Collaboration Workspaces in the Hybrid Office Model

The hybrid work model is an approach to the work experience that allows for greater employee flexibility and autonomy. It involves a mix of working at the office and working from home or other locations. While some may view the hybrid work model as simply a mix of work at the office and home, the hybrid revolution is a reinvention of the entire experience including our interactions with customers and how we live our lives. In a digitally-driven world, this work style is becoming increasingly popular.  

Navigating Collaborative Challenges 

One challenge in reimagining offices for the hybrid workplace is ensuring technology is easy to use and intuitive. Employees might not be familiar with the technology, so providing training and support to help them get up to speed is crucial. Additionally, the technology should be integrated seamlessly into the office environment so that it does not disrupt workflow.

Another challenge is ensuring that the technology is reliable and secure. In a hybrid workplace, the technology must be able to protect sensitive company data from any location. This may require implementing secure networks, encryption, and other security measures.

Overall, retrofitting offices with technology for collaboration in the hybrid workplace is a complex process, but it’s necessary to support the increasing number of employees working from anywhere at any time. Companies can make hybrid work environments effective, productive, and secure by investing in the right technology and providing the necessary support and training.

Flexible Options for Shared Workspaces 

Shared workspaces should be designed to facilitate connection and collaboration between employees who may be working from different locations - here are five flexible options for hosting a productive hybrid workplace. 

1. The Conference Room
A dedicated conference room could be a physical space where employees who are working in the office can come together to have meetings and collaborate. The conference room should be equipped with the necessary technology to support remote participation, such as video conferencing software and a large display for sharing documents and other materials.

2. Virtual Meeting Rooms 
A virtual meeting room is another innovative solution to hybrid collaboration - this could be a platform or software tool that allows employees to participate in meetings and collaborate online, regardless of location. The virtual meeting room should be easy to use and provide screen sharing, document sharing, and the ability to see and hear other participants to enhance productivity and workflow. 

3. Huddle Rooms
Workplace huddle rooms are small, private spaces where small groups of employees can meet and collaborate on projects or hold virtual meetings. These rooms are typically equipped with video conferencing systems and whiteboards, making it easy for teams to work together, even if some team members are working remotely. 

4. Training Rooms 
Physical or virtual training rooms enable employees to develop together. These rooms should be equipped with the necessary technology to support remote participation, such as video conferencing software and a large display for sharing materials. Training rooms in a hybrid work environment can be a valuable tool for providing employees with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, regardless of their location.

5. Common Spaces 
In addition to dedicated meeting spaces, hybrid work models may also require the creation of common spaces for informal collaboration and socializing. These spaces could be physical or virtual lounges, break rooms, or online forums. These spaces should provide a comfortable and welcoming environment where employees can connect, share ideas, and build relationships.

Create a Supportive Hybrid Workspace

Overall, the key to creating successful common spaces for meetings and collaboration in a hybrid work model is to ensure they are designed to support the unique needs of a distributed workforce. This may require a combination of physical and virtual spaces, as well as the use of technology to facilitate communication and collaboration. Organizations can foster a strong and cohesive team, even in a hybrid work environment by providing employees with the tools and support they need to connect and work together. 

Explore these Cisco solutions to reimagine meeting and common spaces to safely connect people in new ways.

	Webex Suite - Collaboration tools are secure and flexible to create inclusive team engagement that enhances productivity.
	Cisco devices - Experience exceptional video conferencing on any meeting platform with Cisco devices; desk devices, room devices, headsets, and more.
	Cloud-managed smart cameras - Meraki smart cameras give you unmatched visibility and control to help you stop on top of your security system. Eliminate blind spots, identify and investigate threats, and complete the picture by combining camera, sensor, and network data.