translating between languages or fiddling with settings.
AI is also streamlining the start of meetings, putting people on mute automatically to prevent wayward microphones from damaging the experience. Tools allow participants to focus on interactions instead of constant technical hiccups.
Multiple Meeting Room Cameras
The days of a single meeting room camera might also be coming to an end in 2024. Companies are realising that providing multiple perspectives to remote employees offers unique benefits.
For example, multiple camera views supply feeds of presenters, whiteboards and other colleagues to employees. Such setups also let remote workers switch perspectives, getting a better view of the action for superior understanding.
Brands are realising that adding cameras fosters a more natural and personable atmosphere. People are more likely to feel connected to those in the meeting room, making it feel like they are physically present.
LED Walls In Offices
Another AV trend for 2024 is the use of LED walls in offices.
Advances in LED video wall technology (such as micro LED) and a reduction in cost of entry has resulted in a surge of interest and recognition of the benefits that video walls bring to an impressive, efficient and productive office environment.
LED video walls are increasingly being used in corporate office environments for digital signage and branding, collaborative spaces, internal communications, training and development and visitor engagement.
The Normalisation Of Acoustic Room Treatments
Finally, 2024 is ushering in a normalisation of acoustic room treatments. Most offices have glass and hard surfaces that are the enemy of satisfactory room acoustics. Therefore, staff can have trouble following in-person meetings, let alone people connecting remotely.
From 2024, companies will cease seeing acoustic treatments as “nice to have” and instead view them as essential. It’s not so much about blocking external noises, but ensuring in-person staff and remote users have a better experience.
Companies are starting to use more acoustic treatments because of enhanced aesthetics. Compared to the past, today’s brands have a greater choice of elegant and even custom solutions.
Wrapping Up
Audio-visual equipment is coming of age in 2024. Companies are using it to foster a more connected, equitable, and engaged workforce. AV technology is facilitating the modern hybrid workplace, making it a more flexible, attractive and productive place for talented staff to work. Companies that fully embrace AV technology will be better places to work and work with.