Smart offices: technology and data, the driving force behind Work 2.0

A digital-first generation is knocking at the gates of our labour market. But, even those teams already in work today have mastered the use of apps and smart technology in the workplace. Even more in fact – they are the ones demanding smart workplaces to support their efficiency, their well-being and their health.

In a nutshell, smart offices are on the rise. The benefits they offer resonate well with both internal teams and freelancers. Your business can reap the benefits as well, both in terms of employee recruitment and retention, as with regard to efficiency and operational processes.

Smart offices: five trends that you need to be aware of

A workplace that excels in terms of comfort and ease of use – as well as in meeting the individual expectations of every employee – is no longer just a ‘nice to have’, it’s fast becoming an essential factor in retaining and recruiting employees. Smart offices are also a triumph for operational efficiency, achieving ESG goals and for general building management.

What do you need to know about using smart technology in the workplace? And what can the B2B market learn from the private residential market when it comes to smart tech? With experts from Soulbricks (creator and manager of smart offices) and Home Invest (operating in the private rental market), we spot five crucial trends in the smart offices market.

1. The transition from traditional office to smart office is unstoppable

‘A smart office is an office that uses all the new technology that is available for integration into the workplace, using all kinds of different apps,’ explains Pierre Van Durme of Soulbricks, creator and manager of smart offices. ‘The possibilities are endless – from ordering lunch to reserving parking spaces, booking a workspace, managing HVAC technology, switching the lights on and off, reserving meeting rooms...’

2. Data as a driving force behind the new workplace

The data that result from that smart technology help to create individual experiences for users. ‘As a user, you’re in a position to make really personalised choices,’ adds Nicolas Kint of Soulbricks. ‘Will that colleague be in the office tomorrow? Is my favourite parking space free? Is it busy, will I be able to concentrate? You can customise your work preferences using apps and tools on your phone.’

‘By thoroughly analysing the data that smart technology generates, you can refine your services in a targeted manner,’ explains Tomas Van Look of Home Invest. ‘Which services work, and which don’t? What additional applications can you integrate? What impact will those insights have on future projects?’

3. Multifunctional buildings as the future of the office

‘We’re going to see 100 per cent office buildings start to disappear,’ explains Pierre Van Durme of Soulbricks. ‘The trend towards multi-functionality has begun, and workplaces are increasingly becoming a mixture of offices, co-working, co-living, hotels, catering and hospitality, meeting and conference spaces and sports facilities. This is a solid way to increase the return from a building.’

His colleague Nicolas Kint adds, ‘In that case, smart technology helps to keep everything on track, from establishing a reservation system that works, to smart access and climate control. If you continuously analyse the needs and the habits of your users, you’ll be able to constantly determine what it is that works, and what it is that doesn’t. You can adjust your offering almost in real time, which has a positive impact on your operations.’

4. Smart functionalities become smarter still with correct exchange of data

‘It’s easy to pull data from a single app. The added value is in the bigger picture, however. Our in-house data analyst puts the data from all systems into super-standard reports. These give you a holistic view of the entire landscape so that you can improve your service offering even more,’ suggests Tomas of Home Invest.

‘If you combine information from access control, energy consumption and the use of certain parts and components with data from accounting packages and login data, you get an overall view of the way in which users actually use your building. With that, you can look for new applications or refine the ones you already have to better meet expectations.’

5. Smart offices have a positive impact in many areas

‘To begin with, smart offices are an asset in the “war for talent”,’ explain Pierre and Nicolas of Soulbricks. ‘Today’s employees want a workplace with flawless IT architecture, with maximum connectivity and every opportunity to be the best versions of themselves. An environment that pays attention to light, to acoustics and to flexibility.’

‘In addition, you can also help reduce the frequency of absence. Smart sensors measure air quality and adjust it when it’s needed. You can also play with light intensity and perception of light with special daylight lamps, which have a proven positive effect on preventing depression.’

That the right smart technology can also improve your operational workflow needs little explanation. Smart collaboration through apps, software, smart control and continuous optimisation on the basis of accurate data moves the realisation of your business objectives significantly closer. But there’s another beneficiary – the environment.

Tomas of Home Invest explains, ‘Smart buildings also make a difference for the environment. Smart thermostats combined with sensors help to limit consumption. In addition, you can also monitor and optimise the efficiency of solar panels and heat pumps.’

Find out more about smart offices?

Download the checklist here and discover the potential of smart tech for your office building.