Smart Office Concept: Leveraging Technology and Work Strategies for Enhanced Productivity and Well-Being
In recent years the terms “smart workspace” or “smart office” have become more common, which essentially means the ability of employees to flexibly plan their time, as well as use various smart devices and operate in a technically equipped, modern work environment.
The introduction of various digital tools in both private and professional life is increasingly changing the way our daily duties and work tasks are performed. As the hybrid work model – where the work is done both remotely and in the office – becomes more common and popular, some outdated technologies are replaced with more innovative ones to improve the quality and efficiency of work.
There are also growing demands for the smart office work model – employees expect the workplace and equipment to be modern and easy to use, so companies are striving to keep up with current trends in technology.
In this blog, we will have a deeper look at the things, processes and activities that characterize and make up a modern and smart office.
Smart office concept
The smart office concept includes technology trends for more comfortable work, smarter solutions to facilitate daily work and, of course, to promote productivity. Modern solutions, in a unified management ecosystem, for more comfortable and productive work in the office.
The Internet of Things is already a well-known trend when it comes to smart home solutions, such as controlling heating or lighting remotely with a smartphone. As these solutions have become highly sought after for the convenience of home owners, they are increasingly being introduced for offices as well.
Light and electricity supply sensors, which allow to reduce electricity consumption, as well as remote regulation of heating, make it possible to prepare the premises in time for the employees and clients. Facilitating and managing such small tasks allows you to provide a comfortable environment for employees and optimize energy consumption when no one is in the office.
Also the indoor climate control of the office can be easily managed depending on the circumstances and the time of day – you can monitor fresh air supply in your premises based on CO2 sensor data. Timely and regular determination of oxygen, temperature and humidity levels, are essential for quality work and well-being. Smart office provides opportunities to control the entire building with one system or one application, which facilitates various smart office management processes.
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Fast and reliable internet connection
This aspect is no longer a novelty nowadays, especially when we realize that fast and freely available Internet is a basic necessity, therefore a strong, reliable internet connection must be provided in office premises as well.
Every office should check the internet speed during the busy work periods, such as when several employees are connected to a video conference or a large amount of files are downloaded. In such situations, not only a good wireless Internet connection is necessary, but several access points with signal boosters in different corners and rooms of the office can be useful, so that the WiFi coverage is fully sufficient and there are no interruptions when moving around the office premises. Wireless Internet is especially necessary if you plan to introduce new office technologies or Internet of Things solutions.
Smart devices adapted to work tasks
Outdated stationary computers and office equipment, which are not always easily connectable to each other, can no longer ensure the smooth execution of work tasks – especially in the hybrid work mode are no longer an option. Although laptops have been a widely used and well-known device for quite some time, there are still companies that use desktop computers, thus limiting the ability of employees to work remotely.
Taking into account the trends of the hybrid and remote working mode, more companies are paying attention to work equipment and looking for better solutions to combine the desire of employees to work in the office and remotely.
When looking for newer, better technological solutions, it should be taken into account that the equipment must be easily interconnected. So smart office device solutions should adapt to scenarios of modern office work and have integrated technologies for easier data transfer, connectivity and device sharing.
When thinking about equipment, it is worth buying high-quality devices that are compatible with each other, so that they can be conveniently connected for various daily tasks, for example, to print documents or conduct a video conference via distance.
Digitalization
One of the features of the smart workplace is also the reduction of document circulation. Digitalization is extremely important. If a few years ago everything was still available on paper, now everything is available digitally. These processes should be encouraged not only from the point of view of sustainability – it is also an opportunity to shorten the communication path and save a lot of time.
Neglecting digitalization processes directly affects not only the company’s productivity – it is also a matter of competitiveness. The less resources are spent on producing things and maintaining processes, invoicing and managing, the more added value company is able to provide.
The implementation of digital processes is a very important aspect of development for the company. In other words, the smart workplace is not something special and unimaginable – it is a reality of life that has to be adapted quickly and efficiently.
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Hybrid work model and flexible working environment
The hybrid work model has been normalized in recent years – employers must provide solutions for creating appropriate conditions for the productive work of employees not only in the office, but also at home. In almost every company or institution, at least part of the employees work in the so-called hybrid model – the work is done both in the office and remotely, so more and more technologies enter the daily work of any company. With the new work models – laptops, cameras and the most suitable work furniture for each specific employee are no longer a luxury – they are irreplaceable work tools.
There is no specific set that fits into this workplace model, but the trend is to provide technology that empowers employees to be mobile. This means that even if the employee is relatively stationary and always uses the same workplace, the modern standard is to provide a laptop and other technologies, thus giving the opportunity to work anywhere.
The approaches to hybrid working model are very different, but we see that employees embrace this trend and the flexibility it provides. Remote work is a moment when an employee can focus on himself and his work, and then return to the company’s internal environment with a sincere desire.
Improving digital skills
Sometimes we have to admit that the technology literacy of employees is not always at the same level for everyone. Practice is definitely beneficial – with innovations that we encounter on a daily basis, such problems arise less often. Considering the reality of the job market and the fact that companies are fighting for qualified employees, it is important for any employer that the employee is able to start work effectively as soon as possible and has the digital skills to perform the tasks needed.
Various skills useful at work need to be improved from time to time for everyone, but there is no concrete solution for how to train employees. Different digital skill courses are always an option, but there are so many and the specification is so fragmented that you can only choose the right one if someone recommends what you specifically need.
Of course, the younger generation is used to working with smart devices from an early age, but older people can have problems with even the basic life functions, such as paying bills, as a result of excessive digitization. This must also be taken into account because all parts of society can benefit from the digital solutions in everyday life.
Conclusion
Smart work and the smart office reflect the modernization of work practices using new technologies and new workplace styles. Essentially, this means using work practices based on modernization and efficient management. When working in a smart office, you try to do everything more flexibly and dynamically. But the importance is not only in using new technologies and creating new workplace design, but rather how to completely change the fundamental principles of how you used to work.
The rapid development of new technologies and digitalization, which permeates all aspects of society, means that almost anything is possible in terms of how we organize our work and where we do it. In a sense, it is a paradigm shift, moving from a workspace to a flexible and customizable work environment that does not depend on specific spaces.
Much of knowledge-based work can be done anywhere and a lot of collaborative work is also becoming digital. So why do we actually need a workplace? But don`t worry as the traditional office hasn’t lost its relevance yet – it is just becoming more diverse, more modern and has managed to break the traditional boundaries.
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