There are also plenty of questions to be asked about building technologies. For example, do they allow the building to operate well without wasting energy in unoccupied areas? Does the building management system allow technical teams to have a complete overview of how the office space is functioning? And do they support further changes to the use of the office in the future, no matter what they might be?
The challenges and opportunities of hybrid working
The rise of hybrid working, where employees split their time between working from home and the office, has significant implications for office policies and building systems. Indeed, a survey by Gartner reported that 82% of company leaders plan to allow employees to work remotely at least some of the time (2).
Let's break down the challenges and opportunities related to office policies and building systems in the light of hybrid working:
1. Flexibility and cost savings
Hybrid working offers flexibility for employees and cost savings for employers. With more employees working remotely, there's less need for extensive office space. Employers can save on rental and operational costs by downsizing office spaces or sharing them with other businesses.
2. Technology and infrastructure
As employees continue to work remotely, employers need to ensure that their infrastructure can support remote work effectively. This includes providing adequate technology and internet connectivity for employees working from home. Employers may also need to invest in building technologies that allow for flexible working arrangements, such as hotdesking and remote monitoring of building systems. Additionally, advancements in technology enable remote troubleshooting and maintenance, providing greater flexibility for technical teams and support companies.
3. Employee experience
The office of the future needs to support activities and experiences that cannot be replicated at home. Employers must design workspaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and connectivity among employees (3). This may involve rethinking office layouts, amenities, and technologies to create a more enjoyable and productive work environment.
4. Energy efficiency and sustainability
With changes in office usage patterns, there's a greater focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Employers may need to review their building systems to reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and minimise their carbon footprint. Investing in centralised building management systems (BMS) can help optimise energy usage and provide greater control over office climate and lighting. These systems allow for real-time monitoring and adjustment, ensuring that office spaces are comfortable and environmentally sustainable.
5. Cloud computing
The shift to hybrid working also underscores the importance of cloud computing for supporting remote access to company systems. Cloud platforms offer scalability, flexibility, and security, making them ideal for accommodating remote work needs. Employers may need to migrate their systems to the cloud to ensure reliable remote access and support changing work patterns. Moreover, cloud providers offer advanced security measures to safeguard against evolving threats, such as DDoS attacks and ransomware.
