The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that we need to be more flexible in how we operate the office. For companies that have either returned to the office, or adopted fully remote work arrangements, or a hybrid option of the two – technology will be necessary for any of these options. 

While working from home, your employees will need the technology to communicate with colleagues, clients, and vendors. At the office, video conferencing capabilities will be important for meetings with clients or colleagues that cannot come into the physical office. 

In a recent Tenant Talks event, “How Will Flexible Working Impact Your Culture,” our panelists talked about the need to take “the human approach” when we start making future plans for the business. 

Collaboration and Productivity

Technology can enhance collaboration and productivity in your offices. After working remotely for so long, it can be difficult for employees to return to the office. Offering technology and spaces that promote collaboration with team members can help employees feel more comfortable about working together again. 

Communication

Your employees need easy access to communication tools, regardless of where they are working from. For example, if they are working from home, they should have a program available to them where they can chat or quickly message fellow colleagues to ask a question or share information. 

Technology enhances communication by offering employees new, effective ways to talk to or write to clients and colleagues. 

Workspace Innovation

Companies are using technology to create innovative ways for their employees to increase productivity and engagement while working. For example, during a recent Tenant Talks event, one of our panelists said that their firm implemented a “distributed staffing model” that allows employees to choose how they want to work (remote, in-office, or a hybrid). 

Those who choose to work from home should have access to the same (or similar) technologies as the ones who work in the office. This creates an equitable work environment where work is fairly distributed among staff, regardless of how they choose to work. 

But how do businesses create a space that works for a “distributed staffing model”? Recently, during the most recent Tenant Talks event, “How Will Flexible Working Impact Culture?” which was hosted by Aura, panelists also talked about a new software called Pivvot. Aura has actually partnered with Pivvot to bring innovation to the workspace. 

Pivvot is a unique approach that answers the question of “how much space do I need?” with a scientific data-driven solution. It looks at workstyle personas to help leaders create a space that works for their people. Many companies are now using Pivvot to make the most of their office space. 

Desk Booking Technology

Another solution to the need for a flexible workspace is desk booking technology. Companies like Cloudbooking, SmartWay2, and Condeco are offering this software to employers. This technology allows your staff to book a desk when they need to come into the office. Rather than having an office that is dedicated to them, they can use an app to sign in for the day and “borrow” an office space. 

This flexible workspace option allows employees to work from home when it makes sense for them and their team, but also to come into the office when they need to. 

Introducing The Digital Office

Another innovative concept that was introduced during the most recent Aura Tenant Talks event was the digital office. Didhiti Bhoumik, Chief Administrative Officer at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) said that their Toronto office is already implementing this new concept. 

How Does The Digital Office Work?

When you show up to the work in the morning, you sign in through an application. Once you sign in, you will be assigned an office. That office will have your name on the door, and your family photos, artwork, and certifications will all be displayed in the office (digitally). 

The technology behind the digital offices is smart enough to know who you typically work with and will put you in the same area as your team. You can book an office for yourself or your whole team, and you can book for just one day or multiple days. When you leave and sign out of your office, it will be cleaned and sanitized for the next person. 

This is just the newest innovation that companies are using technology for. As we move on in this post-pandemic world, we will continue to see new technology and digital concepts introduced within the workplace. These concepts and technologies will enhance the way we work, regardless of where we work from.