Page 19 - Spaces Magazine Volume 1

smartspaces.app | Yourspace,butsmarter 74% of CFOs plan to reduce office space as a cost-cutting measure. Integrating these tools with sensors and analytics platforms can enhance their effectiveness. For instance, sensor systems can provide real-time insights into workplace utilisation, allowing organisations to release booked spaces if unused, eliminating ghost bookings. Sensor data can also help regulate heating and cooling based on occupancy, making hot desking applications more effective. Platform integration is key to maximising the value of a smart office, driving efficiency, and enhancing the employee experience. 4. Prioritise employee-centric design As workplace utilisation rises, companies must create environments that maximise attendance, collaboration, and engagement. Making work environments more inviting and productive rewards employees for commuting. Adequate meeting rooms and collaboration areas are essential, along with access to technology like conferencing tools and collaboration software. Understanding employee needs helps prioritise the right purchases and implementations, enabling better outcomes. Integrating digital and physical environments allows teams to make the most of hybrid work, providing optimal collaboration regardless of schedules. Aesthetics also play a crucial role. Premium environments with cafés and fitness areas bring home comforts into the workspace, promoting physical and mental health. Flexible design, with configurable furniture and portable AV equipment, allows for cost- effective updates as needs evolve. Embrace the opportunity We are in a transformative period for workplaces. Corporate leaders see better work environments as a competitive advantage. Workplace leaders have a unique chance to reimagine work environments to meet both worker and executive expectations. After years of back-to-office mandates and employee resistance, we are entering a phase of greater cooperation and trust. Let’s seize this moment to create office environments we can be proud of.