The success of the Internet of Things has brought many Internet-connected devices into office spaces, offering the potential to improve the workplace experience. New technology is consistently being released to solve specific problems and offer more productive ways of doing things, like cleaning, making coffee and managing spaces. Facility managers that implement new technology in an office space can help staff become more efficient and comfortable in the workplace. But with so many new technologies rolling out every year, how do you decide which ones are worth investing in? We’ve got you covered—here are some of the most useful tech products for facility managers to employ in their workplaces.
Smart thermostats
Thermal comfort is essential to productivity but settling on the right temperature for your office can be difficult. Smart thermostats, like the ones offered by Nest, can help improve the energy efficiency of a space and automatically adjust for specific times of day or seasons. Managers interested in using data from their thermostats should look for devices that come with API support, meaning developers and managers can use third-party apps to extract data for their own use. Installing a smart thermostat that automatically learns and adjusts to your office routine will save facility managers valuable time and keep employees comfortable and effective.
Interactive maps
Large office spaces can be difficult to navigate, especially for new employees or guests. Having an interactive digital map that is hosted on dedicated screens throughout a space or made available on mobile devices can help reduce confusion. These maps can be especially helpful for people who have specific accessibility needs. Maps can include key information about booked meeting rooms, staff member locations, elevators or emergency routes. For facility managers who face challenges when it comes to wayfinding and booking rooms or desks in large office spaces, implementing an office-wide visual directory will keep everyone in the loop.
Automated reminders
It’s no secret that office design can reflect a company’s corporate culture and values. It’s also widely known that office design and layout can impact employees’ health and well-being. One way to positively influence culture and employee wellness is to introduce plants and greenery into an office space. However, these features do add another layer of responsibility for facility managers.
Products like the PlantLink sensor can help you automate these tasks by taking the guesswork out of your plant maintenance.
The sensor is placed in the soil and will send you a reminder (via email or text) when the plant is ready to be watered, ensuring your plants—and employees—are always healthy.
Smart locks
Smart locks help managers secure their buildings by introducing new functionality into the simple mechanisms of a lock. Connecting locks to specific credentials and tracking open times can help companies understand how their teams move through a space and pinpoint any abnormal activity. Some locks provide temporary access credentials as well, which could improve the experience of visitors and clients coming to the office. Share virtual keys with your employees—and never copy a key again.
What’s next?
As a facility manager, you are always looking for new technologies to optimize your office space. If you haven’t already heard, the future of charging devices is changing rapidly. Energous Corporation has developed WattUp, a wire-free charging technology that can deliver power at a distance to multiple devices: “A Radio Frequency (RF) system, similar to a Wi-Fi system, delivers safe wire-free charging energy at distances of up to approximately 15 feet from a transmitter to a receiver device.” For facilities that offer coworking spaces where employees use their own devices, this technology promotes true mobility.
It’s possible for technology to have a positive impact on the experience of staff in the workplace as long as it is well-considered before investments are made. Being able to connect the workplace to smart technology helps take advantage of new data sources and improves productivity. Managers that can successfully implement tech products in their spaces will benefit from a workforce with fewer pain points, added comfort and more time to focus on productive tasks.
Looking to improve the efficiency, security and flexibility of your officespace? Request a free demo today and start using OfficeSpace’s software on any device.
Photo credit: Shutterstock / g-stockstudio, Shutterstock / jorik, Shutterstock / Tanoy1412
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