TECHNOLOGIES CHANGING THE WORKPLACE FOREVER

Younger workers have grown up immersed in digital technology. As they continue to join the workforce, they bring digital expectations. We’re about to see five technologies that take the workplace even further, attracting a new generation that engages in h

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Forget wireless connectivity as you know it. When you walk into a meeting room of the future, your laptop will sync with the big-screen monitor. Wireless chargers will power up all devices in range. The Wi-Fi network will increase bandwidth to the space to account for the number of connected devices. Sound like a pipe dream? It’s actually a reality just around the corner. The Internet of Things and upcoming 5G cellular technology will magnify connectivity – and convenience.

SMART MACHINES

As systems gain the intelligence to perform tasks and make decisions that once required human input, employees will find themselves working alongside smart-machine colleagues. Already, artificial intelligence (AI) has crept into the service sector to “staff” help desks for workplace IT departments and consumer applications. In the near future, AI may respond to proposals, write legal documents and reports, act as personal assistants, perform supervisory roles, make staffing decisions and do any number of tasks that currently require a living, breathing, knowledge-based employee. Expect the smart machine to start disrupting the status quo in the next five years.

VIRTUAL REALITY/ AUGMENTED REALITY

With major tech and media companies joining the virtual reality (VR) craze, the technology seems to be on the cusp of finally becoming a, well, reality. There are some early adopters; manufacturers, surgeons, even astronauts have used VR and augmented reality to better visualise and complete complex tasks. While it’s not a stretch to imagine using the technology to brainstorm with remote colleagues in a virtual office, don’t expect a company-sponsored Oculus Rift anytime soon. The consumer market will likely lead enterprise adoption, but it’s not far behind.

WEARABLES

Companies benefit from healthy employees, and wearables such as Fitbit inspire workers to track and maintain activity levels throughout the day. Wearables can also drive a reimagining of the work space. As sensors track how employees move and congregate about the building, the office can be designed to meet their needs. Rather than a traditional cubicle setup, for instance, the work space may host areas for specific types of tasks, such as social, research-driven and concentrated. Think sofas for group brainstorming and small, private rooms for one-on-one work.

DATA ANALYTICS

Enterprises can now access reams of data about employees, processes and performance that can be analysed to improve productivity and efficiency. Big data can be used to modernise workplace design, build high-performing teams, make betterinformed hires and more, all with the goal of establishing a highly intelligent workplace of tomorrow – today. While these five exciting technologies are changing the game now, more are sure to follow. It’s time to prepare for the digital workplace of the future.