In today’s fast-evolving work environment in dynamic growth markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the demand for seamless hybrid work solutions has never been greater. A hybrid workplace would be incomplete without efficient video conferencing solutions, which are essential for bridging the gap between remote and in-person collaboration. These tools are critical for ensuring seamless communication, maintaining productivity, and fostering meaningful connections across teams, no matter where they are located.

Video conferencing solutions have seen consistent growth over the past decade. As companies and government entities embrace the flexibility of remote and in-person collaboration, all-in-one video bars have emerged as essential tools for modern conference rooms. These devices have become critical for facilitating hybrid meetings, ensuring that everyone—whether in the office or working remotely—can communicate effectively.

According to a Frost and Sullivan report, 52% of IT decision-makers across various industries and countries have adopted these collaboration solutions. Video bars integrate cameras, microphones, and speakers into a single device, streamlining setup and reducing potential points of failure. This integration maximizes technology uptime, a crucial factor for organizations in KSA and UAE where business continuity is paramount.

As the region undergoes rapid digital transformation—driven by initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Smart Government strategy—choosing the right video bar technology is key to maintaining a competitive edge. So, what should IT managers look for when equipping their meeting spaces with the right technology that seamlessly adapts to the needs of their organizations?

Choosing the Right Solution
When it comes to video features, quality should be non-negotiable. This is especially crucial when it comes to ensuring crystal-clear communication. The camera resolution, field of view (FoV), high dynamic range (HDR) technology, and AI-powered framing options are all critical considerations.

A 4K camera (Ultra HD) is standard in most all-in-one video bars, providing sharp and clear visuals that enhance the overall meeting experience. In the context of hybrid work, where participants may be spread across multiple locations this clarity ensures that every detail is captured and communicated effectively.

The FoV determines how much of the room the camera captures, which is essential for ensuring all participants are visible. Most video bars offer FoVs between 95° and 120°, depending on the room size—ideal for the diverse meeting spaces found in the sprawling business hubs of the region’s rapidly growing corporate sector.

HDR technology further enhances image quality by improving color and contrast, adapting to changes in lighting conditions for clear and balanced visuals. This is particularly useful for businesses in there region where natural light can vary significantly throughout the day, and offices often feature large windows.

AI-powered framing options allow the camera to automatically adjust its view and focus, ensuring all on-site participants are well-framed and visible. This feature is invaluable in high-stakes meetings where every participant’s input is crucial.

Crystal-Clear Audio for Effective Communication
Next, we dive into audio features like speakers, microphones, microphone arrays, and noise and echo cancellation. The impact of audio quality on the overall perceived quality of audio-visual content is crucial—it can make or break the meeting experience.

High-quality speakers are essential for clear, distortion-free audio, ensuring effective communication between in-room and remote participants. In regions like KSA and UAE, where multilingual teams are common, clarity in audio is critical to avoid miscommunication.

Microphone arrays, which are clusters of microphones working together, capture clear audio from all participants, making sure that everyone is heard, no matter where they are in the room. This is especially important in large, boardroom-style meetings that are common with businesses in the region.

Noise and echo cancellation are also key. Noise cancellation filters out background noises such as traffic, fans, and air conditioning, enhancing audio clarity. Acoustic echo cancellation prevents echo, ensuring clear audio output in environments where microphones and speakers are close to each other. In busy metropolitan areas like these features can significantly improve meeting quality by reducing distractions. Automatic gain control adjusts microphone levels to maintain consistent audio volume regardless of how loudly or quietly participants speak. 

Collaboration Features: The Future of Hybrid Meetings
Finally, the ability to offer wireless conferencing and presentation is an added value for all-in-one video bars. In a region where agility and speed are valued, the ability to quickly connect to a meeting without the hassle of wires can be a game-changer. Wireless conferencing and presentation capabilities enable users to connect their laptops wirelessly to room displays and AV equipment, facilitating quick and easy hybrid meetings. These capabilities can usually be found as separate user-friendly solutions for BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) spaces, like ClickShare Conference, or sometimes integrated into all-in-one video bar devices.

Compatibility with multiple conferencing platforms is another important feature. Devices that support Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet offer greater flexibility. Where global business connections are common, this flexibility ensures that organizations can communicate with ease, regardless of the platform their partners use.

Embracing the Future of Work in the Middle East
As the Middle East continues to embrace digital transformation, the role of high-quality video collaboration tools cannot be overstated. By considering the key features—video quality, audio clarity, and collaboration capabilities—IT managers in KSA and UAE can ensure that their organizations are equipped for the future of work. This not only enhances productivity and communication but also positions these organizations as leaders in the region’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

For regional organizations looking to stay ahead, investing in the right video bar technology is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. With the right tools, businesses can bridge the gap between remote and in-person communication, ensuring that they remain competitive in a global market.

