Workplace productivity is a big topic these days, especially as distractions like smartphones and social media become more and more prevalent. There’s no turning the clock back on technology, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Technology is your biggest ally in tackling the most challenging productivity drains.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the biggest losses of office productivity are poor, missed, or misunderstood communications. And those losses are big. Studies on companies, both large and small, have shown that communication issues account for hundreds of thousands (and even millions) in losses each year.
Fortunately, technological advances have made solutions possible, and companies nationwide, like the San Diego commercial audiovisual company Fluid Sound, offer a range of systems and services to solve any communication issues your office is struggling with.
Enhancing Meeting Spaces
If you were to survey employees from different companies randomly, you would probably find that they all have at least one thing in common: they hate meetings. It’s not that employees don’t like being around each other (hopefully, anyway), but rather they hate wasting time, and discussions can become unproductive and wasteful very quickly.
Introducing state-of-the-art presentation systems into your office’s meeting spaces and huddle rooms allows your company’s leaders to make more engaging presentations that keep everyone on the same page. When the meeting participants are captivated, there is less need to repeat information or answer questions covered in the original presentation. This saves time, and as a bonus, if indications are exciting, you’ll find that employees want to come to meetings.
The other issue with meetings in this day and age is that many offices include remote employees. For remote workers to participate in discussions, they either need to travel (which costs a fortune) or call in (frustrating with outdated or inoperable technology). Telecommunication and video conferencing systems are becoming more advanced, and if your office hasn’t had an update in a while, it might be time. The latest video conferencing systems work seamlessly; you’ll likely barely notice that some—or all—of the meeting participants are nationwide. It’ll feel like they’re right there in the room.
Increasing Face-time with Clients
Integrated AV solutions aren’t just for improving in-office communication. They can help with clients, too. Some client communications are better handled in person, but constantly bringing clients into the office can be costly and inefficient.
Imagine what it would be like to have a custom-built integrated video conferencing system that serves your office’s specific needs and allows you to meet face-to-face with clients worldwide. Also, imagine a system that functions reliably time after time! The chances for miscommunication would be greatly reduced, saving your company money and stress (and time wasted on constant tech support) calls.
Do It Right: Work with a professional AV Company.
As the San Diego commercial audiovisual experts at Fluid Sound carefully point out, the key to implementing a successful video conferencing system (or any integrated AV system) is to be professionally designed and installed. True communications solutions are not one-size-fits-all products. Each company has different needs based on space, how the system will be used, and budget.
When considering AV companies in your area, please pay special attention to how they work with their clients. Do they handle the entire job, from the initial consultation, design, installation, and programming? Or do they contract parts of it out? There are many reputable companies across the country, but if you’re looking for a custom solution that will offer you the highest quality and consistency, consider a company like Fluid Sound that completes the job in-house from start to finish.
Another advantage to working with a company that takes care of every step of the process is that they’re generally more invested in the clients and how the systems function once completed. Most boutique AV companies stay engaged with their clients and offer follow-up support to ensure the solutions continue working as intended.
With the help of the right professionals, you could soon be on your way to much-improved workplace communication, and with that, you will see productivity and morale soar. Yes, there will always be new kinds of distractions due to technology, but the good news is that technology also provides some of the best solutions that will only continue to improve for years.
