15.09.2022

Office spaces have been through a lot in recent years. Pandemics, hybrid work models, changing work attitudes of employees.

New approaches and high-end technologies are impacting the meeting space of tomorrow.

Everything used to be better int the old days? Not in meeting rooms. Printed handouts, flip charts and musty office decor were the norm just a few years ago. Just think of how many trees were wasted on paper!

Now, meeting rooms don't just have the function of providing a place for analog meetings. The working world has become more digital and employees are working more hybrid than ever before. Today, a good meeting space needs more than just a table and chairs. It's important that companies offer their employees a place to gather where they can work creatively, effectively and productively. And that means analog and digital. A pleasant atmosphere has become just as important as having the right equipment for good meetings. These spaces serve to connect people - no matter where they are. 

This is what meetings look like today

A lot has happened here recently. At the latest, the pandemic at the beginning of 2020 forced companies around the world to upgrade in terms of video conferencing. Home offices and hybrid working have led to employees spread across cities and countries - but still working on collaborative projects. Hybrid working gives people around the world more freedom than ever before. However, it also presents companies with major challenges. Because despite the physical separation, the quality of collaboration must not suffer - a crucial point, especially for larger project teams. The geographical distance worsens communication if companies don't help out here.

According to market research firm Sensor Tower, the number of monthly active users of the Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet mobile apps was 21 times higher in August 2021 than in the first half of 2019, which had a huge impact on meeting room technology as companies suddenly needed plug'n'play hardware that could work with Zoom or MS Teams. This proves: good communication via digital devices is important and possible. Digital conferencing has become an integral part of the modern workplace - whether with team members or customers. High-quality video bars in particular have since enjoyed great popularity, as they support accessible teamwork. The Neat Bar Pro from Neat and Meetup from Logitech in particular have proven their worth and helped many companies upgrade spontaneously on a small budget.   

The future lies in technology

For companies that want the whole nine yards, entire video conferencing systems like those from Urben and Neat go one step further. Urbens intuitive, high-end products combine high-quality touchscreens, cameras and speaker systems. Winner of the "red dot" design award, the frames blend into any modern office and provide an attractive eye-catcher. Meetings with people all over the world are made easier and less complicated by the Urben Frames. Neat Boards also offer great value for anyone looking to upgrade their meeting culture. With the mobile board, you combine a touchscreen, audio system and wide-angle camera and network with MS Teams or Zoom as easily as child's play. This is how tomorrow's video calls will work. 

What will the future of meeting rooms look like? Video conferencing technology is constantly evolving. Already, many video systems feature 4K quality, have optimized microphones, and are minimalist in size and shape. So where is still room for improvement? We think: Voice control, analytics and augmented reality still have the potential to push meeting room technologies further.

Video conferencing for rent? That's possible! This not only saves companies high acquisition costs, but also allows them to remain flexible in their product selection. The cost of the rental is 100 % tax deductible and has a positive impact on the cashflow. This is an enormous advantage, especially for smaller companies and startups. Another bonus: As a service concepts are resource-friendly and support you in achieving your company sustainability goals. Contact our Podia team via the contact button below and let us help you out. There is guaranteed to be the right conference system for your company, too - for simply better meetings.