Computers have become miniaturized powerhouses of productivity and connections to others, but not many foresaw that transition 50 years ago.
It’s much like the traditional cubical layout, which has transformed to allow work in multiple locations, allowing purposeful integration of smart spaces, tools and technology.
However, that means employers have to provide work environments that support collaboration, creativity and improved productivity.
With smart spaces that attract and energize talent, you leave prospective employees saying, “I want to be a part of that culture.”
Who could have foreseen this evolving so quickly?
And the years ahead point to a certainty; it’s evolving at a faster pace.
A Productivity Boost
Research indicates as the quality of your workspace improves, so does worker productivity.
This can be measured through more accomplished tasks and surveys of the workforce.
As the sophistication of sensors to detect someone’s presence and worker happiness improves, along with affordability, most leaders are eager to adopt these technologies if the promises of a more productive atmosphere are proven.
Finding where to meet, finding where everyone on the team is, be it virtual or actual, is essential for meeting productivity. Employees that feel comfortable and less stressed with technology that works in their physical work settings tend to produce more.
Automate actions in a physical space
Powerful capabilities can improve efficiency and conditions for companies and people using these new smart spaces:
- Presence sensors utilizing a combination of infrared to distinguish occupants and low energy beacons to sense occupant location and signature.
- Applications on your phone, kiosk, room panel and all digital signage that all work together to provide critical information during a crisis event, company announcement, instructions on how to use the innovation lab or simply to welcome out of town guests.
- Efficiency utilization – How often are spaces being used? Re-allocate resources, optimize
- The new employee or customer experience – make it frictionless and welcoming
- Digitaliscousness – rich content that responds to who you are, recognizing you and responding
- Adjustments of temperature and fresh air, based on preferences or detection of too much Co2
Get Smart
What types of Smart Building ideas have proven useful?
- Automatic shade control of sunlight with smart glass (first pioneered by ISS Copenhagen)
- Cogeneration on site
- A shutdown of energy systems when not in use (Microsoft showed 16 percent energy savings at ROC)
- Responsive spaces- that change as the meeting changes, dimming lights during presentations
- Devices to help you find where to work, where to meet and to find who it is you need to see.
- Transcribed meeting notes in multiple languages, improving communication and action.
What’s next?
To automate room booking and finding your team and a place to meet is a no-brainer. So is saving energy.
But this is just the beginning of better space utilization and improved worker experience.
Imagine a space that adjusts as you need to with light indicators in the floor to show furniture layouts based on the number of guests expected. Prefilling of notes as people arrive, listing bullet points of their career achievements and strengths.
Imagine screens that scour the web for research as you discuss, making all participants aware of current trends and industry advancements.
Imagine AI that suggests what options for the team to take action on; forecasting when tasks can realistically be achieved. Spaces that tell you where the quickest routes are to escape, fed by sensors of what is going on in the building as a crisis unfolds.
The fact is, these technology trends are developing right in front of our eyes.
Implementing them or, at the very least, considering how they will impact your business or clients is an absolute must.
Smart spaces are here to stay
As they evolve, improving and demonstrating true productivity changes, they will scale.
Think about this: Microsoft has pledged $5 Billion in investment and research over the next four years. IBM has pledged a similar amount and had an earlier start along with Siemens. Cisco first gave $1 billion for smart city investments, then turned around with Microsoft and IBM and invested specifically in German IoT solutions that are manufacturing solutions for participants.
At the Insider Labs, Microsoft built in Redmond, Washington, Munich and Shenzhen numerous experiments have unfolded into useful applications.
These investments are a good sign that the trend is going to continue to move toward implementation of Smart technology – not just for the ease of use, but also for the retention and productivity of employees.
John Jurewicz is an Innovation Technology Leader for Walbridge, a leading-edge constructor across the globe. He’s spent more than three decades mixing new technologies with construction and architecture to provide top-of-line services for clients.