Article posted on January 19, 2026
As 2026 begins, a significant shift is underway in workplaces around the world. After years of hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, a growing number of employers are calling employees back to the office—some part-time, others full-time.
This wave of return-to-office (RTO) policies marks a new phase in the evolving relationship between workers, employers, and the modern workplace.
To entice employees back, many companies are redesigning office spaces to function less like rows of desks and more like social and collaborative hubs. Common upgrades include:
Corporate leaders hope that making the workplace more attractive and purposeful will motivate employees to return without resentment.
A modern workplace requires more than new furniture; it requires integrated, intuitive technology. At Fearing’s, we deliver audio visual solutions that make the office smarter, more efficient, and more engaging, including:
A redesigned, tech-enhanced workspace gives employees more than a place to sit—it gives them a reason to connect. By aligning physical design with digital tools, companies can strengthen culture, increase innovation, and create a workplace experience that draws employees back naturally rather than through mandates.
Fearing’s AVS delivers solutions that make the office smarter, more efficient, and more engaging, including:
Before issuing a mandate, ask if your space meets these 2026 standards:
Ready to explore our audio visual solutions for your team? Reach out today – we’re here to help you every step of the way.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