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The hybrid workplace blends traditional office spaces with remote work capabilities, promising newfound flexibility, innovation and efficiency. Yet, beneath the allure of the hybrid workplace lies a labyrinth of challenges and opportunities that demand careful navigation. Getting the hybrid workplace right is not just a strategic choice, it’s a mission-critical necessity for modern businesses.

Why is creating a successful hybrid workplace challenging?  
Creating a harmonious hybrid workplace means bridging diverse workstyles, fostering culture, and tackling technical intricacies. Success demands strategic vision and adaptability.

Why is it crucial to get it right?

• Talent attraction and retention. Attracting top talent and retaining valuable employees increasingly hinges on offering flexible work arrangements. A well-structured hybrid workplace can be a competitive advantage.
• Productivity and innovation. A well-executed hybrid model can enhance productivity by allowing employees to work where they are most effective. It also promotes innovation through diverse perspectives.

How can you get it right?

1. Build a strong foundation with well-thought company policies
A strong and well-defined hybrid work policy serves as the bedrock of a successful hybrid workplace. It sets the expectations, guidelines and boundaries for both remote and in-office work.

To create an effective policy, consider the unique needs and preferences of your employees. Recognize that flexibility is key, allowing individuals to choose where they work best while ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.

2. Redesign offices for efficient collaboration
Hybrid workspaces should be designed to facilitate collaboration seamlessly, whether employees are in the office or working remotely. Invest in spaces that encourage collaboration and connection.

Next up, integrate suitable hybrid meeting equipment in your hybrid workplace. Modern cameras, microphones, speakers, and wireless videoconferencing solutions ensure that hybrid meetings run smoothly, enabling all participants to fully engage, regardless of their location.

3. Provide the home office basics for increased productivity
Remote workers also require the right hybrid meeting technology to perform at their best. Ensure that employees have access to quality hardware and software.

This includes providing laptops, monitors, ergonomic keyboards and mice, webcams, printers, headphones, and a reliable internet connection. By offering the essentials for a functional home office, you empower your remote workforce to be productive and efficient.

4. Ensure easy access to company platforms
One of the defining features of a hybrid workplace is the ability for employees to work from various locations. To support this flexibility, your IT infrastructure must be robust and reliable.

Employees should have seamless access to company platforms, regardless of where they are working. Invest in secure and user-friendly remote access solutions to enable hassle-free connectivity and collaboration.

5. Amp up your security
With employees connecting to company platforms from different locations and devices, security is paramount. Strengthen your cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data, maintain confidentiality and protect privacy.

Implement multi-factor authentication, encryption and regular security audits. Training your workforce on cybersecurity best practices is also essential to mitigate risks effectively.

6. Optimize your workplace based on insights
Data plays a crucial role in shaping the success of a hybrid workplace. Collect and analyze data on employee meeting behavior, workspace utilization, and device usage. Use these insights to make informed decisions about workspace design, technology investments, and resource allocation.

Maximizing device ROI and adoption rates will ensure that your efforts to create an efficient hybrid workplace yield the desired results.

Why getting the hybrid workplace right matters can be summed up in one word: impact. It impacts your organization´s ability to attract and retain top talent, fuels productivity and innovation, enhances your organization’s resilience. By embracing the six essential steps outlined in this article, your organization can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence and grace.

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By combining Nureva’s next-generation plug and play audio systems with Barco’s ClickShare solutions, users can enjoy a painless and engaging collaboration experience that is easy for IT to deploy and manage throughout their organization. With the ClickShare Button, meeting room participants can start a wireless video meeting or share content on the meeting room display. It’s as easy as plugging the USB-C device into their laptop and, within seconds, the user is automatically connected to the meeting room display, Nureva audio system, camera and any other AV peripheral. With just a USB cable and no complicated wiring, the Nureva audio system is automatically recognized and ready to deliver full-room audio coverage.

Setting up, managing and deploying the HDL310 and HDL410 systems is simple, making them ideal for scaling across large organizations and higher education institutions. The systems deliver uncompromised audio quality in even the most expansive meeting spaces. With the HDL310 providing pro AV performance in rooms up to 30′ x 30′ (9.1 x 9.1 m) and the HDL410 system offering the same exceptional quality in extra-large spaces up to 35′ x 55′ (10.7 x 16.8 m), Nureva ensures that no participant is left unheard within the room.

All Nureva audio systems are powered by Microphone Mist technology, which fills a room with thousands of virtual microphones, so people’s voices are picked up everywhere. The system autocalibrates at setup and continuously during use. It senses and automatically adjusts to changes in room characteristics, eliminating the need for IT staff intervention. With numerous patents issued in a several countries, Microphone Mist technology is a revolutionary advancement in audio conferencing.

