In 2023, over 40% of the world’s professionals either work from home full-time or have adopted a hybrid work model, and it is estimated that by 2025, over 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely. Routine professional collaboration has shifted dramatically as a result, requiring professionals around the world to adopt greater forms of online communication — and these practices are here to stay.
For AV professionals navigating this dynamic hybrid landscape, one imperative has become abundantly clear: integration partners must invest in regular online training. Professional development can no longer be considered an option, it has to be viewed as a long-term investment in the health and well-being of the businesses of resellers, distributors and integrators.
Evolution of Professional Development in the AV Industry
The AV landscape has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past five years, and it continues to evolve at a rapid pace driven by technological advancements that reshape how we interact with information and communicate with one another.
Across videoconferencing, digital signage, unified communications and more, the constant influx of new software and hardware tools ensure that integrators and AV professionals almost constantly need to learn about new products, systems, and tools to ensure they provide clients and end users with the most apt and up-to-date technology possible.
The professionals that make up the AV landscape play a pivotal role in connecting disparate technologies and solutions to create seamless, efficient systems. Traditionally, their success relied on physical interactions, on-site training and face-to-face meetings. However, the global pandemic accelerated the shift towards a hybrid world, emphasizing the need for a new approach to training and collaboration.
Training has long been viewed as an optional expense in many businesses. However, the requirements of hybrid work have rewritten the rules. Training is no longer a mere checkbox; it has become a crucial practice for organizations to maintain in order to remain competitive. The benefits are endless and become increasingly compelling as new innovations hit the market, busy sales seasons continue to put pressure on teams and hybrid work remains a steadfast trend.
Online Training as a Competitive Advantage
Technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and integration partners must keep pace with these changes to remain competitive. Accessible virtual training allows them to update their skill sets, stay informed about emerging trends and be ready to integrate the latest innovations for their customers. It’s not just about staying relevant, it’s about leading the way in technological advancements for the good of their business and end-users.
Providing online courses that develop professional skills ensures that employees are well-versed in the most efficient methods and tools available — enhancing efficiency and productivity. This, in turn, translates into streamlined processes, reduced errors and faster project completion times, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and profitability.
Additionally, the global pandemic exposed the vulnerability of businesses that were unprepared for sudden disruptions. Continued education can help integration partners build resilience by fostering a culture of adaptability. When teams are well-trained, they can pivot quickly in response to unforeseen challenges, ensuring business continuity even in the face of adversity.
Customers have come to demand seamless and secure integrations that enable quick adoption of remote or hybrid work. Integrators can leverage online training courses to help deliver on this expectation, while also enhancing trust. Customers are more likely to choose partners who invest in their own expertise and can demonstrate a commitment to providing top-notch solutions.
Online training in AV is not just effective; it’s also cost-efficient. It eliminates the need for extensive travel, physical-training facilities, and printed materials. AV businesses can scale their training programs easily, reaching a wider audience without significantly increasing costs.
Taking Online Training into the Hybrid Future
The hybrid world demands a fundamental shift in the way AV professionals approach online training. Maintained online training is not an option, it’s a strategic imperative — it is an investment in the sustainability and growth of businesses in an ever-changing landscape. Those who embrace this transformation will be well-positioned to thrive, innovate and lead while those who hesitate risk falling behind.
As the lines between the physical and digital realms continue to blur, integration partners must recognize that their commitment to continuous online training is a commitment to their own success, the success of their partners, and the success of the businesses they serve. It is the path forward to cultivate success in a hybrid world.
Terry Mathis is technical trainer at ClearOne.
