The Workplace of the future

As the pace of business moves forward at an ever faster rate, successful businesses seek new ways to combine efficiency with innovation. Experts say this trend won’t just change how we work, but the environment we work in too. So, how would it feel to experience a workplace of the future?

Paperless Offices

First off, forget the bulky office printer and bins full of waste. With everyday files becoming digitalised, paperless offices aren’t far away. Businesses will do well to outsource necessary print literature to professionals and cut costs on unnecessary in-house print management.

Not only will the paperless office reduce deforestation and toner waste, it will also save countless hours spent flipping through old pads and files. Digitalisation makes searching and sharing information both instantaneous and simple - and with ever more powerful cloud-based CRM systems, the practical need for paper becomes hard to identify.

In place of flipcharts, think interactive whiteboards, bin the drawing pad and get touch screen savvy with digital artwork, and if you’re still using an office calendar, it’s time to change the page. While the older generation might ruminate on the pleasure of reading from paper, their up-and-coming counterparts assimilate onscreen information with ease. Soon, they’ll be the ones leading the way, so embrace the paperless lifestyle and de-clutter your future today.

Wellbeing

They say sedentary lifestyles are the new smoking: bad news for those who work 9-5 in the office. The high costs of absenteeism, productivity and morale have long been known. Now, companies with their eyes on the future are changing their ways. ‘Ergonomic’ is the new entrepreneur’s buzzword.

Take the trend for sit/stand desks for example. By allowing employees to alternate between standing and sitting positions, back sprains can be alleviated, blood pressure is reduced and life expectancy is extended. Alien it may seem, but those who try it are rapidly converted. Now firms are toying with the idea of treadmill flooring so employees can work whilst they walk. How many steps can you do on an average working day?

VR and AR

With new advancement in the art of virtual and augmented headsets, the virtual future may not be far away. That’s great for gaming and film, but some may question it’s more practical everyday use.

They’d be wrong to - the concept of virtual workspaces brings people together whilst slashing travel costs and office overheads. Rather than travel to a fancy office built with bricks and mortar, attendees can simply wear a headset. Businesses can build palatial meeting rooms in a virtual space and have avatar colleagues and clients show up on call. Last minute brainstorming sessions and networking events can take place instantaneously with augmented presentations to boot.

Virtual commerce is closer than we think. The need to stock every size, colour and type of product is negated when you consider the virtual department store. Here, you can try on a new pair of virtual jeans in every available colour in a couple of seconds. There’s no need to worry about not finding your size on the rack either!

Engineering, medical and pharma companies will also benefit from virtual research. Take a complex and heavy machine, like a jet engine. By examining it in a virtual space, engineers will be able to zoom in on every detail of every component, and see how they function together. They’ll be able to walk around and under the engine in a 3D space and even interact with it themselves. Rather than needing a team of helpers and an elaborate system of pulleys and ropes, all this can be done by a single person at the click of a button.

Biophilic workspaces

The new generation of elite employees will pay great heed to natural environments when choosing a place of work. They understand that being close to nature reduces stress and opens creative thought patterns. This isn’t only good for their overall well being, it also means they will be more productive for the business.

Expect foliage, running water and natural light to keep us functioning at our peaks. The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace found that employees who work in environments with elements such as natural light and live plants report a 15 percent higher level of wellbeing, are 6 percent more productive and 15 percent more creative overall.

It may not be long until we have grass beneath our desks and the sweet sound of birdsong in the distance. Serene times are ahead!

If you need help bring your office into the future – or just into the modern day - get in touch with LG Davis and ask us about our range of ergonomic office solutions.

Call 0121 430 9000 or email us at sales@lgdsolutions.com.