The intelligent workplace may seem self-explanatory, but what does it take to build an intelligent workplace? Intelligent workplaces enable employees to work in a seamless, automated environment. We face new opportunities as companies adopt different models and move away from traditional Monday-Friday work schedules.
A well-designed hybrid office can help businesses avoid wasting money and energy.
At the heart of the Intelligent Workplace is an environment that incorporates technology into everyday work. But how can an intelligent workplace help employees complete their tasks in an easier way? Intelligent workplaces improve employee efficiency. Businesses can eliminate pointless tasks that slow down workflow. This reduces costs and increases productivity.
While the areas where companies can save money are very clear, designing an intelligent workplace can be challenging. what is the cost? Do you need to train your employees? After all, is an intelligent workplace worth it? The short answer is yes. These four strategies can help you easily create an intelligent workplace in a well-designed hybrid office.
As with any change, you need a clear goal. You should know what you are trying to achieve. An intelligent workplace includes everything from specialized scheduling software to automated lighting solutions. Knowing what you need, what you need, and what your employees need to maximize your workflow is the first step to building an intelligent workplace.
AI and the future of work
AI, or artificial intelligence, has become a more readily available technology for businesses. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t use some form of AI in your hybrid office. The opportunities are endless. AI creates the building blocks of the intelligent workplace. Creating more efficient and streamlined manual operations is done using some form of AI. CNBC I wrote an article about AI and the future of work. The author discusses how artificial intelligence can help improve employee efficiency and productivity.
There are many negatives and concerns when it comes to talking about AI, but when it comes to the future of work, AI is becoming a necessity. Complementing the hybrid office with AI can improve the workplace and work experience.
4 Intelligent Workplace Strategies
It is important to have a strategy when making changes. And it’s important to know what you’re doing, how you’re going to do it, and whether it’s really what you need. When it comes to adopting a hybrid workplace for the future of work, there are some ways to gain more benefits than others.
Apart from all the strategies listed below, it is important to consider all available options. An intelligent hybrid office may look very different from other companies. It’s hard to replicate what works for others, resulting in the same changes. The future of work depends on your company’s commitment.
By adopting four strategies for building an intelligent workplace, we can not only build an intelligent office, but also build an office that builds an intelligent environment.
1. Consider employee needs
Employees need the right tools to get the job done. Employees can easily get discouraged when they have to complete repetitive or time-consuming tasks just to get their work done. This can lead to poor working conditions and employee burnout. When employees can focus on their work without interruption, they can fully focus on their work. Eliminating repetitive and wasteful tasks improves the quality of your work. By listening to your employees’ needs, you can shape the future of work.
This does not mean automating employee work. It means making life easier. Employee needs vary widely, but meeting employee needs can have a significant impact on their performance and well-being at work. As an employer, meeting the needs of your employees starts with building an intelligent workplace.
2. Consider using automation tools
The intelligent workplace depends on the scope of work. For example, an office may not use robotic machines to streamline tasks, but may use specialized software, scheduling tools, and employee monitoring programs.
There seems to be a myriad of software and applications on the market that make workers’ jobs easier. Easier work makes employees more efficient and productive. G2 Talk about how automation can lead to increased productivity and reduced human error.
Another example is reducing communication time between employees, management and departments. This saves time and money. Even when employees work in close proximity, communication within the office can be difficult. Conflicting schedules, overwork, and poor time management can make it difficult to find someone to talk to. You can work around these issues.
Communication in the workplace is made easier with project and task management and scheduling software. Getting rid of the “phone tag” allows employees to focus more on why they communicate, rather than how they communicate. Eliminating this time-consuming and sometimes frustrating communication saves employees time and ultimately costs.
Whether you want to build a smart office with automated utilities or automate employee monitoring, the tools are there for you. Automation is a word that is closely associated with factories and production, but small changes using automation can have the same impact in the office.
3. Build intelligence into your hybrid office
Several issues can arise when a company switches to a hybrid model. This may mean monitoring employee attendance, ensuring space is available when the employee needs to be in the office, and ensuring that the employee has a private her area that is the same as at home. Building intelligence into your hybrid office isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Desk-sharing or hotel desks are becoming an increasingly popular office strategy. This or variations of it are found in many hybrid offices. Considering multiple employees use her single desk, it might seem like a logistical nightmare. The idea of employees fighting over her single workstation may seem like it does more harm than it saves space. Automated software makes it easy for employees to book desks without having to tell others about their needs. This is just one example of an automation tool that can really help a successful hybrid office.
A sustainable workplace is an intelligent workplace.
Many outdated offices were designed with one thing in mind. In the past, the purpose of an office was to give employees a place to work. As the office environment changes, more time is spent on design, layout, and consideration for employees. This shift in office design has resulted in a number of very unique designs.
The work area has become more attractive to look at, but it’s even easier to work in. The introduction of sound absorbing furniture has allowed companies to utilize more space by adopting open office layouts. In offices, sound deadening technology is built into soundproof panels, seats, and office phone booths. An intelligent workplace doesn’t necessarily mean using digital tools. It also means using technology in furniture and workstations.
Maximizing the space your employees work in gives them the tools to work more efficiently.
4. Creating a sustainable workplace
Sustainability is a focus for many companies. Apart from complying with social responsibility, research shows that social responsibility is just as important for employees. A hybrid workplace is a great opportunity to implement more sustainable practices.
Automating utilities such as lighting and air conditioning can help save energy when the office is not in use. Air-conditioning equipment products has an article showcasing how automating utilities throughout a building can reduce costs, save energy, and create a more sustainable workplace. In addition to being environmentally friendly, depending on the size of your office, it could save your company a lot of money. This is a very useful tool for businesses that don’t have regular hours or have employees who go to work on an as-needed basis.
A sustainable workplace is an intelligent workplace. Businesses do their best to avoid wasting money, and a well-designed hybrid office can help businesses avoid wasting money and energy.
Need to build an intelligent workplace?
There is absolutely no reason to avoid intelligent workplaces. As your workforce and their needs change, your office must change as well. As with most changes to the office, there is an initial cost, training and learning process. Employees may need to adapt to the way they communicate and the type of space in which they work. As long as he has clear goals, considers the needs of his employees, and takes advantage of the tools available, he will end up with a hybrid office that reflects the future of work.
The right furnishings are key to seamlessly integrating technology into your workforce. Explore our hybrid office collection and contact us to design your intelligent workplace.
