The Future of the Office: 4 Ways Smart Building Technology is Transforming Employee Experience.

Reimagining the Modern Workplace

As hybrid work becomes the norm, with 87% of organisations now offering flexible work programs, the focus is increasingly on creating engaging, adaptable office environments that inspire productivity and well-being. This is especially true for landlords and tenants striving to deliver Grade A office space – where demand for premium office space is greater than supply (see JLL’s Global Real Estate Perspective for 2024).  

From optimising environments and streamlining everyday tasks, to keeping employees engaged and connected – smart building technology promises to help people be their best selves both professionally and personally. But how exactly does this work? Here are four high-level ways smart building technology is reshaping the office for the future: 

1. Prioritising Comfort and Wellbeing 

   Smart building technologies are redefining workplace comfort and employee well-being by prioritising physical and mental wellness. Intelligent HVAC systems equipped with sensors and software continually monitor and regulate temperature and humidity to optimise comfort. The WELL Building Standard™ underscores the importance of air quality, advocating for high filtration and humidity control to reduce respiratory risks and enhance cognitive health. According to the World Green Building Council, improving air quality can boost productivity by up to 11% and cognitive function by 61%. 

   
   

   Beyond temperature control, smart lighting systems dynamically adjust brightness and colour temperature to mimic natural daylight patterns, thereby reducing eye strain and enhancing mood. WELL’s Circadian Lighting Design standards support optimal lighting conditions, which can improve alertness and boost productivity by up to 18%. Certifications like RESET, WELL, and AirRated provide frameworks for maintaining these high standards. 

   
   

2. Enhancing Health and Safety 

   In addition to improving air quality, smart buildings can enhance safety and health. A recent Deloitte report links poor air quality to headaches, fatigue, and allergies, which underscores the importance of smart systems to promote healthy workspaces. 

   
   

   Occupancy sensors and access control solutions, such as digital keys, streamline building entry, manage building security, and support efficient evacuation during emergencies. Two-factor authentication, native integration into identity and access management (IAM) platforms, and digital key credentials add additional layers of protection when onboarding workplace apps as access control devices. By easily managing assignment of user groups to authorised access rights, organisations can better protect employees and resources, reinforcing the overall safety and integrity of a building.  

   
   

3. Boosting Productivity and Convenience 

   An Arcadis study suggests around 4% of an employee’s day is spent unproductively. Smart building technology helps reduce this waste by automating routine tasks, guiding employees to spaces and resources, and optimising resource usage.

   
   

   Smart elevators and parking systems, for instance, minimise wait times and streamline movement within the building. Conference room booking systems use occupancy data to manage reservations efficiently, ensuring meeting spaces are available when needed reducing time wasted in searching for available rooms. Digital signage aids with wayfinding, reduces aimless wandering, and supports a sense of community through personalised branding and collaborative announcements.  

   
   

   Additionally, workplace mobile apps now integrate with a variety of building systems, allowing employees to control temperature, lighting, and access office amenities with just a few taps. This seamless connectivity means less time wasted on facility-related issues, translating into more time for focused, productive work.  

   
   

4. Enhanced Engagement and Experience 

   Beyond physical comfort and convenience, smart building technology can enrich the overall employee experience and foster a sense of community – which is especially valuable in an era of hybrid work. Interactive digital signage can display personalised information, company news, and wayfinding assistance, keeping employees informed and connected. Mobile apps centralise various workplace functions, making it easy for employees to access necessary resources and information.

   
   

   Whether it's booking meeting rooms, reserving bike storage, opening lockers, or finding colleagues, these apps provide a one-stop solution that empowers them with the resources they need at their fingertips. While technology alone doesn’t create engagement, workplace technology serves as valuable tools for building community and fostering engagement.  

Smart Buildings: A Path to a Commute-Worthy Future 

Smart buildings are more than a trend; these represent a shift towards sustainable, employee-centric workplaces. As hybrid work models continue to influence the industry, companies are challenged to create spaces that not only attract employees back to the office but inspire their best work. Employees are therefore motivated to commute when their offices offer amenities that are centred around wellness and spaces that reflect the values of the company. Organisations embracing smart building technology are thus better positioned to meet and exceed employee expectations, as reflected in higher Employee Net Promoter Scores (eNPS). 

The transformation of workspaces is happening now with smart building technology like IBSS by ICONICS. By automating tasks and enhancing comfort, ICONICS is leading the charge toward more adaptive, responsive, and employee-centric workplaces and empowering employees to focus on their work, promoting well-being and productivity.  

For a free workplace consultation, please reach out to the ICONICS Smart Building team.