67 “Many people have cited that they are actually more productive when working at home, despite the potential distractions of children, pets or household chores,” says Dunn. “This could be attributed to high-quality headsets that filter out background noise and create a concentration zone for users. Hybrid working is here to stay. We can't avoid it any longer and a lot of firms that didn't embrace the digital world got caught out during the pandemic.” Dunn believes that this attitude needs to change moving forward, not just so businesses can deal with potential crises, but also to ensure they meet the expectations of those entering the workforce. “There's a talent war going on out there – from our own research, 59 per cent of respondents said that salary is not the most important thing anymore, and that flexibility is a key factor when choosing an employer,” he explains. “Clearly this is something that employers need to think about.” Corporate social responsibility is also becoming more important to the modern workforce. “We've set some very aggressive sustainability targets, but it’s important for businesses to realise that they can make great sustainability strides by properly embracing hybrid working and the appropriate technologies,” says Dunn. “You no longer need to commute to an office or travel for business so much, which creates substantial energy savings. You can reduce your costs as a result and can invest those savings into other initiatives.” Jabra is practicing what it preaches. In the UK, it has launched a Go Electric scheme, enabling employees to purchase electric cars on business leases paid for by Jabra, as well as a salary-sacrificing programme. “It's these kinds of initiatives that will attract the best talent and retain them for the future,” says Dunn. Professionalism and productivity are key to the success of a business, and Jabra is working to deliver both to its customers. As employees continue to work from our home offices, it is clear that the right solutions could make the difference. “Businesses are often wary of homeworking as there is a chance that it could affect the way customers and prospects see them, for example with employees’ washing hanging behind them while on a call,” says Dunn. “It’s a bit like driving an old, battered car to a meet a customer – there is a little bit of the stigma about the driver’s professionalism and ability. One way to get around it is to have professional equipment that enables staff to do their job properly. For example, Microsoft Teams technology can provide green screen-like backgrounds, and noise-cancelling headsets can create a tranquil and professional experience. “First impressions count, and the right technology will give you a good head start.” Flexibility enabled by virtual collaboration tools is essential to those entering the workforce
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=