SMBs: Embrace 4K Webcam, Skip Estate Upgrade

More and more companies are recognizing the benefits of using a 4K webcam as they embrace hybrid work, remote work, and work-from-home (WFH) for their employees. The business landscape has witnessed a remarkable shift in recent years, especially in "superstar cities," where factors like rising costs and limited space are challenging for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Using a 4K webcam in hybrid work can help SMBs survive in this era.

Considering the prevailing trends in superstar cities, this article will explore why SMBs should prioritize investing in these technologies rather than traditional office real estate. 

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Prevailing Trends in Superstar Cities

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how people work, live, and shop in cities globally. One of the most notable changes has been the shift in where and how people work. The lockdowns made many employees quickly transition from traditional offices to working from home, including using 4K webcams and other means of communication that were alien to most of us in the past. As a result, fewer people working and living near urban stores translated to reduced shopping activity in these areas.

These changes have significantly impacted real estate in "superstar" cities. In the urban cores of these cities, there has been a sharp increase in the vacancy rates of office and retail spaces since 2019, while home prices have risen more slowly compared to the suburbs and other cities.

According to the McKinsey Global Institute, the overall demand for office and retail space is projected to be lower in 2030 compared to 2019. Also, it reveals that the ripple effects of these shifts will be complex, affecting certain cities and neighborhoods more than others.  The following factors are considered as the result of the research: (a)  Long-term population trends; and (b)  Employment patterns:

• impact of automation,
•  industry-specific office attendance,
•  worker demographics,
•  income,
• commuting patterns,
•  housing price variations,
• online shopping trends.

It is important to note that this research was conducted during a period of exceptional macroeconomic uncertainty, which included high inflation, high interest rates, and recession fears. The actual outcomes will depend on how these variables and others unfold.

One thing that remains certain is that real estate in superstar cities faces significant challenges. These challenges could impact the financial well-being of these cities. However, these challenges also present an opportunity for transformative change in urban spaces. By embracing flexibility and adaptability, superstar cities can adapt to new circumstances and thrive in the future.

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The More Reason to Skip Estate  

Employees still spend significantly less time working at the office than before the pandemic. In the early stages of the pandemic, office attendance in metropolitan areas dropped by up to 90% as remote and hybrid work became the norm. Although office attendance has recovered considerably, it remains approximately 30% lower on average. As of October 2022, office workers visited the office about 3.5 days per week, varying across cities, such as 3.1 days in London and 3.9 days in Beijing.

The frequency of office attendance also varies depending on the industry. In the knowledge economy, which includes professional services, information, and finance industries, employees tend to go to work fewer days per week.

The current rate of office attendance may persist. These are the following: 

•  The rate has remained relatively stable since mid-2022.
• The number of days employees currently go to the office (3.5),
• The number of days they expect to go after the pandemic (3.7),
• Their preferred number (3.2) is fairly close.
• 10% of the surveyed individuals expressed a likelihood of quitting if required to work at the office daily but were willing to accept a significant pay cut if they had the flexibility. 

This group primarily comprises senior, high-income employees, suggesting their potential influence over company decisions. However, it is uncertain whether the current rate of office attendance will persist, as it may change due to shifts in labor market dynamics or conclusive research on the relationship between hybrid work and productivity, whether positive or negative.

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4K Webcam as Superstar Cities Are Thriving in Hybrid Work

Since superstar cities are facing downward projections in real estate but upward numbers in hybrid work, it is to be concluded that hybrid work has become popular in these areas. These can also lead to higher vacancy rates.

Organizations must adapt to the new reality and consider the hybrid work route. One must choose diversity, adaptability, and flexibility to survive in this changing world. One way is to leverage technologies such as a 4K webcam. Using a 4K webcam for hybrid and full remote work has become popular. This allows the team to have seamless communication and interaction.

If organizations consider employee empowerment, using the Coolpo AI Huddle Series is best instead of wasting resources on real estate where no one uses it. The Coolpo AI Huddle Series, comprising Coolpo AI Huddle Pana, Mini, and Mini Lite, is designed with high-tech features that allow the organization to have crystal clear video conferencing with its 4K camera. Moreover, the devices are equipped with a wide-angle FOV, AI-supported features, and a play-and-plug system that everyone can enjoy regardless of their departments as long as they participate in hybrid work.

Get to know more about these devices with the following features below:  

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Coolpo AI Huddle Pana

• 360-degree horizontal FOV that can highlight active meeting participants using sound and movements
• 1080p video quality is compatible with all mainstream video conference platforms
• 4 smart microphones, each with 15 ft. sound pick-up range
• 360-degree audio output for an all-surround sound

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Coolpo AI Huddle Mini

• 110-degree horizontal FOV with 4K video resolution
• 6 mic array system that guarantees a 21 ft. pick-up range;
• Noise and echo cancellation features
• Gesture recognition to highlight presenters even in a crowded room
• Intuitive group auto framing called Frame Master
• Gallery view to simultaneously see the meeting area and the individual faces of up to seven onsite meeting participants

Coolpo AI Huddle Mini Lite 

• 120–degree horizontal FOV with group and individual framing modes
• Frame Masters Group and Individual modes automatically keep users front and center
• Division master offers an intuitive gallery view
• Manually override the AI and choose from 60-,90-, and 120-degrees FOV
• 4K Camera Sensor for HD video conferences
• Electret mic with 6m sound pick-up range
• Single cable (USB C to USB A) for easy 4K webcam setup

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Conclusion

In conclusion, considering the prevailing trends in superstar cities, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) should prioritize investing in 4K webcams for hybrid work and remote work instead of traditional office real estate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shift in where and how people work, leading to increased vacancies in office and retail spaces in urban cores. With the long-term projection of lower demand for office and retail space, SMBs can benefit from embracing flexibility and adaptability in their operations.

One way to embrace this flexibility and adaptability is by investing in 4K webcams, such as the Coolpo AI Huddle Series. The Coolpo AI Huddle Pana, Mini, and Mini Lite can provide SMBs with seamless communication and interaction tools in hybrid work environments. By leveraging these technologies and prioritizing employee empowerment, SMBs can thrive in the changing work landscape. 

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