Technological advancements were bound to affect the workplace eventually, but with the arrival of the Covid pandemic and the need for remote work, the smart office evolution took a significant leap forward. Now there is no going back, and smart office technology is here to stay and lead the way.
Businesses now have incredible freedom to get the job done faster and more efficiently including hot desking, hybrid work forms, or remote work from anywhere. Flexibility in the workplace is the new mantra for success.
What the data says
Alliedmarketresearch.com reports that “smart offices” already projected an international market value of more than 31 billion for 2020. They further expect the market to grow to more than 90 billion by 2030. They further cite the increasing need for energy efficiency as one of the driving forces behind the smart office market growth.
Technavio.com indicates the projected growth for the smart office furniture industry as more than 85 million US dollars between 2021 and 2026.
Another consideration is how much money companies will be able to save in their annual operating costs by switching to hybrid office models. Ronspotflexwork.com cites the exorbitant rental costs of large office spaces in major cities and the energy costs associated with keeping them functioning as fueling the increasing move to hybrid, remote, and smart office solutions.
Smart office trends for 2023
Technology is changing the way offices are utilized. The traditional dull office situation is a thing of the past. Exciting and highly efficient smart office trends for this year include:
Access control
Cloud-based access control not only improves office efficiency but significantly improves security. The use of security credentials sent directly to a smartphone or mobile device eliminates the need for keys, cards, or fobs. Credentials can be revoked in real-time if employment is terminated and unauthorized visitors can be prevented from entering the premises. Visitors can also be granted limited access only to specific areas. These tools render monitoring office occupancy much easier and more secure in the event of an emergency.
Hot desks
With hybrid and remote work now permanent fixtures, business offices can be organized as smart workspaces. Hot desks permit employees to book a workspace within the office that meets specific needs. These systems include desk displays for booking and check-in kiosks with floor plans. Employees can use company credentials to ascertain, book, or cancel the reservation of available spaces. This technology also provides management with data as to the utilization of facilities, allowing for more resource efficiency.
Intelligent office monitoring and environmental sensors
Employees and team members are more productive when comfortable in their office surroundings. Smart technology not only will control heating, lighting, air conditioning, and air quality but can monitor these elements that will impact productivity. Adjustments can be automated to ensure the best possible working environment when returning to the office.
Heating and air conditioning systems can be managed to reduce an office’s carbon footprint by following both the weather and how often a specific office space is in use. Energy resources will be put to better use and employees will not be distracted by environmental temperatures.
Smart lighting sensors can also be installed to turn on lights when an employee enters a space, and to shut off the lights when everyone has left. Smart office lighting can also be integrated to function with automated window blinds to take advantage of natural light, reducing costs and the company’s carbon footprint.
Smart conferencing
Conferencing no longer requires groups of people to meet in the same room. The move to hybrid work formulas means that in-person meetings are no longer mandatory or as frequent as in the past. Intelligent conferencing systems permit businesses to meet with international suppliers and clients from anywhere at any time. These systems permit both in-office meetings and remote meetings that can be recorded for referencing later, especially by team members that may not have been present.
System hardware includes cameras, screens, microphones, and speakers reducing potential costs associated with traditional in-office conferencing, and can easily function using software such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Smart presentations
On-screen, presentations are quickly becoming the new normal for businesses both nationally and internationally. New technology permits participants to present ideas using smartphones, tablets, or laptops. This user-friendly technology had removed the need for expensive and cumbersome hardware and wiring and the need for IT staff to be constantly on-call when something goes awry.
Many new smart whiteboards are equipped with light sensors for improved visibility, acoustic adjustments, and motion sensors that aid in saving on running costs when not in use.
Smart security systems and strategies
Smart security is not limited to access control. Smart alarms that do not necessitate a human to set them can be installed. Alarms can be automated to set when the office closes or can be set remotely from wherever management happens to be.
Security systems can now integrate all physical and cybersecurity tools such as access control, CCTV and other cameras like a thermal IP camera, sound sensors, fire, smoke, flooding, and carbon dioxide sensors onto a single interface that can also be connected to local authorities and emergency service responders.
Thanks to remote security monitoring, security personnel costs can be reduced, and retained personnel can dedicate actions to specific needs.
Cloud-based sensitive data storage has eliminated the need for onsite hardware along with staff, continued investment, and maintenance. These systems include backup programs and encryption adding to protection levels and can be accessed remotely at any time.
Technological acoustic improvement: Sound masking
Sound masking regulates office audio levels to improve team member concentration. While it does not eliminate noise, it does mask how far away discussions can be heard and understood. It does not interfere with close conversation.
Final thoughts
Smart office trends have the potential to significantly improve work environments thanks to a focus on well-being, safety, and productivity. With the continuing development of smart office technology, it also becomes easier and more cost-effective to create customized solutions for specific business needs.
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