The office has always evolved to meet employees’ needs and preferences. It is clear that the workplace is still changing in so many ways. In fact, the office as we know it today is so very different to what it was two years ago. And it will continue to bring fresh developments and new trends to be excited about.

When it comes to workspace solutions and technology, one thing we can be sure of is that nothing is going to stay the same. Technology has given us brand new devices in recent decades while mainstays such as the office printer and access control have been redesigned with updated features and capabilities that make our work lives easier, faster, and better.

In this article, we examine how today’s workspace solutions are answering all the demands of today’s constantly evolving fast-paced office.

Remote working 

Before the pandemic, remote work was seen as a perk. It has since become a mainstay thanks to continuous advances in technology making it easier than ever for businesses to get work done remotely. Workspace service providers have put in place remote working solutions that include computing devices, document management software, multifunction office printers, internet connectivity, managed document solutions, and UPS devices. These solutions were designed to ensure workflows, daily tasks and internal communication are still running smoothly and efficiently when employees are working away from the office.

Hybrid working

Many companies have moved away from fully working remotely in favour of a hybrid working model. With this arrangement, employees have the flexibility to work on-site and remotely on certain days of the week. To adapt to the hybrid offices, businesses need people and space management solutions. By deploying meeting room attendant panels, employers can quickly enable room and desk booking as well as signage that informs employees what the max capacity of a room is and when it was last cleaned.

Employee safety and wellbeing 

Providing a safe work environment is now a top priority for employers. To help prevent the spread of infections, employers can now rely on fever screening solutions and mask detection terminals. These solutions utilise advanced AI algorithms to detect elevated body temperatures and mask wearing in moving crowds. In addition, biometric access control, which includes hands-free authorisation and facial recognition for time clocks, can also help strengthen preventive measures during the pandemic.

Virtual recruitment

It is fair to say that virtual recruitment has been on the rise in recent times. However, video interviews have become the default recruiting mode amid the pandemic – particularly for entry-level candidates. Video conferencing software like Microsoft Teams is now the driving force of virtual interviews. They offer the convenience of talking to candidates from a variety of locations with the added benefits of note taking and screen recording, among others.

Bring-Your-Own Device (BOYD)

More and more workplaces are encouraging staff to bring their own devices to the office. This includes mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. BYOD policies can be a great way to increase employee satisfaction and convenience. Modern multifunction network printers are keeping up with this trend by enabling employees to quickly print something straight from their mobile device. In addition to that, internet connectivity is offering higher speeds that can efficiently handle the wide range of devices connected to the network. 

Cybersecurity 

In response to the trend above, there needs to be an increased focus on cybersecurity in the workplace. The more personal devices and device types within a workplace, the more potential for cybersecurity incidents. Fortunately, newer versions of endpoint protection for computing devices and network printers have strengthened their security features over the last couple of years. Features such as secure communication protocols, network access restrictions, and network monitoring are helping to prevent information being viewed by potential hackers.

Sustainability 

Over the last few years, sustainability has become a forefront issue in the modern workplace. Many businesses have policies which generally focus on energy and resource use in the workplace. And workspace solutions are stepping up to the challenge. We now have intelligent workspace management solutions that use sensors to measure occupancy and turn of lights in areas not in use, printers that use less energy through automatic sleep or shut-off features, eco-friendly ink and paper, smart thermostats that regulate heating and cooling, and accessible solar power solutions — all of which can help companies meet their sustainability goals.

• READ NEXT: How Nashua’s connectivity solutions enable the office of the future

Wrap-up

The modern office has been transformed in a number of ways to meet the changing needs and work styles of employees. At the same time, workspace solutions are rocketing businesses into a future where remote and hybrid work is the norm and the internet is lightning fast compared to the internet we had a couple of years ago. That being said, Nashua’s workspace solutions offer you everything you need to stay relevant, innovative, and competitive. For help making choices that will bring the highest return on your investment, contact Nashua today.