Remote and hybrid work arrangements might attract global talent and streamline costs, but they can also harbor huge challenges that can lead to failure. Hybrid Work visionary and CEO of Owl Labs, Frank Weishaupt, shares 4 insights on hybrid work and how the right technology can drive job equity.

1. Collaboration and Communication Barriers

Contrary to the remote work trend that swept through the world in 2020, 90% of companies will consider moving at least some employees back to the office by the end of 2024. Currently, remote work can often hinder spontaneous collaboration and creative thought showers, making it challenging to maintain an inclusive work environment.

Frank stated that the lack of face-to-face interaction can also lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and feelings of isolation among team members.

For Owl Labs, this predicament inspired them to make the remote work experience as equitable as in-person work experiences and use the pandemic as a catalyst to amplify the adoption of hybrid work across industries.

2. Optimising Technology for Remote Work

One of the reasons why remote work can hinder productivity and cause frustration is inadequate technology. Take management platforms, for instance; without a cloud solution to manage tasks, meeting deadlines can be challenging, and managers find it harder to track output, leading employees to burnout.

“Our founders were roboticists, and they took a software approach to solve this problem,” Frank says, highlighting how their AI-powered flagship product, the Meeting Owl, is a 360-degree smart video conferencing camera that automatically focuses on the active speaker in a room, making it easier for remote and in-person participants to engage in meetings effectively.

The essence of this approach, according to Frank, is to create a more inclusive environment where remote workers don’t feel like passive observers but active participants. “It’s important to see each other’s faces as opposed to feeling like we’re watching a meeting as though I’m watching a film on television,” he said, emphasizing the importance of fostering true engagement in remote meetings.

3. Remote Work is the Inevitable Future

As technology advances, allowing for hybrid and remote work will become the norm for future companies, and a shift in the perception of remote work over the years drives this. “There was always this concept of, live where you want, work where you want,” Frank noted. “With technology advancing, there’s no reason why my son, who is 11, can’t compete for Silicon Valley jobs from Montana in the future.”

As the interview progressed, Frank delved into the current trends in hybrid work. He shared, “It seems like everybody is clustering towards the same solution, which is Tuesday through Thursday. There’s a big hybrid component where you’re either mandated to be in the office, or you’re encouraged to be in the office those days.”

This strategy, Frank says is “indicative of a global transition towards companies allowing for flexible work”. He mentioned that “the reason for this collective strategy is because the employees are happier. And people are happier when they have flexibility and the opportunity to have flexibility.”

4. Hybrid Work is Complicated, and will Take Time to Perfect

Frank also cautioned that we are on a journey in the world of work and that the complete answer to the hybrid work model might take some time to emerge.

“This is a journey. I don’t think we’ll get to the answer probably for another five years,” he stated.

In conclusion, Frank’s insights from Owl Labs provide a valuable perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of hybrid work. As companies navigate this transformative period, understanding the importance of inclusivity, flexibility, and employee engagement will be key to success in the new world of work.



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