“Providing a consistent experience across all types of meeting rooms is one of ClickShare’s key strengths. Our strong ecosystem of partners plays a crucial role in bringing the highest level of video and audio,” said Dan Root, global strategic alliance lead, meeting experience at Barco. “In large spaces such as training rooms and boardrooms, Nureva’s differentiated approach offers an outstanding audio experience. Our joint solution brings engaging meeting experiences for both in-room and remote participants, ensuring meeting equity, simplicity and ease of use.”

“We are thrilled to add this certification to our growing ecosystem that brings a new level of audio excellence to larger spaces,” said Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s CEO. “By combining our next-generation plug and play audio systems with Barco’s ClickShare solutions, we provide users with unparalleled audio performance and a seamless conferencing experience in any large or extra-large meeting room or classroom.”

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As hybrid work has become a permanent fixture within the modern workforce and employees continue to take advantage of flexible working policies, hidden mental issues could be on the horizon. Workers are inclined to disengage from work because of poor management and excessive device usage. Barco

The Barco Meeting Barometer, an annual index measuring the workers’ satisfaction within the hybrid meeting environment, found that 65% of workers are either back in the office full time or spend more time in the office than remote. However, 31% wish they could work from home more often. That said, quiet quitting has begun to take hold, as 23% of workers explicitly reporting disengagement from work due to poor management and tech overload (14%).

While it is clear that the hybrid model enjoys great popularity amongst workers due to the flexibility it offers, businesses must be careful that it does not become a double-edged sword. Remote colleagues may feel less able to communicate the pressures they are facing, masking work-related stress that may build into a larger disengagement issue if left unaddressed.

One in three workers mostly working in the office find it easier to tell when a colleague is overworked or stressed when seeing them face to face, leaving remote workers at risk of struggling under the radar of management teams.

What are the causes of these hidden frustrations?

• 28% point to tech overload. Excessive use of devices reduces their capacity to accomplish their work. People have a hard time to “switch off” from their devices in their own personal time, due to work commitments.
• 25% of workers feel stressed out by all the meeting technology they are expected to use.
• 19% state that hybrid working has had a negative influence on their collaboration with colleagues.
• 35% of remote staff state they miss in-person interactions with co-workers.

What is quiet quitting exactly?
Quiet quitting refers to employees who are doing the bare minimum in their job and putting in no more time, effort or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary. Quiet quitting does not mean employees have left their job, but they avoid working longer hours and set clear boundaries to improve work-life balance. It is a growing phenomenon in the hybrid workplace and one which employers will have to keep a firm grip on in order to manage staff wellbeing and productivity levels.

The term ‘quiet quitting’ may sound relatively new, the practise, however, isn’t. Employees have been quietly quitting because of poor management, workload, pay, burnout or lack of growing opportunities in the past too. However, since the Great Resignation and the shift to hybrid work, the phenomenon has been extrapolated and workers globally have started to question their work-life balance, salaries and company values more than ever before. In turn, employers have a hard time reaching employees in formal online and hybrid meetings since these have replaced also the more informal chats at the coffee corner.

How can technology help?
Employee experience is key for organizations fighting disengagement. Keeping communication lines open, asking for feedback and giving regular appreciation are focus points for mangers. Next to that employers can gain real benefit from enabling great collaboration experiences and investing in the right technology to improve inclusion and equity in the hybrid workplace. With the right tools, policies and practices in place, work-life boundaries can be respected, collaboration can be seamless and workers can feel truly engaged and included.

As many employees report disengagement due to the overwhelm caused by the various tech tools they’re being told to use, it is clear that the learnings from the last three years of hybrid work need a more concerted effort to be implemented correctly. If businesses expect to get the best out of their teams, they must provide them with the tools they need to feel supported and heard, wherever they are: remote or in-office.

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Understanding this, most businesses have already started to implement various kinds of long-term hybrid systems, which can offer a mix of office-based and remote working.

This is, of course, great news, not only for the employee experience, but also the overall performance of businesses. Such hybrid models should, in effect, offer white-collar workers the best of both worlds – that is, more time to work productively and stress-free from home, as well as more opportunity to catch up with colleagues, and make use of the professional backdrop of the office for important meetings.

Hybrid working: the challenges
However, as with the implementation of any new system of working, there are challenges to overcome. If hybrid business models are to be productive and successful – if their potential is ever to be truly realised, then issues around meeting room technology must first be acknowledged and resolved.

CIOs and IT decision makers must, in the first instance, work out how to ensure widespread user adoption of meeting room technologies. Despite the general enthusiasm for hybrid collaboration, most white-collar workers have little-to-no inclination to give up their new-found laptop-centric approach to meetings, with 71% preferring to host hybrid meetings from their own laptops.

