Virtual meetings have quickly become ingrained into workplace operations, but companies are still trying to identify ways to make these gatherings more immersive.
Concerns over the gap between in-office and remote employees have emerged in the post-pandemic era. Creating an equitable environment has become a top priority in the future of work, leading some employers to use surprising technology to avoid any workplace bias.
“What ends up happening is that you have two separate groups in that meeting: the in-room folks and the virtual participants,” said Dan Burns, Senior Vice President at JLL Technologies. “You shouldn’t have different experiences in a collaborative setting. As technology evolves, there are real opportunities to allow virtual participants to feel more included in the room.”
While holograms may seem like a sci-fi lovers’ dream, this technology has actually become reality and has the chance to further alter how meetings function.
For instance, coworking firm WeWork recently partnered with technology company ARHT Media to incorporate hologram technology into its buildings for conferences.
Holograms in the workplace means more than just a three-dimensional image — Burns says it will incorporate more microphones, multiple screens, and the ability to foster collaboration amongst employees.
Still, he emphasizes the importance of utilizing tools that are currently accessible to businesses today.
Rather than waiting for holograms to become an affordable feature of a company’s hybrid work policies, integrating tools that already exist can make this arrangement fairer for all workers.
“You’re touching three or four different systems there: an application of sensors, a resource booking system, video and audio conferencing systems, and a mobile app–isn’t it great when that is all integrated and friction reduced?” said Burns.
