Pilot project plan to improve hybrid working
In response to demand from colleagues, we’re piloting hybrid meeting rooms on campus until the end of June.
Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation and Development
We recognise that to deliver effective hybrid ways of working, we need to modernise campus spaces and create inclusive facilities that support people to meet simultaneously in person and online.
While it’s important for colleagues to be on campus for at least part of the week, we also understand working remotely on some days will help support our ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. Hybrid meetings mean colleagues can better manage their time and ensure they remain connected even when working remotely.
A pilot project has been launched to test and evaluate the demand for hybrid meeting rooms, different types of IT equipment and systems, and to better understand the level of support these facilities might require.
Each of the rooms featuring in the project is equipped with advanced audio and video equipment, making them accessible to more colleagues and easier to schedule, while also reducing travel.
Future vision
Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation and Development, said: “The University wants to support different ways of working, and to do this we need to think about campus and the services we deliver in new and innovative ways.
“The hybrid meeting room pilot is a chance to trial ways in which virtual and physical meetings can come together for a positive experience for everyone involved.
“I want to make sure that before we invest heavily in this technology, colleagues have a chance to test and evaluate it, as it will only deliver benefit if it works well for everyone. We want to make sure everything we build on our campus and every service we provide is preceded by consultation with colleagues across our University community, which is why we’re launching this pilot. Your feedback will be crucial in helping shape our future plans in this area.”
How you can get involved
We want as many colleagues as possible to try out the new spaces. Instructions for using the new equipment are available online and in each of the pilot rooms:
- Facilities Directorate Building – Beech, Hazel, Oak and Yew
- Worsley – 10.47, 11.09 and 11.42
- Maurice Keyworth – 1.44; and
- Baines Wing – G.03.
All colleagues are able to book pilot rooms using Outlook. Please see our handy FAQs for further information.
The only requirement is colleagues offer feedback based on your user experience. Your feedback is absolutely crucial in informing the University what hardware we procure and what improvements can be made to our processes and systems in time for the start of the next academic year.
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