Hybrid forms of collaboration are now a standard practice in the modern workplace. To ensure efficient and seamless teamwork, regardless of location or technical requirements, we launched the Hybrid Workspaces project as part of our overarching Mobile People transformation programme. The goal was to standardise the technical equipment across all meeting, presentation and seminar rooms and thereby lay the foundations for a modern work culture. At the same time, we are promoting social sustainability by enabling remote working to support work-life balance.
Why Hybrid Workspaces?
Over the years, many of our conference rooms had been equipped with very different video conference, audio and visualisation systems – often as standalone solutions. This resulted in a range of systems with limited interoperability, causing inconvenience for users and the IT support team and leading to an unnecessary use of resources. At the same time, the rise of hybrid collaboration and increased mobile and remote working have significantly ramped up the demand for reliable, user-friendly and accessible spaces.
The Hybrid Workspaces project has set DLR-wide standards for audio, video and IT communication systems:
Standardised technical equipment across all locations
Easy-to-use systems that require no specialist knowledge
High interoperability to support all common tools and working models
Cost-effectiveness and sustainable resource use
A working environment that connects people
Over the course of the project, 290 spaces were equipped to the new standard – from small meeting rooms to large presentation halls. In total, 5.55 million euros were invested in cutting-edge media technology – a substantial contribution to the future viability of hybrid collaboration.
The standardisation of hybrid workspaces strengthens DLR's social and organisational sustainability. In addition to removing barriers, improved technical stability also facilitates remote and hybrid working. At the same time, a modern, flexible working environment also enhances DLR's attractiveness as an employer, helping to attract and retain skilled workers, accommodating diverse life situations and contributing to a better work-life balance.
