By Dylan McCrory, SVP of Solutions, Principal at SiteREADY
The “open office” is one of the most prevalent terms in today’s market. However, many companies have found that it is time to evolve and create their own unique spaces instead of replicating what they’ve seen or read about online. Technology is becoming just as important as the tangible features in an office. In order to evolve, expand and refine your company’s capabilities, you need to keep up on the latest workplace technology trends, such as:
- BYOD
The BYOD (bring your own device) trend is taking off in a big way for a variety of reasons, the clearest being that 77% of Americans own their own smartphone and a large percentage also own their own laptops and tablets.
Everyone has their own preferences in terms of which device and operating system they use, and we all customize our devices to both our personal and business lives. Aside from being convenient, BYOD presents an opportunity for companies to realign their budgeting. Instead purchasing devices for employees, they’re able to invest in more advanced technology solutions while employees connect on their own devices.
- Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet has quietly controlled our lives for quite some time, but our adaptation to it has become much more outward and holistic. In the workplace, the Internet of Things (IoT) unlocks a world of possibilities. Sophisticated ID systems can communicate with a building’s control system, from enabling and disabling computer systems to adjusting the temperature controls within the building. Sensors can now be added to just about anything, allowing people to work smarter and more efficiently.
- Remote Collaboration
Many businesses maintain physical offices across the U.S. Historically, when colleagues spread across multiple markets needed to work together, it was very expensive and time-consuming for those teams to do so. Today, more and more companies are utilizing technological advancements that allow everyone to communicate remotely.
Video conferencing from remote locales is becoming commonplace, and with the right connectivity, the need for office space can be minimized. It is now absolutely possible for a team to communicate virtually, in real time, from different locations around the world. The information that’s shared can also be organized digitally for easy, 24/7 access.
- Advanced Security
Advanced security–both for information and employees–is becoming the norm in Corporate America. Whether it’s a company firewall on devices or a biometric system on an entryway, there is a multitude of technology available to keep spaces and information secure. With smart and well-executed technological solutions, employees can quickly be recognized and granted access, without compromising physical or cybersecurity.
Most importantly, communication is essential in order for companies to be able to reimagine the workplace at the pace of technological innovation. As advancements continue to create new opportunities, the need for facilitation grows. SiteREADY is focused on leading that facilitation and delivering truly technology-enabled workplaces. Learn more about our solutions here.