Office Technology
Over the last few years, technology has transformed the way we work and communicate. It's also changing the spaces we work in themselves. Technology is advancing at an astonishing rate, and it's only going to get faster. Understanding the changes technology has caused is essential to create a space that unlocks the potential of your people.
Every week, we speak to companies that know they need to upgrade their workspace and are keen to take advantage of workspace technology. However, there is so much noise surrounding workspace technology it's difficult to pick the changes that matter and the ones that don’t. While most space technology is either unnecessary or will soon be obsolete, some of the changes are crucial.
In this article, we'll walk you through some of the key shifts that technology has created in workspaces, and how that has affected the spaces themselves. By the end, you'll understand how technology is changing the office, and what you can do to maximise the potential of technology in your office.
How Technology is Changing The Office
When thinking about smart workspaces, it's easy to get caught up in the latest systems and software. However, first, you need to understand the fundamental ways in which technology is changing the office. Otherwise, you risk wasting time, money, and effort, as well as increasing scepticism from your people. Here, we'll go through 5 changes that will dominate workspace technology for the next 5 years (and beyond).
Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
Technology has caused a major change in the way workspaces are managed. Previously, just running the office required a lot of repetitive administrative work. Using connected devices and AI can now streamline workflows and automate routine processes. As a result, running an office requires much less time, hassle, and staff.
Data-Driven Decision Making
The biggest benefit of smart workspaces has been to bring quantitative data to workspace decisions. Space utilisation analytics give insight into how companies use their space. As a result, real estate decisions can be made with clarity and certainty, rather than being emotive guesswork.
Improved Employee Experience
The greatest potential of smart workspaces lies in providing a more engaging experience for the people within the space. Smart lighting, climate control, and ergonomic systems allow staff to personalise their environment. This leads to a more comfortable environment and enjoyable experience.
Enhanced Security
Improved security and space management are other major benefits of recent improvements in space technology. Using biometrics and facial recognition systems, you can restrict access to certain areas of the building. It will also help control the access of non-staff members. This will improve confidentiality and security.
Sustainability
Workspace technology can also have major environmental benefits. Building management systems can use smart thermostats and intelligent lighting systems to monitor and manage energy use. This will help reduce your office's carbon footprint.
Applications of Workspace Technology
Now that you understand the key shifts that technology has created within the workspace, it's time to get into the key applications of this technology, and what these changes look like within your own office.
Intelligent Meeting Spaces
Intelligent meeting spaces are suites with technology for booking and conducting meetings. BYOD technology allows staff to use their own devices, while other systems operate independently. Such meeting spaces reduce scheduling conflicts, enhance collaboration, and improve meeting efficiency.
To make sure your meeting spaces are intelligent, equip them with smart screens, voice assistants, and BYOD capabilities. You could install a smart booking system to eliminate double booking and manage access. However, it's also important to ensure that your meeting spaces still suit the needs of your people, in terms of size, features, and facilities. If not, your investment will be wasted.
Energy Management Systems
Internet of Things (IoT) based building management systems can have a huge impact on energy consumption in your office. By monitoring the different areas of your space, the system can understand energy consumption patterns, and adapt the systems accordingly. Therefore, HVAC and lighting can be reduced when areas of the office are less busy, leading to significant energy savings.
If you lease your office, your building management system (BMS) will likely be chosen and run by the landlord, so you will have limited control. However, you should ensure you understand how to manage your current system so that you can make the best possible use of it.
Smart Security Systems
Next-generation technology systems have also led to major improvements in workspace security. By using biometrics and facial recognition, systems can manage access control for users of your workspace, and detect threats and alerts accordingly. As a result, your people will be safer, and your company will be more secure.
By installing a smart access control system, you can manage which users can access which areas of your space. You can also know at any time where each user is, improving security and safety for all staff members.
Workplace Analytics Tools
For much of the 21st century, workplace analytics tools have been limited to very large corporations. Now, companies of all sizes have access to occupation systems that analyse where and how your people work - both individually and in teams. This provides data that brings clarity and certainty to workspace design decisions. This helps them create a design that maximises the performance of their people.
To take advantage of modern workplace analytics, install a system that automatically tracks how and when the different spaces in your office are used. You can then use this data to provide you with insights for improving your workspace and ensuring it meets the needs of your people.
Smart Technology in Your Workspace
Technology has had a major impact on the office in many ways. The most important is changing the office from an analogue space into a digital one. This has given staff access to a smart workspace that adapts to their needs. It has also given executives the data to make workspace decisions with clarity and confidence.
A smart workspace looks very different from the office of just a few years ago. Smart building management, workplace analytics, and hybrid meeting technology enable you to turn your office from a static space to an adaptable one. You can be confident that your office is not an obsolete expense, but a strategic asset that improves your company culture, productivity, and performance.
By embracing cutting-edge workspace technology, you ensure that your workspace not only meets your current needs but is also fit for your future. You can also be sure that you are unlocking the full potential of your workspace through increased staff performance and business resilience.
To learn more about preparing your workspace for your future, read What is the Future of Your Office? There, you'll learn about the 3 key changes in the way companies use their workspace, and how you can prepare your office for the future of your company.
