by Peter Stock
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30 Jun, 2021
The workplace has been changing for many years and the pandemic has only increased the focus on the “future of the office”. Technology has always been a key indicator of that change and a survey from McKinsey found COVID-19 has sped up the adoption of digital technologies by several years. While not surprising, it will be interesting to see which of those technologies are here to stay. With so many organisations investing in digitisation and embracing a hybrid approach to work, it can be tempting to jump on the bandwagon of the newest, shiniest solutions. This will be exacerbated by the change in outlook that the pandemic has brought. After more than a year of being so health-conscious, employees will want to return to workplaces that are obviously clean and well-maintained. Having expensive technology on-show is an easy way for employers to demonstrate that they care about their workplace. But it isn’t always a worthwhile investment. What to look for in great technology As we move out of the pandemic, organisations must take a step back to reflect on what they are trying to achieve. Building managers should understand how their offices will be used and tailor the technology accordingly. In sites that are primarily hosting clients, for example, active visitor management systems will be important, of course, but managers must think beyond this. From the moment a potential client enters a building, they will build an impression of the organisation. The finest details – from the tidiness and presentation of reception to the way they are greeted at the door – make a difference. Interconnected technology should be used to cross operational silos. Meeting rooms might need to be cleaned, tidied, and checked between each use so cleaning staff need to be aware of site schedules. Management systems may be used to remind staff to turn the heating or air conditioning on in a room in advance – or automate the process - to ensure the client is comfortable. The key, when looking to invest in technology, is to ensure it serves your business. Centralised systems Client sites must become more proactive in response to the pandemic. Cleaning services, for example, should be designed to cater to changing workplace occupancy levels throughout the week. This can easily be done by connecting cleaning workflow technology to workstation booking systems or occupancy sensors and collecting relevant data on usage. Cleaning workflows can also be tracked and centralised to improve transparency and accountability. In a time when health and safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, such systems are more important than ever. While the return to the office is unlikely to be as sudden as the exodus from it, numerous changes are being implemented, and employers should be aware of their responsibilities and the concerns of their staff. There are numerous technologies which can help alleviate those fears and keep staff safe. People have to be central to decisions around which technologies to implement and how solutions are deployed.