Question 1

What is your view on what hybrid working is?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of conversation and predictions in the media about what the new hybrid workspace should look like, understandably supported by little direction and actual customer experiences.   As such there are “grey” area’s such as how much to invest in new office technology and furnishings and in what format, if at all?. What is expected by employees, how many need or want to return and how much office space will be utilised as a result?. All of these questions and more remain unquantifiable for most companies currently!   What should a company do?… watch and wait, follow the lead of others or be proactive about their approach to welcoming back their employees safely? Fact is all of the above can apply!   Following the launch of our showroom in Clerkenwell we have been fortunate enough to meet some of the early adopters working on active projects for the new return and also to have been involved in the consultation of space for some large organisations proactively investing in their future during the pandemic.   The “BBC” stated on a recent survey 43 out of 50 UK top companies said they will embrace the hybrid model, which arguably demonstrates the positive sentiment towards hybrid working.   Yet there is clearly a common challenge in organisations that is clouding judgement of what the hybrid space is, with IT-Procurement-HR-Facilities all pulling in different directions with different complex challenges. Decisions are tending to be slow, non-committal and undecided as a result that only through 3rd party consultation can often unlocked.   Perhaps a simple over-arching question can be asked of any organisation; can the company work more cost effectively, more competitively and more efficiently with remote workers based on current experience? If the answer is yes then a hybrid strategy is for you, if the answer is no then a more simpler working practice is need, BUT to stand still by continuing as before is not an option as your competitors, partners, suppliers and employees will be considering flexible advancement and you don’t want to be left behind.   What we know so far is that companies are finding administrative tasks are best produced at home or remote spaces and that creative tasks are best produced collaboratively in high energy creative communal locations which may be corporate HQ’s.   Depending on role, arguably most of us have an element of both tasks in our day-to-day work activities and therefore this quantifies perhaps the 43/50 UK top companies wanting the hybrid option with formulas such as 2 days at home and three days in the office as a compromise.   Hybrid working provides the flexibility for employees to work where they want, when they want at home or in remote co-working locations. The work-life benefits of which are clear for the wellbeing of the employee and often as a result the productivity is increased and costs such as overheads are lowered.   However, it does come with challenges for the employer as the “tail is and has been wagging the dog” and to accept this change needs to be managed carefully with a fresh and flexible but quantified programme that suits both the employee and the employer as companies start to recover and the need to regain control for the wellbeing of the organisation and employees is a requirement.   Open collaboration space equipped with soft furnishings and video conference collaboration technology for creative sessions, interactive experience centre presentation spaces for marketing and sales promotion, interactive areas for democratized learning and knowledge sharing, meeting pods for quiet video conference meetings are many of the trends that we are experiencing and involved in for creative centralised locations and wellbeing fulfilment.   The remote worker also having the flexibility to join collaborative sessions seamlessly from anywhere. A collaborative session being whiteboarding, video conferencing via Zoom/Teams or Webex for example that connects into sessions within the creative spaces.   Interestingly we are also starting to see a second phased investment into better office furniture and technology for the remote workers now that hybrid working is here to stay, with the wellbeing of their employees at heart of their decision making.   But here is the golden take-away. It is essential that a company invests in a centralised management platform that controls and reports on the outcome of hybrid working. The “glue” that empowers employees to book spaces, check-in check-out of desks and spaces, and provides employers with reports to monitor and analyse behaviour and productivity trends.   This insight provides a better understanding of space utilization, staff wellbeing, cost savings and efficiencies for forward investment and space optimisation longer term.   It does not have to be expensive. Larger organisations may opt for systems that monitor space utilisation and optimisation across the estate including remote employees, and those that are unsure there are simple measures through audio or camera techniques for example to quantify investment.   Only then will a be able to organically adapt and enjoy the benefits of the workspaces of tomorrow.

Question 2

Do you offer hybrid workspace consultancy ?

Accepted Answer

Yes through our partner supplier Qico we can offer space optimisation and utilisation consultancy to help you welcome employees back with the right technology based on an understanding of organisation requirements during the pandemic period. Please do contact us for further information. robbosher@fremgroup.co.uk.

Question 3

Are your pods safe to hold meetings in in such close proximity?

Accepted Answer

Hubs, booths and pods can be treated in the same manner as other furniture in the workplace with regular hygiene cleaning routines.   Hubs are open working environments, with the option of clear screens to create additional barriers when required. Booths are available with closed or open louvre ceiling panels, both work with the buildings existing airflow and HVAC systems Pods are fully equipped with labyrinth airflow systems which pulls air into the pod, providing fresh ventilation and improved acoustic properties.   The airflow system can be set or altered as required to increase airflow/temperature. Pods also come with options of CO2 sensors which automatically increase the airflow once a comfort CO2 trigger is reached, plus a ‘cleansing’ light system which is proven to reduce pathogens and allergens for added comfort and safety.

Question 4

Space optimisation and utilisation monitoring is now key for us, how can you help ?"

