A new study has drawn attention to the concerns of the facilities management community over audio quality and its role in ensuring seamless communication and collaboration in hybrid workspaces.

Audio specialist Shure partnered with renowned market research firm IDC to delve into the challenges that facilities management teams might face in the integration of hybrid workplaces. This study, based on insights from over 600 respondents from several countries, including the UK.

The study reveals that while UK businesses are at the cutting edge of hybrid workspace adaptation in Europe, there is a noticeable shortfall in addressing the need for superior audio solutions. This oversight is evident in challenges such as ineffective communication and reduced attentiveness during virtual meetings, which many professionals attribute to subpar audio equipment.

Rob Smith, Senior Director, System Sales, Shure, points out: “Implementing a successful hybrid work strategy isn’t just about software; it’s about making sure your hardware—especially audio equipment—meets the standards your employees need to excel. Our research finds that UK organisations are at the forefront of hybrid work adoption in Europe, yet there’s a clear gap when it comes to providing high-quality audio solutions, which affects everything from meeting engagement to overall productivity.”

Globally, 72% of prosperous organisations invest in top-tier audio equipment, but the UK needs to bridge this gap. The study underscores that exceptional audio quality is more than just a technical requirement; it’s a human-centric necessity for facilities management to address.

Key findings from the IDC research relevant to facilities management include:

• Team Motivation: 94% of respondents believe that technology investments can help recreate the natural flow of face-to-face meetings, contributing to team motivation. Staff think team motivation is poor or fair in hybrid (94%) and good/ excellent when F2F (81%) so technology that helps recreating F2F experiences can contribute to team motivation
• Productivity: 90% of respondents say it enables and encourages meeting equity to help achieve more productive and meaningful work
• Employee Retention: 90% of staff see it as an investment in their future at the company

*Organisation Image: 89% of respondents say it impacts the way staff and clients feel about an organisation

*Employee Well-Being and Happiness: 73% of respondents say it makes them feel valued, appreciated, and more capable

*Heightened Agility and Decision-Making: 49% of respondents say it contributes to improve decision making

For an in-depth look into the study and more valuable insights, access the IDC Infobrief sponsored by Shure > https://effortless.shure.com/content-hub/posts/idc-infobrief.