The smart workplace

Digital infrastructure is enabling a much greater connection between employees and their office than ever before. Smartphone apps, for example, can enable users to manage their own heating and lighting.

State-of-the-art gyms such as the one in the Edge in Amsterdam, one of the most technologically advanced building in the world, can recycle the energy burnt off by users into the running of the bigger building.

Sensors built into workstations can enable businesses to collate data about when and how often desks are occupied, enabling them to manage office efficiency and better understand their space requirements.

Robots at the reception desk can welcome and register guests, and through facial and voice recognition software even remember individual visitors and what drink they had on their last visit.

Apps can enable workers to quickly locate colleagues in their building or find available meeting rooms and workplaces.

Sensors can inform occupants via smartphone where in the building has the most natural light at a given time in the day.

Photovoltaic panels and thermal energy storage systems can enable buildings to provide all of the energy required for heating and cooling.

Iris scanners are being developed to quickly scan an employee’s eye and grant them access to a building to help improve security.

Gamification can be used to encourage recycling and healthy behaviour among employees.