Intelligent SME.tech Issue 09 | Page 26

// PREDICTIVE INTELLIGENCE //

WITH EMPLOYEE MOVEMENT MORE FLUID , THE CORNER
OFFICE ( OR DESK ) WILL BELONG TO WHOEVER
BOOKS IT FIRST – AND ONLY
FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME . some employees , particularly younger ones and working parents , may still need to use the office as a focused work environment or because it facilitates more effective learning .
To this end , many organisations are also creating a number of single occupancy , soundproofed ‘ pods ’, which offer employees a private place to work , make phone calls or join remote colleagues on a video conference . All employees need to do is remember to book the space first – which brings me to the next trend .
Say goodbye to assigned spaces
Future generations will no longer see the corner office as the pinnacle of success . With employee movement more fluid , the corner office ( or desk ) will belong to whoever books it first – and only for a certain amount of time .
The most efficient way for organisations to enable this will be via a digital solution , like an app – which will allow employees to see what space is available , reserve it for a set time and share its location with other meeting participants .
With space limited , this booking system is critical . Without it , organisations risk losing valuable time and affecting productivity as employees search fruitlessly for a place to work . The goal should be a system which allows employees to book a desk or meeting room before they even book a train ticket .
Once in the office , location data and Bluetooth functionality can also be integrated to guide employees and guests around the site unattended , further boosting efficiency and productivity .
Of course , implementing this technology is all very well but organisations must also remember that any new tool requires training . Taking time to properly onboard employees will ensure things operate as intended – and that data is accurate . Issues like ‘ ghost bookings ’ – where an employee books a space but doesn ’ t show up – seem small , but at scale , can easily undermine the
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Intelligent SME . tech