Since they started working from home, employees have been able to avoid complicated meeting room set-ups and easily host and join meetings from their laptops, using their preferred video conferencing platforms. More to the point, according to the latest Barco research, they now see no reason to do things differently, with a remarkable 70% of the 800 white-collar workers surveyed from across the globe, insisting that they would rather use their own laptops than in-room systems. Disillusioned with current office technology infrastructures, 65% admit that they struggle with different meeting room set-ups, and a further 48% with connecting to AV peripherals, such as displays, cameras, speakers and microphones. Alarmingly, these challenges have caused a stunning 71% of workers to experience stress during hybrid meetings.

Bring your own meeting (BYOM) solution
The widespread adoption of hybrid meetings, it would seem, will ultimately hinge on the roll-out of a more inclusive and intuitive meeting technology solution. An overwhelming 81% of white-collar workers across every age group agree that easy-to-use technology facilitates better meetings.

According to further research, most would also agree that the very process of ideation and innovation depends on making real connections during a meeting, with over one third (42%) believing in the necessity of having personal conversations to generate ideas.

For a successful digital workplace strategy, businesses will therefore need to support hybrid meetings that are as seamless and intuitive as face-to-face collaborations. One way to achieve this is by offering, for in-person as well as virtual environments, what the Barco ClickShare team refer to as a “Bring your own meeting” (BYOM) experience. With BYOM, users can host and join video meetings and share content using their own preferred conferencing platform in any existing meeting room or space from their own device.

High-quality audio-visual experience
Wireless presentation and conferencing systems, such as ClickShare harness the power of BYOM, enabling employees in the office to join meetings from their laptops with just one click. Instantly connecting employees to the meeting room display and its AV peripherals, such solutions boost productivity and collaboration, allowing for a more deeply immersive, high-quality audio-visual experience.

Thanks to their universal compatibility with most in-room systems, peripherals, and UC&C platforms, agnostic collaboration tools, such as ClickShare are also easy to integrate into most existing meeting room set-ups, offering a much more inclusive and familiar meeting experience for users.

Safe and future-proof hybrid collaboration
Of course, the successful transition to a hybrid style of collaboration is going to depend on the implementation of future-proof and secure technology. Enterprise-ready solutions, such as ClickShare are IS0 27001 certified, safeguarding against future cyber threats, and enabling data to be shared safely. As well as ensuring privacy and confidentiality online, such tools are now able to offer on-going support, providing warranties of up to five years in addition to a continuously enhanced user experience, with an ever-increasing range of features and functionality.

To facilitate the digital transformation of workplaces, CIOs and IT decision makers are also going to have to monitor adoption, as well as productivity and engagement. The best way to do this and prove return on investment is to look for conferencing systems that offer advanced data and analytics.

The future of hybrid working is already starting to take shape, but to reap the benefits of all the advantages that it brings, workspaces will have to be reimagined with intuitive, flexible and familiar meeting room technologies that employees are able – and willing – to use.

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With the introduction of ClickShare Present to the meeting room ecosystem, Barco now offers a solution for any customer wanting to turn existing conference rooms into fully equipped hybrid collaboration rooms. ClickShare Present is a seamless extension to wirelessly share content in any meeting room setup. Customers with existing Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex conference rooms can benefit from adding easy, wireless content sharing. ClickShare completes the collaborative experience with full BYOD, interactivity features and workflow integration. The focus shifts from mainly conferencing to true hybrid collaboration.

The new ClickShare Present range consists of 2 different models for wireless presentation in existing video conferencing rooms.

• The entry C-5 is ideally suited for huddle spaces and small meeting rooms, offering the key functionalities of wireless 4K content sharing.
• The high-end C-10 is the perfect companion for interactive collaboration in any meeting space, adds enhanced video performance and a set of interactivity features such as touch back support, moderation, blackboarding and annotation to make users truly connect and click in meetings.

Making hybrid collaboration flow in one click

ClickShare offers IT managers the freedom to choose between plug & play collaboration with the ClickShare Button or powerful workflow optimization with the ClickShare Desktop App. Both empower hybrid meetings through the same, simple, intuitive experience.

The Button is an instant plug-in for both employees and guests, while the App can be pushed through an MSI to all employee laptops. ClickShare is the perfect match for any digital workplace strategy. Touch or touchless, Button or App. It’s the customer’s way of working, the customer’s decision.

The entire ClickShare family is connected to the user’s IT-grade and matches their network configuration, whether in standalone, connected or fully networked mode. As ISO 27001 certified product, A key focus for Barco has been on security and central management, which is essential for IT compatibility. Using ClickShare’s XMS management dashboard, the user can easily manage and update their units, and receive useful insights into workplace behaviour. All units feature Barco’s SmartCare offering, including five years of coverage, advanced access to Barco’s helpdesk and a license to the XMS Insights module.

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