What Will Modern Workplaces Look Like Post-Pandemic?

by Startacus Admin

What will the new normal workplace look like? Here’s a breakdown of three features a modern workplace might want to adopt post COVID-19 pandemic.

These are unprecedented times. We were still in the middle of a historical pandemic that is forever changing our way of life. The long-term effects of COVID-19 will leave a lasting footprint on companies and businesses around the world and workplaces will never be the same.

What will the new workplace look like? Our prediction is modern technology will rise to the forefront as safe, convenient solutions to securing offices and workplaces. Artificial intelligence, facial recognition, robotics, machine learning, and Internet of Things are being forecast to grow at an accelerated pace as a result of the emergent scenario.

Here’s a breakdown of three features every modern workplace should adopt post COVID-19, care of Imran Anwar from office entry solution tech company Swiftlane.

Touchless Office Entry

Key cards and PIN codes will become an access control solution of the past. Contact based workplace access control systems are quickly becoming outdated because of their potential for spreading infections and germs. Legacy access control methods are not very secure either. They don’t offer secure protection against common entry management issues like tailgating, key card cloning, and PIN code sharing.

Touchless access control systems rely on the latest AI based facial recognition technology to authorize and control access to the workplace. Today’s face readers are capable of reading faces in 2D and 3D, matching the data with pre-stored face recognition credentials, and automatically granting access by unlocking the door. User just has to look at the face reading terminal to unlock the door and enter the workplace. The system also works as a video intercom between the front door and reception desk and can be used for video surveillance and active health monitoring.

Robots As Workers

Although the janitorial industry is booming, cleaning professionals face a greater risk of contracting COVID-19. The solution?  Replace them with robots.Walmart is already using robots to scrub floors and Amazon is using them to sort and ship inventory at warehouses. Infrared disinfecting robots are in use by thousands of workplaces in China as they reopen after the lockdown. McDonald’s is experimenting with robots as cooks and waiters.

Artificial intelligence has made it possible for bots to play highly personalized roles such as financial consultants and personal assistants. Robots don’t catch COVID-19, don’t need vacations, and don’t fall sick. They were already replacing human workers in many industries before the outbreak. COVID-19 and the ensuing crises are likely to speed up their adoption and replacement of human employees by enterprises.

Social Distancing in Workplaces

COVID-19 has necessitated that a social distance of 2 meters (approximately 6 feet) be maintained between people at all times. Workplaces are responsible to implement the new regulations. The new normal means that workplaces will be able to accommodate fewer people. Workplace managers will need to enable employees to work from home and/or work in shifts. The office access control system can play a major role in controlling the entry times and the number of people that can be at the workplace at one time.

The CDC recently released new employer information for office buildings that includes the following:

- Create a COVID-19 workplace health and safety plan

- Before resuming business operations, check the building to see if it’s ready for occupancy

- Identify where and how workers might be exposed to COVID-19 at work by conducting a thorough hazard assessment of the workplace

- Develop hazard controls using the hierarchy of controls to reduce transmission among workers.

Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate developer, has recently pioneered the design of what they call “The 6 Feet Office”. The layout uses floor circles and other visual cues to ensure that employees maintain a separation of six feet between them at all times. Workplaces that can ill afford the financial cost of a complete office revamp will need to redefine the way they work. Work from home employees, remote working tools, and secure high speed internet connectivity may be your only option if you don’t want to rent a bigger office.

Either way, the future workplace looks very different from the “open concept” layout that gained popularity in recent years.

 

 

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Published on: 5th June 2020