Digitalisation and global developments mean that employees are increasingly mobile. We don’t need fixed places of work anymore because we can work from anywhere we want. In theory at least, but in reality, this (still) isn’t always feasible. In addition, most employees prefer to work in the office where they are less distracted but still have some flexibility. Office 4.0 has to be multi-functional and modern, take ergonomics into account and also be inviting. This encourages creativity and motivation. Fixed technologies are replaced by mobile devices such as smartphones, notebooks and tablets which makes it possible for employees to work from a variety of locations both within and outside of the company.
More productive on all levels.
Digitalisation is unstoppable, but there aren’t only differences between age groups, but also across the various industries and professions. There are also huge gaps between competitors which means, sooner or later, someone will come out on top. But why? Why isn’t everyone on the same page? Insecurity tends to be the major cause and this has been increasing rapidly. Is it possible to force employees to work from home? What is the status quo at my company? What do I need and how can I help my employees to work productively and tackle challenges? Digitalisation is no longer pie in the sky and, since March 2020, it has become obvious to everyone that the Modern Digital Workplace is something that needs to thought over.
There is a solution that meets the requirements of every workplace, working style and task. The first step is to analyse the status quo and sketch out the future IT landscape. A demand-oriented IT infrastructure forms the backbone of the company in order to keep pace with digitalisation. Only in this way can business processes be optimised and efficiency boosted while reducing costs and increasing productivity. Employees are able to work from anywhere—securely, effectively and independent of the end devices used.
The future needs space.
What happens with all the large office buildings if everyone can work wherever they like? The office still has a part to play. It just looks different from what we know today, or rather, it has to look different!
Repetitive tasks are digitalised and classic paperwork can easily be done from home. Things are a bit trickier when it comes to a company’s core business which should continue to be handled from the office. Going to the office becomes a conscious decision and keeps employees together. Small talk at the water cooler and creative brainstorming are both important and necessary for a productive working day.
Mobile working and modern technologies mean it’s no longer necessary for employees to be tethered to a desk. Cross-functional and interdepartmental working are the future with strict structures being consigned to the past. Fixed working areas are not ideal where employees are supposed to develop their potential, be creative or where the feel-good factor should be high, and this needs to be represented in offices with flexible working landscapes, think tanks, work cafés and areas for private contemplation. Creativity knows no bounds.
These areas are particularly important for team work as they develop into areas where creative ideas and processes can be developed. And yet people go to the office to work.
Despite the aesthetics and gimmicks, workspaces still need to be functional and support how you work in the best possible way because nobody wants a situation where business conversations can be overheard or where confidential documents can easily be read. In the majority of cases, this can be prevented by installing noise-dampening flooring, special partition walls and even the right furniture. Optics and benefits need to be complement each other and this requires a holistic concept.
Together with our partner, feco-feederle, we’ll support you to equip your new office environments with the innovative technology that’s right for you. No matter if that’s at home, a meeting room or creative workspaces. Want to find out more? Register for our Office 4.0 webinar on 20 or 25 August and get an initial insight into how the office of the future looks.