Accepted Answer

Our own proprietary software Cocoon can be bespoke to any organisations needs pulling in data feeds from access control systems, desk check in-out, health questionnaires and sensors for example. All of this data being realised in enterprise reporting for organisation to understand what space is working, what the requirements of the future for both space and technology within. This ultimately saving costs by sweating the assets.

Question 5

Our challenge is noise in the workspace with rows of desks with employees now doing Teams and Zoom call's. What products do you have to solve this ?

Accepted Answer

We would recommend our range of meeting Pods for 1-6 people, that provides a private space for conversations and collaboration meetings.   Equipped with the latest Jabra Panacast 50 integrated audio and video camera, coupled with a TV display, any collaboration call can be conducted in a personal, quite space, equipped with fantastic acoustic cancelling features for those surrounding the pods.

Question 6

You have ELO touch screens in all of your Pod spaces is this a requirement?

Accepted Answer

No, you can use a normal TV however our ELO touch screens for a similar price as a good quality TV provide the added option of being able to collaborate through touch. Especially useful for in meeting presentations where for example whiteboarding is a requirement, or if the employee decides to leave their pc on their desk space.

Question 7

What is special about the Jabra camera's?

Accepted Answer

Well they actually provide a 4K quality video output with a 180 degree field of view. Ideal for tight spaces such as meeting pods. Couple that with the Panacast 50 soundbar and you have a perfect collaboration solution for meeting spaces.   It is best purchased as part of our technology package for FREM meeting pods otherwise your organisaiton has to do all of the cabling if retro fitting.

Question 8

There are so many technology options, how can I find out which will suit me best?"

Accepted Answer

A lot of companies are undecided you are not alone. Start with a chat at our showroom and share your challenges. We may be able to demonstrate some solutions. We then have consultation services which is the first and best place to start. As companies do not realise what is availble, what problems they may be trying to solve or have not realised yet.  We start by looking at your current space utilisation requirements, and then look to optimise with the right technology and furniture solutions. All measured and digitised to help any organisation make better decisions longer term. FREM Group Technology are fortunate to be working with large organisations who have gone through the options or consultation period, and there are technologies that FREM Group Technology are also pioneering for workspaces. The point is we are very well geared to understand the challenges and provide technology and furniture solutions to your spaces of today and tomorrow. This applies to furniture dealers and their clients and Frem Group Technology can work as an intermediary to help facilitate the required service.

Question 9

Technology is always improving, how can I guarantee that my technology will work with newly launched products ?"

Accepted Answer

There is no guarantee. Generally, most technology is based on Windows or Android core, so as long as manufacturers of hardware and software maintain the correct service updates then then there is alignment and there should be little to no concerns from leading manufacturers.  All partners that FREM Group Technology work with and integrate with their furniture solutions are Internationally recognised brands and leaders of their field and carefully selected.

Question 10

What type of training is offered, to make sure all the features are understood and used ?"

Accepted Answer

Depending on the software manufacturer, software training may be offered as part of the service as a live demonstration or virtual via video. Generally, this is differentiated as software as a service where software is rolled out to many people for example Microsoft Word. If not part of the service, i,e a bespoke presentation service for an experience centre, training has to be bespoke and will be offered as a paid for option in the capacity that is needed for the organisation.

Question 11

Similar to privacy filters on phones, can you have this on screens, or as a setting ?"

Accepted Answer

Generally organisations will have an IT department that will administer this setup to ensure any device adheres to the organisation practices. A user or organisation will then subscribe to a service and enter their login details and profile which is under secure access. Users accept the conditions of the service or not if they don't feel comfortable.

Question 12

How robust are touch screens, can they be damaged by heavy handed people/children ?"

Accepted Answer

Very. Most touch screens are water resistant, and they are manufactured with toughened glass as standard or an equivalent material.

Question 13

Do the products work on wifi, or do they have to be plugged into the network?"

Accepted Answer

Generally, all products work on WIFI. However, for more secure and faster connectivity we would always advise to hardwire to the network where possible.

Question 14

Will I buy the software outright, or will I have a contract agreement where updates are provided?"

Accepted Answer

No. All native software is licenced and generally included in the licence fee and agreement updates and support. It is in the interest of the software providers on subscription based services to maintain your service. In the instance of presentation services for experience centres, companies will have the option of a support and maintenance package as it suits some companies and not others. Support is on a pay as you go option or a monthly rolling contract to an agreed duration.

Question 15

There were a lot of videos demonstrating how you can use your phone with their software, can all hybrid phones do this?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, all phones will work. There are various ways of connecting to the hardware. There are generally two methods. 1) Through a native app downloadable from the app store. In some screen sharing instances it is required to download an app and then simply pair from the app to the display using a code on the screen. The user has to be on the same network. 2) QR code. In some instances, such as content sharing you can scan a QR code and download or connect to the live collaboration session. The user must be on the same network.

Question 16

Some of the screens were freestanding, can they be embedded into the pod walls?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, all screens come with a universal VESA mount to the rear meaning they can be mounted to a wall or mobile stand. All an organisation will need is a standard VESA bracket.

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