The future of a workplace is one that is intensely connected to itself and the people who work within it, providing an atmosphere that encourages flourishing productivity.
The increase of advanced technology is ever-changing the way people do business. Developments such as the internet of things (IoT) present a variety of diverse prospects across many industries, remaking the modern workplace and reforming its operations.
This shift is apparent in the trend towards creating the so-called ‘smart office’ to make the physical work environment clever and compliant to company workflows
Since we have spoken in our last blog about what exactly a Smart + Connected workplace means, let’s focus on the ways how this can be achieved:
Internet of things (IoT)
IoT is something which is a must have in a smart office. Starting from Smart lights, thermostats, virtual reality cameras, virtual reality speakers, etc. all are active factors to a smart office.
These are features that have to be focus areas at the initial stages of designing and planning the office layout.
Eliminate the concept of walls within an office floor
An approachable workplace offers an opportunity to extend the office far beyond its walls and enable more secluded collaboration.
Most workplaces primarily focus on connecting digital tools to remake the physical office; others see technology as competent of severing the ties that unite employees.
With people functioning where they want to be, productivity and morale progress, while costs decrease.
The outdated idea of 'eyes on' management can be substituted by real measurements of progress.
Meeting spaces are already the talk of the hour and are enabling a new level of association.
Setting up Smart Meeting Spaces
Envision being able to get a conference room ready for a meeting before ever entering into it.
Smart plugs and sensors can turn on conference room lights, warm up projectors, adjust temperatures, and even start brewing coffee with the touch of a few buttons, even if everyone is on their way to the office.
Be flexible
An extensive Knoll Research study found that smart office spaces need both the furnishings and the technology to be adaptable in order to meet the flexible and changing demands of different kinds of collaborative teams.
Seating can have a vast affect on employee collaboration.
While interior designing the workplace; opting for comfortable chairs is a very crucial factor to be considered.
Better sitting postures also have an impact on the working capability of employees.
The study also recommends benches for collaborative spaces, but that might now be appropriate for all cases. The more flexibility that’s built into the original plan, the more effective your smart office will become.
De-Clutter
A Harvard Business Review analysis demonstrated that when workers are granted a degree of autonomy by their employers, they tend to feel their work is more meaningful. However, by incorporating smart office technology, employers don't have to trade accountability for worker freedom. A marriage of technology and flexibility allows workers the space they need to produce at their best level without undermining supervision for employers.