Technology developed during the Information Age has changed the way we do business. Traditional office environments designed to supervise and manage workers using typewriters and other archaic equipment no longer work.
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Computers have evolved beyond their initial role as word processors to be communication hubs that support IP telephony and video conferencing. Additionally, mobile devices now handle much of the workload that previously required dedicated workstations.
Businesses that have a desire to compete in the current global marketplace must adapt to make their offices more conducive to technology and evolving workflows. Cutting-edge developments such as Cloud computing and the Internet of Things have enabled companies of every size to benefit from Big Data as they precisely identify and recruit customers.
Advanced technologies like office management software have also impacted the way employers and employees interact. Companies increasingly realize that an engaged labor force will help them make the most out of the exciting developments in communication and collaboration. Businesses that promote the diffusion of technology throughout their organization experience remarkable levels of productivity while encouraging workers to reach their maximum potential.
The Changing Nature of Workforce Experience
Increasing overhead costs such as those for office space have become unacceptable in the business world as companies face nimble competitors from countries around the world. As the physical space inside corporate environments shrinks, employees and departments become closer in proximity and can often perform multiple roles depending on current demand.
With the elimination of disadvantageous excess space, companies must aggressively promote the efficient use of their remaining capacity. Businesses can now focus on making work areas comfortable and practical by carefully reviewing every activity that contributes to their goals. As managers uncover all underlying patterns in the office, they can replace them with processes that rely on technology. In the process, workers become more engaged and productive.
Engaged workers consistently demonstrate higher levels of satisfaction and productivity while becoming more creative. As team members use technology to improve their work habits, they collaborate more than they could in the past and produce innovative solutions that give their employers a competitive edge.
Workspace Optimization
Technology has necessitated the reevaluation of space utilization in the business environment. Companies can no longer afford to maintain old floor layouts that hinder the flow of work and reduce efficiency. A trend towards permanent workspace optimization has created many cost-effective and satisfying environments.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has entered the corporate environment as well, integrating every conceivable piece of equipment with corporate networks, uncovering additional ways to cut costs while improving the workplace. For example, Enlighted, an enterprise IoT tech company have developed lights with sensors that track activity. Enlighted’s software collects data from the sensors to give managers a picture of how people flow through work areas.
Informed Decisions About the Space Being Rented
High-tech devices such as those from Enlighted support the ongoing need to analyze space utilization. For example, if the software detects that only small groups use the conference room, the company can split the room into several smaller spaces, giving more teams a place to meet.
The data can also help managers improve the functionality of their space by placing particular departments close together to reduce the amount of time spent by employees walking back and forth.
Workspace Personalization
Workspace personalization technology such as the one utilized at Deloitte’s building in Amsterdam assesses the needs of each employee based on the schedule and their desire for a quiet place to work or alternate accommodations such as a standing desk. Similarly, the software accommodates people who want to work from home or need flexible work schedules. Thanks to technology, companies can create optimized workspaces that readily adapt to the changing dynamics of the workforce.
Expect the IoT to continue supporting efficiency in the workplace. Soon, every employee will work in an environment that adapts to the activity rather than forcing their desk to adjust to varying demands.
Highly Connected Offices Due to Workforce Mobility
The current mobile society has changed the way employees perceive their workspace. For example, people increasingly call their home a place of business and combine trips with work using their mobile devices. The millennial generation expects employers to maintain connections with them at any given time or location.
Such workers often have difficulty forming personal relationships with others. Fortunately, digital tools improve connectivity and communication and help employees succeed at remote work. Virtual offices increasingly represent solutions to companies who need to improve employee satisfaction while reducing their use of physical space. Such arrangements naturally fit millennial workers and meet the needs of employers.
Employment and work have changed forever. Technology has enabled the development of highly functional offices that adapt to employees’ needs and improve workflows. Companies can now reduce the amount of space they use while giving their employers flexibility to work the way that best fits them. The IoT has enabled a fluid work environment that can adapt to the changing needs of a business in real time.
Lisa Michaels is a freelance writer, editor and a striving content marketing consultant from Portland. She likes to keep up with hot new trends in the business world and share her insights with like-minded people. She spends her free time trying out new recipes or reading Scandinavian crime novels.
