How SMEs Are Using "Tech Powered Remote" To Compete With The Giants
Tech giants such as Google, Meta, Apple, and the leagues of them that once led the way with lavish workplace perks are now struggling to keep up with the Joneses. Once upon a time, in addition to offering great pay, they provided amenities like gourmet meals, personal massages, and on-site laundry — luxuries that small tech companies couldn’t afford due to budget constraints.
However, the pandemic forced a shift, making remote work the hottest new perk! While small tech companies embraced this trend and leveraged it to their advantage, the giants opted to scale back on perks and pull employees back to the office — a strategy falling flat.
Data from Scoop Technologies shows that 81% of companies with fewer than 5,000 employees permit full remote work or offer remote-only options, compared to just 26% of larger companies. Thankfully, the tech world is brimming with possibilities helping facilitate the remote revolution for small and mid sized companies. Here are seven cutting-edge technologies to watch out:
1. Holographic Meetings
Gone are the days when video calls on Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams were enough. This is the future of face-to-face. Enter IMVERSE, a company pioneering holographic meeting technology. Imagine attending a meeting as a 3D hologram, eliminating the need for green screens and static backgrounds. This technology maps your features through your camera, creating a lifelike 3D model that can be beamed anywhere in the world.
2. Desk Holograms
Bringing board room into your home, companies like Looking Glass Factory and Cisco are developing desk holograms. Picture holding and examining a 3D photograph in mid-air — an invaluable tool for creators and artists. While this tech isn’t mainstream yet, it’s on the horizon and set to transform how we conduct remote meetings.
3. Virtual Reality Meetings
Virtual reality (VR) is going beyond the gaming industry. Apps like Arthur, compatible with the Oculus Quest headset, are introducing VR to the corporate world. Imagine hosting a team meeting in a virtual space where you can interact with your environment and colleagues as if you were all in the same room, much like Sci-Fi.
4. Meta’s Infinite Office
This virtual workspace wonderland offers everything you need for a productive day at work, all accessible through a VR headset. With a browser-equipped headset and a special Logitech keyboard, Infinite Office promises to make the virtual workplace as efficient and familiar as your physical desk.
4. Futuristic Working Pods
For those struggling to find a quiet place to work at home, Jupe offers a novel solution: futuristic work pods. Inspired by the planet Jupiter, these geometric pods are designed to boost productivity and well-being, almost eliminating real estate costs and the need for a physical workspace.
4. Driverless Deliveries
Companies like Nuro are repurposing self-driving technology for deliveries, making it easier for remote workers to receive essential supplies without human intervention. Imagine getting your office supplies delivered by a robot — welcome to the future!
4. Mobile Offices
Toyota’s E-Pallet concept is the ultimate flexibility. This spacious, window-lined vehicle combines the mobility of a car with the functionality of a workspace. Think of it as a hybrid of a Jupe work pod and a Nuro delivery vehicle — a roving office that can accommodate up to 20 people.
As digital communication becomes increasingly vital, innovative technologies will continue to emerge. Keep an eye on these advancements — they’re set to make remote work not just feasible, but fantastic!
