Modernising Offices by Incorporating Wireless Charging With smartphone usage at an all-time high, and almost two thirds of us reporting regular


bouts of battery anxiety, Steve Liquorish, CEO of Aircharge, explains why wireless charging should be a mainstay of the modern office.


Facilities managers are always looking for ways to modernise their workspaces, both to attract new tenants and to keep current ones happy. This does not mean that all technology trends are worth adopting, but when a game changer does come along, incorporating it quickly can have real business benefits. We saw this around ten years ago with wireless internet – and the same is about to happen with wireless charging. Consumer appetite for this advancement


is clear; a recent study by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the collaborative, open group behind the universal standard for wireless charging Qi, found that 58% of current non-users are excited by the prospect of wireless charging. This gauntlet has been taken up by all major smartphone manufactures including Samsung and Apple, the two most popular mobile phone providers, both of which have included Qi wireless charging capabilities in their latest smartphone models. But what role will wireless charging play in new facilities?


A sleek and simple solution


Wireless charging solutions are the next step forward for modernising office facilities. Today the majority of applications in the office envi- ronment are wired – for example desktops, phones and display screens. However, this is


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the bare minimum as employees increasingly rely on mobile devices, including smart- phones, tablets, laptops and other accesso- ries like headphones, Bluetooth speakers, all of which require easy access to power. The result is that the amount of wires


utilised in the office is reaching a critical mass, creating an unnecessary amount of clutter. With this image in mind, it is easy to appreciate the impact wireless charging could have not only on office aesthetics, but also and more importantly on the health and safety risks associated with excess wires and direct access to AC sockets. A change is definitely overdue. Wireless charging solutions are sleek


and simple and seamlessly blend into the office environment. Do you put your phone on your desk while you are working? A typical Qi wireless charging point integrates seamlessly into office furniture, acting like a coaster for your smartphone and charging while in contact with it, meaning you could be constantly topping-up the battery without the need of a plug or cable. Modern workers are always connected


and rely heavily on their mobile phones and other personal devices throughout the day – both onsite and off, frequently switching between collaborative, common and private areas or meeting rooms within


the office environment. Wireless charging can be installed in breakout areas, meeting rooms, workstations and individual desks to stop mobile devices constantly running low on battery, which research shows is a major concern for modern workers. In fact, 64% of us say we regularly experience battery anxiety. Incorporating wireless charging into the office environment removes this issue and helps to ensure employees are always connected and that their productivity never slows due to battery levels. It also provides better flexibility and ensures that the workplace as a whole is optimised.


A modern workspace


Keeping offices modern is an ongoing challenge for facilities managers, and can often come at a hefty price. The alternative, however, is to struggle against the tide while current tenants grumble and potential customers go for flashier options. Wireless charging is fast becoming a


staple of new smart spaces. By now many people use wireless charging accessories at home or in their car or have encountered wireless charging in public areas – such as retail, transport or hospitality, with the number of these locations is constantly increasing. According to the WPC over three times as


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