With so much interactive technology that can truly streamline the way we work and collaborate with one another, businesses are able to literally transform their office spaces to spur productivity. These items will be key pieces of smart offices in the future.
7 Crucial Smart Office Features
1. Voice-Enabled Technology
With products like Amazon’s Alexa for Business, we’ve already seen quite a bit of voice-enabled technology in the office. However, we expect to see voice-enabled devices at the desks of every worker, allowing them to streamline such processes as IT requests, phone calls, printing ordering supplies and much more.
2. High-Tech Desks
There are a wide variety of smart desks already available on the market, with a healthy mix of features that include all or some of the following:
- Built-in touchscreen monitors
- Reminders to sit/stand periodically
- Phone, tablet and laptop chargers
- Ergonomic chairs
- Built-in phones and headsets
The list goes on, and, just like other technology, smart desks are only becoming more and more advanced.
3. Automated Heating, Lighting and Windows
Worktech Academy, a global online platform that examines the workplace of the future, and British Land, a real estate investment company, conducted a study that found workers heavily favor smart office features, such as:
- Self-adjusting lighting and window shades
- Heat and light settings personalized for one’s immediate space
- Circadian lighting systems that mimic natural daylight
- Heat and light settings that adjust according to weather and the number of occupants in the room
Technology that helps workers keep comfortable and even sleep better is clearly a great way to improve productivity in the office.
4. Smart Meetings and Conferences
Sometimes, trying to find a time that works for all parties involved in a meeting is an absolute nightmare. However, new artificial intelligence-based tools can scan each meeting member’s calendar to pick the perfect time.
5. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are great for providing hands-on experiences for employee training. In many cases, companies can actually cut costs by using AR and VR, although the initial investment is sometimes a bit pricey.
6. Bring-your-own-Device Flourishes
Bring-your-own-device (BYOD), which refers to employees using their own technology for work, is already a popular practice at many companies today. However, as cyber security measures improve and company networks become more easily accessible, more businesses will likely adopt BYOD.
7. All-New Wearable Tech
Wearable technology, like smartwatches, has a place in the smart office, too. From earbuds that translate different languages in real-time to nifty devices that work to improve your posture as you sit all day, wearables are growing in popularity for business use.
Which smart office products would you like to try at your company?
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