The idea of smart workplaces isn’t new. And, with a predicted market growth rate of 10.11% from 2023 to 2030, clearly more employers are adopting this way of working.
Using IoT-enabled devices and software to streamline workflows and boost the employee experience offers serious growth opportunities.
The big win though is data.
The data collected from smart technology can help your company make better decisions that can impact everything from overhead costs to employee productivity.
So, as we watch this workplace trend become mainstream, the question is: how smart is your workplace?
Does your company have the technology it needs to support your workforce and stay competitive? And how can you create this type of environment?
This article examines smart workplaces, their advantages, and the solutions you can implement to make your workplace “smart.”
Quick Summary
A smart workplace goes beyond having fancy gadgets and tech.
Instead, it’s about combining advanced technology, human-centric design, and data-driven insights to create a more flexible work environment that adapts to different work styles and needs.
In other words, it allows employees to be more productive, collaborate, and experience greater job satisfaction, regardless of whether they’re working in the office, remotely, or as part of a hybrid model.
Generally, a smart workplace consists of the following:
In short, a smart workplace evolves with its people—which is something that traditional offices can’t do.
According to a report from Facts and Factors, the smart workplace market was valued at $37.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $81.48 billion by the end of 2030.
One of the main reasons companies continue to adopt these workplaces is that they help them stay competitive in areas such as employee engagement, productivity, and office costs.
This is because these advanced work environments offer:
As companies are making their workplaces smarter, you should consider doing the same to avoid falling behind.
Now, let’s have a deeper look at the benefits these spaces provide.
Here are some benefits your company can gain by using smart technology in your workplace.
Smart workspaces are especially helpful for companies that use a hybrid work model.
Employees in these companies have flexible schedules and often work in and out of the office.
Smart workplace technologies and solutions can streamline workflows and allow employees to collaborate no matter where everyone is located.
Video conferencing software lets teams meet face-to-face to brainstorm and problem-solve. Communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams offer instant messaging functions and file sharing.
By using a resource booking system such as OfficeRnD Workplace, employees can easily book desks and spaces based on their projects. This ensures they have all the necessary resources (including space, equipment, and access to team members).
Here are some ideas for improving your hybrid workplace so that there is enough space for each employee.
Smart workplaces can significantly increase productivity by offering solutions that make the office more comfortable.
For example, smart desks and chairs automatically adjust based on a person’s preferences. This reduces physical strain and discomfort, allowing the employee to focus.
Also, IoT-connected lighting and climate systems can adjust the temperature and lighting based on occupancy rates, time of day, and personal preferences—making it more comfortable for employees, while also reducing your utility bill.
Regarding smart apps, AI-powered tools, such as virtual assistants, can take over many administrative duties, such as scheduling meetings and sending reminders. This reduces the time employees take to complete low-level tasks and allows them to focus on big-picture projects instead.
A smart workplace gives professionals the freedom and resources they require to maintain a healthy work-life balance. One study found that 50% of workers believe that new technologies improve their work-life balance by giving them more flexibility and helping them manage their time better. Technology also allows employees to be location-independent.
Aside from tech, workers are becoming increasingly health and safety conscious. IoT sensors can track air quality, and intelligent security systems monitor the office in real time to increase workplace safety.
One of the more powerful benefits of smart workplaces is the ability to collect and analyze data from the work environment.
Smart technologies provide companies with insights into space usage and employee behavior so they can:
For example, workplace data tools, like OfficeRnD Workplace’s workplace analytics feature, can help companies optimize their footprint, thus saving money.
Here are four smart workplace solutions you should consider if you want to create a more secure, flexible, and productive environment for your employees.
Security should be a top priority for any business, including technologies and systems to protect physical and digital assets. Here are some things you can implement:
All this will also keep your workplace fully compliant.
Effective space management is essential for companies with employees who alternate between remote and on-site work. Smart space management software allows workers to book desks, meeting rooms, and other resources.
Optimizing space usage based on data-driven insights can help reduce operational costs.
Smart workplaces use occupancy sensors and booking systems to monitor how the space is used in real-time. This helps companies determine which spaces are overused and underused so they can make the necessary improvements.
With smart technology, companies can also use hot-desking, which allows staff to use workstations as needed. This reduces the need for permanent desks and enables companies to design their workplaces to be adaptable and collaborative.
Environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly important workplace factor for employees. This means companies must strive to implement more environmentally friendly practices to attract and retain talent. Some environmental solutions include:
Here are some things companies need to consider before adopting smart solutions.
Before choosing technology and systems, you need to consider whether they can handle future growth and changes in business needs. For example, if your company were to grow from 50 employees to 500 employees, would the booking system still work?
You also need to consider the provider. How likely are they to continue to provide updates? Will they support evolving requirements?
Next, consider whether the systems and technology you plan on using are compatible with your company’s existing systems, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Slack.
A smart hybrid workplace management system such as OfficeRnD Workplace, for example, seamlessly integrates with your existing tech stack.
Also, determine whether the provider will help you fix problems with integration without affecting your current work.
Forty-five percent of employees say they’ve had to learn new technology and tools for their work in the last year.
It’s important to provide your employees with the necessary training to use your new tools and systems.
When considering new technology, think about how easy it is to use and the training your employees require to get value out of the software or hardware.
Smart workplaces are here to stay, and many employers appreciate this type of environment.
By using smart workplace technology, such as OfficeRnD Workplace to manage your workplace, you can make both work and people thrive.
The easy-to-use, yet powerful software allows you to seamlessly book desks and meeting rooms, analyze space usage, and entice employees to come to the office for the moments that matter. And much more!
Book a free live demo today to see how OfficeRnD can help streamline your business processes. Alternatively, you can start for free, no strings attached.
A smart workplace is an environment enhanced by technology to improve efficiency, collaboration, and comfort for its users. This setup typically involves the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as sensors and smart systems, to manage everything from lighting and temperature to security and workspace optimization. These technologies collect data on usage patterns and environmental conditions, allowing for automated adjustments that enhance operational efficiency and worker satisfaction, thereby creating a more dynamic and responsive workplace.
The main goal of a smart workplace is to create an environment where advanced technologies, equipment, and systems are used to:
A smart workforce refers to teams that are using smart technologies, both software and IoT devices, to get more out of their workdays.
These employees are comfortable working with cloud-based applications, AI, and data analytics to help them make better decisions. They’re also adaptable and open to continuous learning as technology evolves.
Intelligent workplaces use advanced technology and AI and are a more advanced evolution of smart workplaces. Unlike smart workplaces, they don’t just focus on automation and connectivity but also on using artificial intelligence and machine learning for proactive problem-solving, personalized employee experience, and more.