From improving communication and fostering a culture of safety, to facilitating collaboration and driving productivity, digital signage is redefining the workplace. As flexible work arrangements become more popular, next-generation signage will be an important component of the agile office and a distinct asset when some remote workers eventually return to the physical office.
“More and more, companies are recognizing the value of digital signage technologies for communicating with employees in meaningful ways,” said Mary Peterson, Vice President, IT & Enterprise Solutions, Samsung Electronics Canada. “When employees return to the office after working remotely, digital signage will be indispensable for ensuring that smooth transition.”
While there’s no question about the absolute necessity of flexible, modern technology, there is less certainty about which digital signage tools will best support businesses and where they can be most usefully employed. The key to making the most of digital signage is to understand the different ways to use it and how it can foster an efficient and dynamic office experience.
How to use digital signage in the hybrid office
Improve communication: With the pandemic continuing to empty offices, employers need new ways to communicate with employees who remain in the physical workplace. Not only does next-generation signage communicate a commitment to support workers, but it also offers unique applications, such as high-definition video walls, which are now one of the fastest-growing subsegments of A/V displays for corporate use. For example, Samsung’s Video Wall VHR-R Series features razor-thin bezels, allowing the display to blend into any business environment for a near-seamless experience. Additionally, indoor LED signage offers transformative ways to communicate, whether installed individually or as part of a seamless, large-palette LED screen.
Read: “The Technology-powered Pivot: Digital Game-changers in the New Mobile Workplace”
Foster a culture of health and safety: Safe, real-time content benefits all workers in a hybrid office environment, whether they’re in the physical office for a few hours or a few days each week. Digital signage can present multimedia messaging that promotes health and safety guidelines and reminds employees about critical protocols and information. Digital displays can also provide contactless wayfinding and can issue alerts in the case of an emergency. As the pandemic continues to affect workplaces, it will be important for digital signage to perform a variety of essential functions, such as identifying the availability of remote work locations to control occupancy rates.
Enhance collaboration: Collaboration can be difficult when remote workers feel like they’re at a disadvantage, which is why remote conferencing tools and digital displays, such as collaborative whiteboards, are essential for ensuring the optimal setup for any meeting. Small- to mid-size meeting rooms – also called huddle spaces – can leverage video collaboration offerings and collaborative display technology to give team members a clear view of shared content, no matter where they are working. Popular tools include on-screen support for multiple operating systems and security solutions that allow employees to use their own devices, IT-approved software, and peripheral equipment.
Increase productivity: When employees are physically removed from the office, it can be difficult for them to keep up to date with their company’s goals. They might also be in the dark about the progress being made in achieving those goals. That’s why digital signage that displays KPIs and other key metrics in the office will be so important to catch them up when they do return to the office periodically. These signs will keep workers informed and clarify the success of company initiatives in a straightforward way so that no employees are being left behind. Broken down by teams or other employee groupings, this information can also highlight exemplary contributions and identify areas of concern.
Motivate workers: Celebrating individuals and teams for a job well done is a way to inspire and motivate employees. Digital signage can be used to share these workplace accomplishments in a creative and visual way for employees returning to the office, either on a full-time or part-time basis. Regular good news posts are integral to a positive work culture and are key to encouraging workers to go the extra mile. Whether used to celebrate team initiatives or communicate individual successes, digital signage has the ability to connect and motivate workers.
As companies set their sights on a dynamic hybrid workplace, digital signage is evolving into an immersive, interactive support for the new corporate landscape. Meeting the needs of employees is critical in sectors experiencing significant talent shortages, but there are other reasons to adopt digital displays. As businesses introduce new ways to operate, digital signage will allow those in the office and those in other locations to build better relationships and collaborate more efficiently.
Learn more about the many business applications of digital signage solutions from Samsung Canada.
