Last year, Global workspace specialists Instant Offices predicted a tech breakthrough in the commercial real estate industry would be one of the most significant workplace changes to come about in a post-COVID world. Today, they are seeing first-hand how sectors are using technology to make the workplace safer and more hygienic.
As the pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives, the need for a new way of working is also affected. With that in mind, John Williams, Head of Marketing at Instant Offices reveals the top seven Proptech trends that aim to keep employee safe in a post-COVID office:
High tech wellness checks
Employees must be screened for symptoms before entering their workplace to ensure that they aren’t contagious. Many teams now complete a quick health survey via a mobile app on their way into the office so that they can be effectively screened before arrival.
Touch- free & Voice enabled tech
COVID-19 has caused a surge in voice technology adoption. According to an Adobe Voice Survey, 86% of people said that voice tech would make the office more sanitary, while 77% expected to use this tech more frequently in the next year. Movement-activated doors allow workers to enter and exit spaces without touching anything. Voice-enabled devices and appliances help to reduce physical contact dramatically.
Air Filtration
Did you know that around 75% of the air inside an office is recirculated indoor air? Businesses can effectively improve air quality and cleanliness at work by properly installing (and maintaining) their existing HVAC and filtration systems. However, some are going a step further with cutting-edge innovations like UV light purification technology.
Social Distancing Sensors
Office layouts are changing to accommodate social distancing, with one-way circulation patterns in the hallways and workstations spaced further apart. For example, sensors can monitor occupancy and send alerts when too many people are together in a space.
Automated Cleaning
From UV light treatments to self-cleaning surfaces for high-traffic points around the office, companies now have a wealth of germ-busting technology to choose from. A study by AJIC, found that high-energy UVC light reduced live Coronavirus on laboratory surfaces by 99.7% in just 30 seconds
Enhanced Cybersecurity
While much of the new tech we’ve mentioned aims to mitigate the threat of infection, other innovations are addressing the increased security risk that comes with remote working. According to Gartner, 52% of compliance leaders in 2020 said that third-party cybersecurity breaches were their biggest concern due to remote work since the COVID outbreak.
Remote Collaboration Platforms
Statista reported that between Q4 2019 and March 2020, the UK saw a 24% increase in Hangouts Meet downloads, a 20% increase in Zoom downloads and a 13% increase in Microsoft Teams downloads. Businesses are adapting by implementing systems where employees can reserve a conference room or desk space quickly and easily online.
Businesses are adapting by implementing systems where employees can reserve a conference room or desk space quickly and easily online. Many in-office meeting spaces are being repurposed and the overall design of the office shifts to allow for better social distancing.
