We all know the disruptive potential that technology has and we are well aware of how recent developments in the sector impact our lives. While our homes evolved to keep up with new technological advancements, our workplaces have to do the same, to remain relevant. Workplace technology has evolved so much it allows employees to remain interconnected while boosting their efficiency. Employee productivity and potential seem to also improve in the presence of modern technology.
Office spaces have already started their evolution, but the change is bound to continue. Needless to say, the changes that are about to happen in workplaces all around the world can only be beneficial, accentuating the perks that we all enjoyed technology-wise until today. Below are some major technology disruptions that are about to reshape the workplace environment.
Communication – Breaking the Phone and Email Barrier
Since email technology emerged, the workplace hasn’t met any other major disruption, communication-wise. While email technology was a major thing to change the way in which we communicate in the workplace, this era is about to end. Email is about to take its rightful place next to desk phones soon enough. Technological advancements with the emergence of communication packages that encompass a variety of communication means: video call, photo sharing, instant messaging, voice calls, sometimes even free of any charges. Of course, for now, email one of the main communications means present in an office space. But, slowly yet surely, this era seems to come to an end. Beside communication packages, there are a variety of platforms that gamble on “socialness”, mainly.
Artificial Intelligence is Here to Stay
The modern smart office puts an enormous accent on artificial intelligence. For employee productivity and better workplace efficiency, this type of technology could bring an enormous advantage. For instance, artificial intelligence companies introduced new technology in the workplace. This technology is based on IBM’s Watson AI system. Inspired by the AI system, developers created ROSS, an AI tool that is ready to step in and help companies deal with legal matters, replacing the role of a lawyer.
The AI lawyer is so advanced that it can filter out an immense amount of data and information and it can find efficient legal solutions to a variety of legal concerns. ROSS is about to become a crucial part of law firms from around the globe soon enough when AI integration and adoption will become widely-embraced.
Employee Health and Smart Office Furniture
The employee wellness topic has been vastly debated over the years. However, technological disruptions that recently took place made it possible for employers to have a closer look at the situation. A rapid growth of the smart health tracking industry allows employers to tailor workspaces more efficiently and in a healthier fashion.
It’s a well-known fact that employees suffer enormously from an improper position at the desk. And thus, adjustable standing desks, easy to install that offer numerous health benefits have been introduced. These office furniture solutions seem to help employees to combat the plague of our era, sedentary and to adjust their working position, depending on their health concerns and needs. Carpal tunnel syndrome, neck stiffness, aches and so on are nowadays alleviated with the help of smart health tracking devices and smart furniture solutions.
Stand up desk is something that today is present in offices from around the world and since its appearance, it seems to help employees battle cardiovascular disease while making them more focused and productive.
Worker Flexibility and Remote Workplaces
Being able to hire pertinent employees from another corner of the world was long enough a dream many enterprises tried to fulfil. This is visible in the data from numerous recent research papers and surveys. By 2020, more than 50% of the workforce is expected to work remotely, say employers. By contrast, more than 25% of the employers interviewed has more radical visions. According to them, more than 75% of the workers are expected to work remotely by the same year.
For modern workplace environments, this is a win-win situation. Employers are able to hire some of the best-trained workers, regardless of their location. On the other hand, the worker is able to work form whatever environment they find productive and creativity-boosting. All this, thanks to advanced communication solutions and packages. Skype sessions slowly replaced hours-long meeting room sessions, instant messages replaced office real-life communication and so on. Once again, technology allowed all parties involved to find better working solutions.
Numerous studies revealed that remote workers are happier and more productive. Commute time is inexistent in their case, and sometimes, similar working solutions offer increased schedule flexibility. Plus, remote workers appear to be happier with the levels of appreciation shown by their employers, thus, they deliver better and more. All these, thanks to real-time communication and integrated communication solutions, cloud-based technology and so on.
Environmental Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Workplace Environments
As environmental concerns became more accentuated, enterprises found smart solutions to address those issues. Innovative energy-saving solutions emerged, once again, thanks to technology. Besides, green office supplies appeared and allowed businesses to take a better care of the matter. On the other hand, with technological advancements, the need for printed documents and materials diminished. Offices are stepping up their energy efficiency strategy by adopting smart lighting solutions and sensors. It has been proven that sensor technology can help offices save up to 20% more energy. This type of energy-saving strategy is especially useful in office buildings with numerous meeting rooms and extended working areas. When space is not actively used and lighting is not necessary, the sensors automatically switch off the light.
Technology is surely redefining our lives, immerses in our houses and changes to the core the way we live and work. The workspace today is about to change completely in the face of the technological advancements that we witness today. Better communication solutions and better, healthier workplace environments are turning the employees today into more productive ones.