The idea behind a smart office is to provide employees with a more efficient and productive environment to ultimately make the workplace a better place. The elements of a smart office are designed to deliver comfort, better health, greater safety, and the ability for employees to work faster without compromising quality.
If you’re considering turning your office into a smart office, here are five elements you may consider incorporating:
1. Ergonomic furniture and tools
Ergonomics play a vital role in any office setting. However, in a smart office, ergonomic furniture, tools, and the like become more important than ever before. This might include computer screens that are at a healthy height, special gloves to prevent carpal tunnel, adjustable office chairs, and convertible desks.
2. Smart office layout
For a work environment to be the most productive for employees, it’s important to have the right layout equipped. An improper office layout, however, can hamper the focus, efficiency, motivation, and productivity of employees.
For instance, it’s vital that an office features cubicles within collaboration-friendly proximity while still giving employees independence, peace, and personal space. Additionally, a smart office layout might feature, say, a copy machine in an area of the office that is not only a short distance from all employees but is in an area where working staff will be least interrupted.
3. Coworking software
Smart offices can build a strong coworking environment by implementing the right coworking software. Although most of these software’s cost a small monthly fee, in the long run, your business can earn more money. Features of many of these platforms include contract creation, member management and communication, invoice and billing, and meeting room booking.
4. Virtual reality
Although you might think virtual reality is only for gamers, think again. Virtual or augmented reality can be a great feature for a smart office in numerous ways.
Via virtual reality technology, an office can hold realistic meetings or interviews, no matter where they are individually located. This way, body language, gestures, and facial expressions can still be represented, making remote meetings and interviews more authentic. This technology can also provide a greater hands-on experience for employees being trained.
5. Circadian-friendly lighting
Common health concern in the 21st century is the impact of artificial lighting on our circadian rhythms. As useful as illumination can be, artificial lighting can have an impact on our mood, sleep, and energy levels as a result of confusing our body’s natural 24-hour clock system. That said, it makes sense why adjustable, dimmable illumination is perfect for a smart office.
In the office, the color and brightness of lighting also play a prominent role in the productivity, creativity, and motivation of employees. The right lighting in the workplace can ensure employees are less likely to experience eye strain and headaches, especially while looking at a computer screen all day.
Conclusion
There are many elements that play a role in creating the perfect smart office. A smart office layout, ergonomic furniture and tools, coworking software, virtual reality, and circadian-friendly lighting are just a few of the many things that can be incorporated into an office space to help employees work faster and more efficiently while maintaining health and happiness.
