Office buildings today need to be the office buildings of the future. A commercial property needs to be future-proof, with the rise of the digital office proving that although technology moves fast, some needs are perennial.
Here are some key digital office features to consider right from the design phase in order to create a true office of tomorrow.
Whatever type of company you’re looking to attract to your office space, one thing is for certain: employee numbers and structures change regularly. To help employers cater to this, a modular, buildable interior set-up makes it possible to change the shape and even number of rooms and offices, add more members to teams and generally be as flexible as they desire.
Another key to future-proofing your space is to allow for employees to be flexible in their working day: where possible and practical, look to include a mixture of meeting room sizes, as well as some individual offices and some more relaxed working spaces. Furniture choices can also play a role in this (and are worth considering if this falls within your purview in equipping the office space). Adjustable desks that can be used standing or sitting are a huge bonus for the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, as are ergonomic chairs, keyboards and screen set-ups.
However you envisage a future workplace, it will almost certainly be a digital office. One key element of digital office technology, above and beyond standard internet connections, is smart technology. Just like smart homes, smart offices often utilise IoT technology (Internet of Things), and incorporate lighting or air-conditioning that’s both reactive and energy-saving.
The ability for high-speed conference calling and working is another indispensable digital office feature, as increasing numbers of jobs are flexible or remote. Wireless charging points are a potential investment for a truly future-proof digital office, as wireless charging becomes more commonplace. In a digital office, security is still a priority and you’ll need to convince potential businesses that the cameras, access security, human security and cyber security are state-of-the-art, especially if you have multiple companies cohabiting in your office building.
Engel & Völkers is also aware of the digital demands of today's working world. The offices of the new headquarters in Hamburg's HafenCity were therefore designed according to the latest technical standards in order to live up to its role as a pioneer of the digital transformation. The technical refinements of the building include UHD widescreen monitors and height-adjustable desks on the worktops as standard. Google Jamboards are also part of the high-quality equipment, offering maximum flexibility and efficiency in collective brainstorming and concept development.
Special attention was also paid to the equipment of the conference rooms. In order to create an effective working atmosphere, the glazed walls have special soundproofing that allows concentrated work. Central touch panels can also be used to control lighting, blinds, air conditioning and measures for presentations and telephone conferences. Wireless connections between the work equipment and the presentation monitor also allow flexible switching between the participants of a meeting. In this way, the modern equipment of the Engel & Völkers headquarters guarantees that the people working here can focus entirely on their tasks and the wishes of their customers.
Green offices are not going to fall out of fashion any time soon. As we move towards a greener, more environmentally friendly future – not to mention one where government regulations on new builds are likely to tighten – there is a demand for energy-efficient ‘green’ buildings. If you can certify your office as a green office space, with a recognised award like an LEED certification, then you’ll have tangible evidence to attract new businesses. Natural building materials like wood and recycled materials will continue to be popular, as will indoor plants and exterior green spaces, both for their eco-credentials and their calming effect for those in the office.
