How can smart tech shape the modern workplace?

Believing that the future of the modern workplace lies in the seamless integration of technology and design, office solutions provider Your Workspace has launched a new, carefully curated showroom in the in the creative hub of Clerkenwell. Located in the heart of London’s design district, the immersive showroom is currently displaying the latest developments in office interiors, from integrated technology to innovative furniture.

As well as showcasing a collection of thoughtfully designed furniture combining aesthetics and functionality (catering to a diverse contemporary workforce), visitors to the showroom can also learn more about Your Workspace’s approach to sustainable, customisable office interiors, ranging from the use of energy-efficient tech to locally and responsibly sourced materials.

Addressing common workplaces challenges or inefficiencies

“In today’s workplace, it’s essential for businesses to support a hybrid workforce while ensuring efficiency,” explains Sarah Ward, Marketing Manager at Your Workspace. “Employees now come into the office for various reasons, with team collaboration being a top priority for businesses and combating isolation for individuals. Creating inviting workspaces that foster collaboration is therefore crucial to motivating staff to leave the comfort of remote work. At Your Workspace, we specialise in helping businesses adapt their existing workplaces, or design new ones that cater to both organisational needs and employee satisfaction.”

The proud home of eco-friendly smart locker brand, Simplicity, the Your Workspace team are no stranger to tech-led innovation, which takes centre stage in the Smart Workplace Technology Showcase – one of the key features of their new London showroom. Here, interconnected devices and smart systems are placed under the spotlight for their ability to boost productivity, collaboration and efficiency, at a time when employers are striving to optimise every inch of available office space.

“Recently, many businesses have embraced hybrid work styles and embraced the concept of smart workplaces. This shift often leads to downsizing physical office spaces since only a fraction of the workforce is present on-site,” continues Ward. “However, this downsizing poses a challenge when it comes to traditional staff lockers, as dedicating one for each employee results in significant unused space daily. Thankfully, smart locker systems offer a solution by enabling employees to work from anywhere in the building and navigate freely.”

Speaking to sustainability in the modern workplace

Incorporating smart technology into the workplace can also empower senior leadership teams to make informed, data-driven decisions to enhance the employee experience, such as creating collaborative spaces or private working areas as needed.

“By monitoring the actual occupancy rates of meeting rooms and desks, businesses can determine their long-term office space needs. Armed with this information, they can make sustainable decisions, such as downsizing office space or renting out excess space, thereby reducing energy consumption and rental costs.” However, Ward reminds us that sustainable office design doesn’t necessarily entail reducing office space: “rather, it involves setting up the office more efficiently.”

The future of workplace design concepts

Your Workspace’s A&D Sales Consultant, Lydia Johnson, expands on smart technology’s multifaceted benefits for the increasingly flexible modern office. “It fosters agility, optimising space for collaboration in alignment with the technological era. Workplaces are evolving into hubs of personality, demanding enhanced employee experiences to attract and retain talent. Smart technology contributes to this aim by streamlining operations, reducing stress and enhancing efficiency. Overall, the integration of smart technology not only improves functionality but also aligns workplaces with modern demands for flexibility, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.”