About 43% of workers do a portion of their work remotely. This concept of working remotely has become more than a trend; in some industries, it’s an expectation. So why are so many offices still the same? As the nature of the way people work continues to change, so must workplaces. Luckily, work environment modifications don’t necessarily have to be expensive. In fact, decision makers can take this opportunity to lower costs over the long run. New and innovative technologies, particularly in the area of digital communications, allow organizations to improve measurement and communication throughout the workplace, leading to big savings.
A Better Way to Measure Space Utilization
Before the rise of the teleworker, business managers measured space utilization in two ways: cost per square foot and square
feet per desk. However, neither of these options help today’s companies see where they can really cut costs. When businesses take a comprehensive look at space utilization, it’s clear that assigned seating and tiny cubicles no longer fit the needs of the modern office. Enlightened companies are opting for more flexible spaces that employees can use in ways that foster collaboration, creativity and communication. Organizations able to ditch wasted space can cut rent costs by up to half.
The Future of Business Communication
In addition to measuring costs more efficiently, successful organizations will change the way work spaces look and feel. Forward-thinking organizations will save money through smart technology and screens that facilitate communication. Some of the cost-saving technologies that innovative organizations are using include algorithms designed to maximize resources, employee tracking, smart utilities, and meeting rooms with AI.
For example, through employee tracking, an organization may discover that nobody uses the conference room on Fridays. Through the use of AI, air conditioning can be regulated to remain off during this day of non-use, and lighting adjusted to come on only when someone enters the room. However, if someone schedules a meeting through the system, the room’s AI programming will engage the air conditioning system in time for the scheduled meeting. It’s improved efficiency through better data.
Digital Communications are Key
The key to this future with more efficiency, more open space, and the demise of the cubicle relies partly on smart digital communications. As employees come and go, working when and where it makes sense for them, collaboration is vital. Information leads to better decisions, and as such, digital communications must be equipped with everything an organization needs to facilitate company-wide informative interaction.
A digital communications platform helps innovative organizations achieve this lofty goal. It energizes organizations, empowers more informed decisions, and helps reduce costs while making offices work for everyone.
