The impact of Internet of Things in transforming work spaces. (image: Red Hat Developers)
Wherever we go we are connected to Wi-Fi connections, office hours are no longer rigid, we receive emails on our tablets or our smartphones wherever we are. We can communicate with anything and anyone in the world at any time. Technology costs are going down, and smartphone penetration is sky-rocketing. All of these things are creating a "perfect storm" for the IoT.
The "Internet of things" (IoT) is becoming an increasingly growing topic of conversation both in the workplace and outside of it. It's a concept that not only has the potential to impact how we live, but also how we work. What exactly is the "Internet of things" and what impact is it going to have on the workplace? Simply put, it is ‘the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.
As technology continues to impact the way we work, we’re seeing the emergence of a new way of working with a generation that is moving away from private offices, exhibiting a preference for shared co-working spaces and collaborative processes in a flexible environment. This, coupled with instant gratification and an all-inclusive pricing on everything such as IT and amenities, provides the perfect solution.
Regus have identified the need for constant change to keep workspaces flexible, continually ensuring they are able to accommodate these changes in the co-working space.
We all live in a world dominated by networked devices — not just smartphones, but also smart coffee pots, thermostats, vacuum cleaners, running shoes, wrist bands, even smart Coke machines. That new world — the ‘Internet of Things’ will soon be taking over our workplaces. It is said that by 2025 1 trillion networked devices will be hooked up. The IoT is a giant network of connected "things", including people.
Workspaces need to be more flexible than ever. To attract top young talent, companies are using workspaces as a catalyst to develop a culture of technology and creativity. With the latest wave of IoT (Internet of Things), Regus has gained stronger momentum through the impact of IT, as the technological interface is no longer the definer of space, but its facilitator.
As people begin to self-discover new work modes, technology is the overlap for human space. Millennials, for example, which make up a large part of the workforce, consider a state-of-art facility important to them when considering a job and in general, they view cubicles negatively and many are not attracted to working in a big private office.
Everything is Connected - The Internet of Things will become more aptly described as the Internet of Everything as emphasis shifts from products and gadgets to fast moving networks that are smart and invisibly integrated into our surroundings. The immense amount of data these networks capture fuels efficiency, innovation and invention.
Personalisation is Prioritised - We continue to create environments that enable peak productivity across a highly diverse population. Right now, that means inclusive design, flexible work schedules, and offices that promote choice and control. As time goes on, these choices will become increasingly automated and personalised as big data enables the development of adaptable environments to suit individual needs.
Edited by Fundisiwe Maseko
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