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Misalignments between people, their technology, and their offices inhibit factors that are critical to successful collaboration for a remote team: trust, engagement, and unimpeded workflow. You can improve these behaviors by fine-tuning the surroundings (walls, acoustics, lighting), furniture, and technology in the office for digital collaboration. Read on to discover how with insights and recommendations from Herman Miller and Logitech.
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Easy to Share and See
Ensure your video conferencing equipment allows people to share content, and that it provides clear sightlines to content and among people.
Right-Size Audio
For rooms where people are more likely to sit and chat, specify a front-of-room, all-in-one video and audio design that allows people to look at, speak to, and hear the people on screen. Larger rooms require multi-zone audio so remote callers can always hear, no matter the location of the speaker.
Keep Everyone in the Frame
For large meeting rooms, consider adding a camera that helps frame people in the room, making it easier to read their expressions.
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Encourage Eye Contact
Start meetings by quickly establishing eye contact. Standing-height tables and video cameras at eye level make this easier.
Get the Mics Right
Use microphones that distinguish human voices, eliminate other sounds, and prioritize the voice of whomever is speaking.
Up Your Chat Game
Encourage people to chat in applications like Skype or Slack. Everyone can easily stay in the conversation—whether they are in the same room or calling in from a remote locale.

Get Smartboards
Use multi-touch smartboards to create and edit content. People working remotely can participate via the cloud.
Edit with Cloud-Based Tools
Keep team documents in the cloud, and edit them in real time. Programs like Google Docs and Sharepoint allow the entire team to simultaneously work on the same document.
Give People Control
To boost concentration and engagement for people calling in from their desks, make sure they have control over light, noise, and privacy with adjustable task lights and monitor arms.