Feature
Smart Buildings:
Supporting The Flexible Workplace Of The Future
By Kas Mohammed, VP of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric
Over the past few months, the concept of an office has altered past the point of return – open-plan offices and hot-desking suddenly look more risky than revolutionary, busy is bad and airflow isn’t just positive, it’s necessary. Uncertainty over when, and at what level, employees will return to work makes creating the optimal workplace more difficult. Ensuring businesses have the flexibility to operate their office at full capacity, when empty, or somewhere in between is now essential.
As well as the new logistical demands, employers have a raft of other key considerations. Fundamentally, they must take care of employee’s wellbeing by putting every available safeguard in place. This includes developing workplace strategies that meet the individual demands, enabling social distancing, and effectively and consistently communicating any updates with employees.
While safety is the current priority, companies cannot lose sight of the wellbeing, productivity and development of their employees. While HR professionals have traditionally relied on verbal feedback, smart building technology, from sensors to software, will now play a vital role in creating a safe and productive workforce. With the help of modern technology, that can monitor and control occupancy, comfort, energy usage and improve communication, HR directors and management teams can effectively make office spaces safe and sustainable, while improving the health, happiness and productivity of employees.
Championing Communication
Many people are concerned and anxious about being in or travelling to workplaces. A recent study¹ of 2,000 adults commissioned by Bupa Health Clinics found as many as 65% of people in the UK are anxious about
returning to their office. Another report² from the TUC, showed that 39% of UK workers were concerned about their ability to socially distance from colleagues. Clearly, workplaces need to become smarter and more flexible to cater to the post-pandemic return to work.
However, one crucial piece of the puzzle is often ignored. A business can implement all the health and safety strategies available, but without effective communication they risk being ignored or misunderstood, with employees losing trust over time. Throughout the past 6 months, clear communication between employees and management has been critical to maintaining trust and a strong company culture. This learning must be applied to the return to work in 2021.
Employees need clear communication of how a business plans on supporting their physical and mental health. Advice and directions will be vary dramatically depending on a huge range of factors – from home location, commuting route and age, to role and responsibility and even desk position.
To improve employee communication and confidence in their return to the office, many businesses have
considered using, if not already, fully customisable, centralised mobile applications. Such apps, linked to building technology, can automatically update employees on factors affecting their attendance, including parking
restrictions, desk changes, densely populated zones, meeting room bookings, comfort controls, transport issues and more, all on a single platform. Furthermore, administrators and HR departments are able to receive instant feedback on new strategies, usage and services, to greatly improve decision-making and employee satisfaction.
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