Exclusive: Bob Aoun of HP Poly Discusses Future of Hybrid Work

HP Poly’s Director of Sales, Bob Aoun, dives into the world of hybrid work in a new interview with TECHx Media. Drawing on data from the Work Relationship Index, Aoun discusses the shifting landscape of remote work and how HP Poly solutions safeguard user privacy.

Can you provide an overview of the current trends in hybrid working that HP has observed from the Work Relationship Index?

The Work Relationship Index (WRI) reveals several trends in hybrid working, highlighting the relationship between employees and work and the pivotal role of AI in improving this dynamic. A notable trend revolves around the fact that only 27% of knowledge workers report a healthy work relationship, with 58% expecting more from their work. This illustrates that it is important to workers to feel good at work and to be themselves, especially in today’s hybrid work environment. Furthermore, AI is also perceived as a tool to improve work-life balance and job satisfaction, with 54% of knowledge workers seeing its potential. Business leaders must educate employees on AI’s benefits, as 42% feel unsure about its use. Training and upskilling are crucial, with 73% of leaders and 66% of workers advocating for AI training. At HP, we underscore the importance of AI integration and workforce education for successful hybrid working.

There are six core factors that contribute to a healthy relationship with work in today’s hybrid work landscape. The first factor is fulfilment – today’s workers seek purpose and empowerment, yet only 29% experience these consistently. To adapt to evolving workforce expectations, businesses must prioritize employment fulfilment through increased voice and agency. The second factor is leadership – workers value leaders who demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence, with 70% of workers sharing that it is essential for leaders to display these qualities. The third factor is people-centricity – only 25% of workers consistently feel valued and respected, and fewer are experiencing the flexibility, autonomy and work-life balance they seek. To address this, leaders should place their teams at the center of decision-making. Next, is workspace – two-thirds of workers desire a seamless and flexible working environment across multiple locations. One more factor is tools – 70% of workers shared that it is important to have access to technology that allows everybody to be seen and heard regardless of where they are. Last but not least, is skills – only 31% of desk-based workers feel confident in their technical skills, emphasizing the need for training and support.

How do HP Poly tools facilitate seamless working experiences in a hybrid working environment?

At HP Poly, we believe the future is hybrid flexibility, which delivers the best of the home and the office to workers everywhere. Through unified communications solutions, we offer audio and video conferencing tools, headsets, and collaboration software, enabling effective communication for remote and in-office workers, fostering collaboration. We also offer high-quality audio and video with products, ensuring communication clarity and reducing meeting disruption. For instance, our HP Poly Lens software provides data-driven insights on workspace and meeting room usage.

Our products contribute to flexible connectivity, supporting wireless, Bluetooth, and USB connections. This enables easy device switching, so that workers can adapt to various work environments. Furthermore, we offer communication tools that integrate with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Workspace, ensuring seamless collaboration regardless of employees’ locations. Not only that, but we also provide remote device management, ensuring smooth operation and minimal downtime for hybrid workers.

Essentially, HP Poly’s goal is to ensure that everyone, whether physically present or dialling in remotely, feels seen and heard during meetings.  Our software layer, integrated with the hardware, facilitates effective communication, ensuring that our portfolio of solutions delivers equal experiences no matter where employees work from – that everyone is both seen and heard clearly during meetings.  

How easily can HP Poly tools integrate with existing office infrastructure and remote setups?

HP Poly tools easily work with office setups and remote setups, making it simple to switch to hybrid work. They connect to different devices and platforms easily with options like wireless, Bluetooth, and USB. Additionally, HP Poly offers integration with popular collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack.

We recently launched the HP Poly Lens App for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows, which is an exciting solution that streamlines device management and boosts end-user experience. Additionally, we introduced two flexible HP Poly Studio Base Room Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows, along with a range of newly certified devices for Microsoft Teams, marking our commitment to enhancing collaboration, regardless of workplace location. 

How do you see the needs of hybrid workers evolving in the next few years? What innovations are HP and HP Poly working on to adapt to these changing needs?

Hybrid workers’ needs may shift toward enhanced remote collaboration tools, flexible workspaces, work-life balance, digital skills, and employee well-being. However, according to HP’s WRI, only 25% of knowledge workers are confident that their company will implement the right technology to support hybrid work.

At HP Poly, we prioritize connectivity and collaboration tools, ensuring compatibility with various communication platforms. We integrate advanced collaboration tools like HP Poly Studio audio and AI Noise Reduction to enhance communication. Additionally, HP’s cloud-based remote management solutions ensure seamless device monitoring and support, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive in hybrid work settings. Using cloud services lets people access their files and apps from anywhere, and robust security measures guarantee data protection.

HP is also ramping up its focusing on emerging tech trends such as the adoption of AI. Evidently, the company recently unveiled its first-ever AI PCs – the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q and the OmniBook X. These are high-quality next-gen AI PCs in the market, meticulously designed to help users stay focused and productive. The AI-powered Elite and Pro PCs such as the HP Elite 1000 Series G11 and ZBook Power G11, are also equipped with high-performance computing and long battery life to support professionals in any environment. 

What are some common challenges businesses face when transitioning to hybrid working, and how have HP Poly tools helped overcome these challenges?

Transitioning to hybrid working poses challenges like communication gaps, technology integration issues, workplace flexibility concerns, and security risks. HP Poly tools address these by offering clear audio and video conferencing solutions that bridge distance. They seamlessly integrate with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, ensuring smooth collaboration. With flexible connectivity options, including wireless and Bluetooth, HP Poly tools adapt to diverse work environments. Advanced security features like encryption safeguard sensitive data.

With the increase in remote work, how do HP Poly tools ensure data security and privacy for users?

HP Poly tools prioritize data security and privacy for remote workers through encryption, secure connectivity, privacy features, compliance with regulations, and regular security updates. In line with this commitment, HP Poly has recently partnered with Pexip to deliver secure video platforms, emphasizing user experience, customization, and interoperability while maintaining stringent security protocols. We offer PrivateConnect for customizable, secure video in private or on-premises settings, CloudConnect for seamless cloud-based management, and FedConnect for secure government connections.

HP ensures device and data security in hybrid work models through comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and advanced technological solutions. HP business laptops feature hardware measures like fingerprint readers and privacy shutters for enhanced security. The SureView integrated privacy screen and security software suite, including HP Wolf for Business, HP Sure Sense, and HP Sure Recover, provide protection against malware and data corruption. Additional features like Sure Click and Sure Run safeguard against cyber threats, while VPNs and USB internet dongles protect against public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities. Regular updates and anti-phishing practices further strengthen security measures. HP collaborates with leading research entities to anticipate emerging cybersecurity risks and develop innovative solutions, ensuring organizations remain resilient against evolving threats. Overall, HP emphasizes a holistic cybersecurity approach and trustworthy partnerships to safeguard devices and data in hybrid work environments.