The Smart Office: Top Ways To Modernize Your Workplace

Over the years, the office environment has experienced all sorts of trends. From typing pools and ashtrays to cubicles and computers, today’s workplaces are currently undergoing another big change. They are rapidly evolving to integrate cutting-edge tech to increase efficiency, comfort, and convenience factors.

As various technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), become staples in workplaces, it’s a smart strategy to stay on top of the latest tech and make room for it in the budget when and where it makes sense.

Tech Attracts Top Talent

Millennials are already firmly rooted in the modern workforce, with many of them already transitioning into leadership positions. The oldest members of Gen Z are now graduating college and coming to work right on the heels of millennials. Companies that include the latest technologies get a better shot at turning the heads of these two generations when looking to hire for open positions. Try investing in some of the following upgrades to get their attention.

Virtual Assistants

Invest in devices such as Alexa, Echo, or similar products. The younger generations rely on virtual assistants in their personal lives and, if available, at work. Load any assistive devices you provide with Siri, Cortana, or other “digital helpers.”

The Cloud

Remote work access is where it’s at, and it’s a trend that isn’t going out of style anytime soon. Millennial workers have demonstrated that they want flexibility, and cloud-based apps enable them to work from anywhere, anytime. This also allows them to stretch their dollars by living in cheaper areas — why spend a whole paycheck on San Francisco rent when they could rent in Atlanta, instead? Statistics report that about 40 percent of businesses experience better agility and responsiveness from employees when they use these types of software-as-a-service [SaaS] solutions.

Digital Communication

IMs and phone conversations are so 1990s. Gens Y and Z are perpetually connected to their devices, and they prefer quick exchanges. By beginning to shift company culture towards text-based internal communication systems, such as Slack and Skype, it’ll make your workplace look that much more up-to-date — and appealing.

Comfort & Convenience

A number of updates can be made to increase an office’s comfort factor. VR meeting rooms, keyless entryways, hue or Circadian lighting, self-adjusting window shades, and personal climate control are among them. With the number of IoT gadgets hitting the market, it’s a good idea to keep on top of the latest products.

According to a 2017 survey, just 35 percent of employees felt their employer put a priority on smart office tech. This lag signals an archaic way of thinking, especially since the smart-office market is about to explode; projections place smart office tech at a whopping $46.11 billion by 2023.

While you’re adding “smart” ways to upgrade your office, why not ditch the cubicles and other outdated features and opt instead for a modernized, open-concept design to give things a fresh look and feel? Open spaces, conducive colors, and varied seating and work surfaces all combine to offer employees an atmosphere that enhances collaboration, creative thinking, and productivity.

Innovation Improves Customer Service

Since smart tech is available to easily automate routine or mundane tasks within the office, there are many good business reasons for investing in it to upgrade your customer experiences, as well. With the massive amounts of data passing through most organizations, decision-makers can’t possibly leverage it all to build business strategies. Enter AI and other forms of automation.

AI-based automation analyzes customer data and unlocks hidden behaviors, preferences, and all sorts of other goodies unseen to the naked eye. The information AI derives can be used to provide customers with a higher degree of personalization — an element which all customers are increasingly conditioned to expect. Look to invest in these smart tech options if you haven’t already.

Chatbots

Using chatbots to assist with customer service questions and interactions can free up staff and is highly convenient for the customer to address quick inquiries or resolve problems.

Text Updates

When tracking order fulfillment and delivery, getting updates as your package makes its way to you dramatically amps up the convenience factor.

AI Analytics

To track customer habits and patterns, AI can help determine where each consumer is in the “customer journey” with your brand and customize all interactions and communications.

Customers nowadays have shifted their expectations. Taking a wait-and-see approach can leave a company in the proverbial dust. Remember: A large number of today’s customers are also millennials (and soon, Gen Z members), which means the largest market segments will expect lightning-quick information and easy ways to find assistance. Companies definitely need to look for new ways to provide this convenience if they want to attract consumers and continuously grow their customer bases.

Investing In Tech Benefits Companies

If current trends are any indicator, there is little doubt that investing in both office and customer-based tech upgrades will provide both employees and customers a far better experience. Those reasons are enticing and convincing enough to do some upgrading. However, if there is still some doubt, here are some ways smart tech can greatly benefit business owners and managers, too.

Frees Up Staff Time

Automation and tech can take care of the mundane and allow staff more time to invest in core competencies, creative thinking to grow the business, or opportunities to plan for and attend trade shows and conferences to boost marketing and outreach.

Decreases Overhead

Smart tech can perform or regulate many of the tasks formerly done by humans, lowering manpower demand, reducing office-based expenses (i.e. regulating light, temperature, or other facility concerns), and diminishing other operating and fixed costs.

Provides Real-Time Insight

Smart tech offers in-the-moment data, which can aid decision makers in making more accurate and timely choices. No more waiting to make decisions, only to find they’re based on outdated information.

Investing in smart technologies can deliver an amazing ROI on sales and marketing efforts, along with giving your bottom line a nice boost once you get going. AI is changing the competitive landscape. This is a trend that is only going to gain traction as companies discover different ways to unleash the power of technologies, such as IoT and AI, and integrate new products and services as they emerge.

Keep in mind, those companies that ignored the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s quickly found themselves left behind and scrambling to get back up to speed. IoT, AI, higher levels of automation, and the latest smart tech options are the next generation of modernization.

Finding ways to include smart tech in business strategies when and where it makes good business sense also will help you get ahead of the curve when the next wave of technology hits.

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