DESIGN & INTERIORS TECH IT UP A NOTCH
Here, George Tilbury, Commercial Director at Consensus Workspace, offers his advice on how facilities managers can embrace modern technology to revolutionise the workplaces they manage.
Fromacoustic solutions which reduce noise distractions in open-plan offices, to tech-enhanced workstations such as sit-stand desks, there are many innovations you can implement to support physical wellbeing and comfort. There are also a number of dedicated wellness apps available which encourage your team to practice healthy workplace habits with break reminders, mindfulness exercises, and movement prompts.
As workplace technology continues to evolve, facilities managers have a unique opportunity to create smarter, more sustainable, and people-centric environments which foster productivity, improve wellbeing and reduce costs. By embracing innovation, they can future-proof their workplaces and enhance the overall employee experience. Here’s just some of the ways how…
Improving efficiency and comfort Smart technology is revolutionising office environments, making them more adaptive to employees' needs. Solutions such as smart thermostats linked with occupancy sensors can help regulate temperature based on usage, density and preferences, while automated lighting systems adjust brightness to natural light levels, improving wellbeing by aligning with circadian rhythm, and reducing energy consumption when areas aren’t in use.
By monitoring and tracking the information available through these solutions, facilities managers can make data-driven decisions to help create cost-effective and comfortable workspaces that support employee performance.
Supporting hybrid working With hybrid working now the norm, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring your team is connected, collaborative and productive, whether people are working remotely or in the office.
High-quality AV solutions, such as advanced video conferencing tools, enhance communication and collaboration between colleagues working in different locations. Digital booking systems allow employees to reserve desks or meeting rooms in advance, ensuring space availability and optimising efficiency, as well as helping you monitor and understand usage. Meanwhile, collaboration tools, such as digital whiteboards and virtual platforms, facilitate real-time teamwork, allowing employees to contribute and interact effectively regardless of their physical location.
Creating a healthier work environment Technology can also be harnessed to enhance comfort and improve employee wellbeing, contributing to a happier and more engaged workforce, and improved productivity and performance.
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Reducing environmental impact Sustainability is a growing priority for businesses, with facilities managers playing a key role in implementing eco-friendly solutions across a business. Smart technology, including energy-efficient lighting, smart HVAC systems, water-saving technology and waste management solutions, can all help track and reduce energy consumption and minimise waste, as well as help demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainability.
Transforming office design and training Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are no longer confined to the gaming world; they are increasingly being integrated into workplaces to enhance training and employee engagement, and improve the office design process.
When planning an office refurbishment, VR can create a virtual tour of the proposed space, allowing stakeholders to visualise the end result, make more informed decisions and reduce costs. AR technology takes interior design to the next level by projecting furniture, décor and layouts into real office spaces, enabling businesses to experiment with different designs before making a commitment. Additionally, VR is revolutionising workplace training by simulating real-world scenarios, providing immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learning and retention.
Protecting the workplace With the rise of digital transformation, ensuring workplace security is crucial. Smart technology can help safeguard physical and digital assets through advanced security measures such as biometric access control, which provides secure, touchless entry systems using facial recognition or mobile credentials, and AI-powered surveillance, which utilises smart cameras to detect unusual activity and send real-time alerts.
Getting started The first step towards creating a tech-savvy workplace is assessing your current setup to identify where technology can have the greatest impact, whether its improving efficiency, enhancing employee wellbeing or supporting sustainability goals. There’s no need to overhaul all systems all at once, you can start small by making incremental changes such as upgrading lighting systems or introducing desk-booking software for example, and then scale up.
Most importantly, technology should serve the people who use it. Gathering opinions and insights from your employees will ensure that any investments align with their needs, creating a workplace that is not only more efficient but also more engaging and adaptable for the future.
https://consensusworkspace.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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