The way organisations work is changing. The “millennial effect” means teams are demanding versatility, connectivity and efficiency within their office.

Creating a workspace that responds to business needs, prioritises wellbeing, and reduces carbon emissions is now expected. Offices are not just rooms but are becoming intuitive and intelligent business resources. Today, more than ever, businesses understand the need to connect current IoT devices, and those planned for the future, linking spaces together.

Smart workspaces are enabling technology and people to work together, providing teams with everything they need to boost their creativity. The cloud has enabled many desk-based jobs to be undertaken remotely and the need for connectivity is now paramount.

The Internet of Things has advanced, and it is enabling a new type of smart building. Whilst most buildings offer a basic level of intelligence, a connected system offers an ongoing array of future-proofed opportunities. Security alerts and actions from smart sensor triggers, automated energy-saving policies, real-time occupancy to speed up finding a free work area and personalised preferences for a meeting room are all possible.

The key components of a smart office include wellbeing, collaboration and responsivity for both staff and visitors.

Wellbeing

Providing the team with perfect light levels which boost productivity is becoming standard. Human centric lighting (HCL) creates environments within spaces that support wellbeing and performance improvements through the introduction of circadian friendly lighting sequences. When natural daylight levels are reached the daylight harvesting features of the system automatically activate. Staff are empowered to personalise their work environment based on their personal preferences.

Efficient use of meeting rooms and shared spaces that reminds you of your bookings and releases spaces to others if they are not being used. Hot desking becomes effortless with real-time space visualisations displayed on digital signage. Dynamic messages on low voltage screens for staff and visitors that support building wayfinding, provides a personalised experience for all building users and communicates visually to celebrate company successes.

Collaboration

Smart offices enhance creativity by providing zoned areas for different types of work from isolated pods, to huddle groups; perched seating to social spaces. All areas are essential to creativity and individuals will be naturally drawn to their optimum workspace. Inspiring elements such as architecture, décor and artwork will affect how people feel about being in the workspace. The ambience must be continued through hassle-free technology that helps users and does not impinge on the ambience of the space.

Video conferencing that can be achieved at the click of a button which enables global connectivity seamlessly is essential. Screen sharing and annotation facilities onto AV equipment from both fixed and mobile equipment is useful. Reliable WiFi and fast downloads make life easier and raise productivity levels. Connected intelligent solutions are making workspaces smarter and businesses more efficient.

Responsivity

A smart office is connected through a dense network of sensors that respond dynamically to the space and people within it. It enables building users to fully understand what elements of the building are being underutilised and make improvements to their business in the short and long term. Strategic business decisions can be based on real data rather than thoughts or opinions. Maintenance can be predicted and less disruptive to production. Offices can be reconfigured to better suit the demands of the ever-changing business requirements and maximise space.

Through these sensors, ideal temperature and light levels can be achieved easily. Environmental reduction targets can be monitored and improved based on the current environment. Notifications of security breaches can be responded to instantly and motion detection can enhance a CCTV security system.  Open API platforms enable on-site or remote-control adjustments from wherever you are in the world.

A smart workplace will attract and help a business retain the best staff. Identifying and meeting their needs makes a more effective and committed workforce. Morale levels and communication channels are improved, and pinnacle environments make staff feel empowered and creative in their work.

Consider what aspects of your current office are supporting you to achieve an invested workspace and a motivated team. Scenariio provides smart office solutions to ensure all business owners are ready to embrace the workplace innovations of today and tomorrow. Contact us