On Hybrid Work 2024: Lightware Americas

Clint Hoffman, President at Lightware Americas
(Image credit: Future)

AVT Question: Please share your insight into trends that will play a role in hybrid workplace culture, space planning, and technologies in 2024.

Thought Leader: Clint Hoffman, President at Lightware Americas

Four fundamental components stand out in pursuing a successful hybrid workplace environment: flexibility, productivity, collaboration, and security. We anticipate a continued emphasis from customers on adopting technologies and solutions that bolster these essential elements.

Technology provides employees with the flexibility to work seamlessly from various locations. With BYOD, employees can use their own devices, providing flexibility in choosing where and how they work. As a result, this enhances work-life balance and increases overall job satisfaction.

Employees who can easily navigate and use their devices and applications are more likely to complete tasks efficiently." —Clint Hoffman, President at Lightware Americas

User-friendly technology and a positive user experience contribute to increased productivity. Employees who can easily navigate and use their devices and applications are more likely to complete tasks efficiently. Meanwhile, simple yet powerful automation, based on signal or occupancy sensing, can enhance the timeliness and efficiency of meetings. This is crucial for maintaining productivity levels in a hybrid work environment.

Audiovisual technology must facilitate collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location. BYOD policies support collaboration tools and apps that enhance communication, file sharing, and project collaboration, but a seamless user experience ensures that employees can engage in effective teamwork.

While BYOD introduces convenience, it also poses security challenges. Implementing robust technology solutions is vital to ensure data security. A positive user experience with security measures encourages compliance.

USB-C is emerging as the standard for BYOD support due to its capability to seamlessly transmit both data and power to and from diverse computing devices. By consolidating the functions of four cables—AV, USB, Ethernet, and power—into a single cable, it eliminates the need for additional cables. This not only simplifies connectivity but also enhances flexibility, productivity, collaboration, and security.

The frustration and delays stemming from interoperability issues, tangled cables, and numerous connected devices are effectively eliminated by Lightware’s Taurus UCX. By consolidating video, audio, and Ethernet signals into a single cable, this solution provides a seamless and simplified user experience. 

Cindy Davis
Brand and content director of AV Technology

Cindy Davis is the brand and content director of AV Technology (AVT). She was a critical member of the AVT editorial team when the title won the “Best Media Brand” laurel in the 2018 SIIA Jesse H. Neal Awards. Davis moderates several monthly AV/IT roundtables and enjoys facilitating and engaging in deeper conversations about the complex topics shaping the ever-evolving AV/IT industry. She explores the ethos of collaboration, hybrid workplaces, experiential spaces, and artificial intelligence to share with readers. Previously, she developed the TechDecisions brand of content sites for EH Publishing, named one of the “10 Great Business Media Websites” by B2B Media Business magazine. For more than 25 years, Davis has developed and delivered multiplatform content for AV/IT B2B and consumer electronics B2C publications, associations, and companies. A lifelong New Englander, Davis makes time for coastal hikes with her husband, Gary, and their Vizsla rescue, Dixie, sailing on one of Gloucester’s great schooners and sampling local IPAs. Connect with her on LinkedIn