The rapid advancement of technology in the workplace can be daunting to keep up with, from new systems, to the way employees work, to even the environment they work within; technology has a role to play in upgrading all of these things.
In this article, we’ll explore how technology is revolutionising office environments, and enhancing quality through communication tools, ergonomic furniture, smart office systems, and even office ceiling tiles.
Communication tools
It can’t have escaped your notice that technology was pretty much the ONLY way we could communicate when COVID-19 struck the world; tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams became vital as many companies worked from home. These have persevered into the future of working, allowing for enhanced collaboration and efficiency through video conferencing and instant messaging – particularly if the team is hybrid. Teams can collaborate far easier, resulting in faster decision-making, and increased productivity.
Ergonomic furniture
Health and productivity in the workplace go hand in hand, so not only is it a duty of care to ensure that a comfortable and healthy work environment is provided to employees, it’s also in the interests of the employer. Ergonomic furniture has been found to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, increase employee satisfaction, and improve productivity, with innovative ergonomic solutions now made available through technology, such as electric adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and monitor stands.
Smart office systems
We’re used to the likes of Amazon Alexa helping us to run our homes, but the idea of a smart office is becoming fairly commonplace too. A responsive and efficient workplace is now made possible through smart office technologies. These include IoT devices, which stands for Internet of Things: a collective network of connected devices such as automated lighting, climate control, and smart security systems.
Not only does this make the work environment a more comfortable place to be, but it also offers enhanced energy efficiency, too.
Office ceiling tiles
Don’t underestimate the power of the technology used in ordinary parts of your office, such as your office ceiling tiles. The right ceiling tiles can combine aesthetics and functionality, helping to control noise through good acoustics, as well as enabling you to tailor the look of your space, and the access you have to your utilities.
There’s also the potential to save money on your energy bills too, as some ceiling tiles will be able to offer enhanced insulation, ensuring that precious heat doesn’t escape!
Integration and implementation
Knowing what technologies to implement in your office and bringing it all together are the next step on your journey once you know what’s out there. Integrating these technologies into a cohesive office design will rely not only on you as management, but also on the input of your employees, who use this space for a good chunk of their week. Get their opinion on what would make their working lives more comfortable, before planning, budgeting, and executing a technology-driven office transformation.
To conclude
It can be tempting to get ALL the office gadgets when you first look at creating a modern and high quality office, but it’s essential to take stock of your options to see what you really need, from the way your team communicates and collaborates, to the very fabric of your space and the acoustic capabilities of the materials you choose.