Video chat frequency poised to set off far-ranging focus on hybrid work tech
During the pandemic lockdowns, the prohibition of in-person communications and collaboration led to the mass adoption of video calls. This previously rarely used form of communication came with a whole host of new behavior and revelations—from experiencing inadequacies of in-home Wi-Fi to climbing learning curves around screen sharing. While technology capabilities and personal circumstances varied, these calls took place on a level location playing field in that participants were all usually calling in remotely—typically from their home.
About a third of those who see a lasting uptick in video calls say that they expect video call frequency to increase beyond pandemic levels.
The repopulating of offices, however, particularly on flexible or staggered schedules, has led to wide-ranging opportunities for companies addressing collaboration and workflow. That hybrid work is here to stay has already become a cliché, albeit a premature proclamation. The changing mix of tools must accommodate unprecedented office/remote combinations. Beyond offering “flexibility,”, they must achieve this while fostering productivity and ensuring manageability amidst a growing consciousness around inclusiveness and equity. For one, expectations around the future frequency of video calls anticipate a break from the pre-pandemic past.