How The Digital World Affects Workplace Design
In our digital world, the lines between our work and our lives are blurring more and more every day, and our workplaces are much more than offices because of it. In order to attract, and keep, the best talent available, companies are developing strategies and additions that help them offer those irresistible extras that today’s employee is looking for, and the latest developments in technology are helping to make that happen. These additions from our digital world are having a dramatic effect on workplace design in some unexpected, and some not-so-unexpected, ways. For example:
Bye Bye, Cubicles
We have bid farewell to the bland, isolating, cookie-cutter cubicle office environment and are saying hello to open, creative spaces that allow for collaboration, the entry of natural light and air, and freedom of movement. Does anyone miss those cubicles? Studies show that no, no one does. No workspace or work team is the same so that one-size-fits-all approach is just not appropriate, and the modern office is, therefore, a much more flexible one, integrating multi-function design to empower the office environment. Psychology studies show that an empowered office environment increases productivity on cognitive tasks, and that is definitely a plus.
Hello, Engagement
Interaction and engagement mean different things to different operations. If your business involves one-on-one interaction with clients that requires quiet to allow for a focus on legal documents and other important materials, engagement here would mean an office layout that protects and provides this. If, on the other hand, you have a team that survives and thrives on constant open and collaborative communication, your workspace layout will need to be designed to foster this type of engagement and interaction for the highest level of productivity possible. The technological advancements of our digital world allow you to create the perfect space for any kind of engagement and provide the workers and clients with tools that help them get the job done. This flexibility is one of the most powerful aspects of our brave new digital world.
Welcome, Technology
This is the era of smart everything, from appliances and residences to entire cities. Many offices are able to accommodate all kinds of digital devices and so are able to encourage their teams to bring their own devices to work, enhancing both efficiency and productivity. You can expect changes to continue at a pretty rapid pace as technological advances continue to be developed, and here are a few other examples of some helpful technology for your workplace so you can stay on top of your game:
Software that helps you look at your staffing analytics, allowing you to determine how your space is being used and enabling you to make wise decisions to accommodate your changing environment.
Air-conditioning and heating that adjusts based on saved preferences.
Curated playlists for your lobby and elevators, or anywhere else it can play a role in your overall design experience.
Interactive office furniture. There are models that will talk to each other, as well as models that do not.
Eureka Moments
These don’t have to be relegated to the shower. A creative office space can be your go-to place for incredible ideas and solutions, too. Through the applied use of aesthetics, layout, and technology, you can provide your workforce with an incubator for ideas, and an environment that fosters innovation.
It’s an exciting time to be in business, and Nashville Office Interiors is here to help you make the most of the digital world.