UPDATE: COVID-19 has had a major impact on many working environments, and a need for technological solutions to solve remote working and social distancing problems has become apparent. Our video conferencing, and room management solutions are a great way to keep your remote employees involved in all you do and keep social distancing measures in place when people do work from the office.
Introduction
The term dynamic workplaces is being used more and more. Much like many other buzz words, there seems to be a varying amount of definitions for it. So, firstly, what is a dynamic workplace?
In our understanding, we here at Remark define the dynamic workplace as a workplace or business that provides employees with flexible working options, utilising technology to offer more flexibility with an office layout and management. A dynamic workplace offers spaces that are designed to cater to the needs of the user, giving employees the ability to choose where they work for the day.
In some definitions, there is a focus on the relationship between working hours and dynamic working; however, we are purely exploring the role technology plays to create a dynamic workspace. This is because when you give employees access to the right technology they need to complete their job effectively and efficiently, it makes them: more productive; more collaborative; and in turn, increases their workplace wellbeing.
So, what technologies can be used to create a more dynamic working environment?
Video Conferencing
Teams are now more commonly spread across multiple locations across the UK and beyond. Providing the right equipment for them to be able to communicate is more essential than ever. Dedicated video conferencing rooms, like Microsoft Teams Rooms or Zoom Rooms are a great way to keep teams connected, whilst keeping a familiar operative experience that your employees will know and recognise how to use
Providing dedicated spaces and rooms in the workplace, which are designed for teams to connect over video conferencing can help with communication and collaboration. Whether you have a small huddle space, or large conferencing room, there is a fit-for-purpose video conferencing solution for every sized space.
Soundscapes and Breakout Areas
In a dynamic workplace, ensuring that employees have plenty of spaces to work from is important. But, when employees have the opportunity to work in multiple rooms, from breakout area to hot desks, noise can start to be an issue. As well as this, not everyone likes to work in the same environment – some like background noise, while others prefer a quitter room.
Soundscapes and sound masking are perfect for dynamic workplaces. Injecting an unobtrusive background soundscape can reduce distractions, increase productivity, and improve an employees’ sense of wellbeing at work. They can be utilised across different areas of the office, such as: breakout areas; meeting rooms; kitchens; and open plan offices. There is a solution for every space.
Room Management Systems
With employees having the freedom to work in different areas, it’s essential that they have a way of booking spaces. Room Management Systems can be placed in the different areas to let employees know if the space is free or booked. They have the ability to book a space at a desk or a meeting room, on the app on their phone, or in real time at on the room booking system.
A digital display screen showing real time schedules of: available meeting rooms, occupied rooms, and when occupied rooms will be free is a great edition for instantly knowing which room you can book for any spontaneous last-minute meetings. Real-time alerts can be sent to facilities managers letting them know when a space was booked and not used, and when a space needs cleaning.
Access Control Systems
A dynamic workplace will be a hub of creativity and productivity, but with employees having the flexibility of working in different spaces – including if flexible working is added in the mix, then it could be hard to keep track of who is on site.
Access Control systems come in many varieties; key fobs, biometric systems, cards and QR codes. Access Control can be utilised for occupancy control, managing every individual onsite, granting them access and exit, and even manage their movements within the building itself.
Temperature Access Control is a great addition to an entrance hall or reception to allow individuals entry based on their temperature reading. Contactless Temperature Cameras use facial recognition to instantaneously measure the temperature of an individual, creating a completely contactless entry system.
Remark Group have experience working with businesses to provide them with the complete turnkey solution: from the supply, installation and configuration, helping to provide productive and collaborative workspaces. Get in touch today to see how we can boost productivity and wellbeing within your workplace.
