Insights

Today’s saturated office market means that landlords and operators must compete to attract new business to their workspaces, with each claiming to have the perfect ‘industry-leading’ tech solution.

But what should tenants look out for, and how do they decide which workspace best suits their needs?

The answer lies in understanding technology and how it can significantly enhance business operations, paving the way for a more efficient and productive workspace.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a new workspace…

• Smart access control and visitor management systems: Let’s start right at the front door —entering the workspace. An easy way to understand what to expect from a workspace is to see how secure and convenient it is to get in and out of the building. Smart access control systems, such as biometric scanning and mobile apps, offer the highest level of security and eliminate the need to go fumbling around in your pocket.

Furthermore, look for an office space that boasts a secure and efficient visitor management system, making processes such as checking in or keeping visitor logs as straightforward as possible. Whether hosting meetings, meeting clients, or interviewing potential new employees, a painless visitor management system displays security and professionalism.

• Booking meeting rooms: Continuing the theme of professionalism, having access to readily available and easily booked meeting rooms is invaluable. With workforces worldwide embracing the new hybrid working model, the ability to have an office with a system that allows you to check availability and book rooms in real-time via an app means no more wasted time and resources. The days of booking a meeting room for three weeks time, only for no one to turn up, are gone.
• High-quality AV tools: It’s no use having access to a meeting room if the AV tech is not of the required standard, especially in the modern world of hybrid teams and working from home. Whether in person or online, all participants need to be able to follow and contribute to the discussion, and excellent video conferencing tools allow that to happen. Ensure the office space has easy-to-use, reliable, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) audio and video technology.
• IoT-enabled location: From energy efficiency to personalised workspaces, an Internet of Things (IoT) office space can provide both internal and external benefits. An office that contains a modern HVAC system and automatic lighting can provide a comfortable and productive working environment while ensuring that the workplace is as sustainably conscious as possible. In fact, recent research from NCG shows that 36% of UK business decision-makers want to see their office operators invest in AI-driven infrastructure, such as adaptive lighting, temperature sensors, and smart desks.

With the same research revealing that 71% of UK businesses feel the tech available in the office is important to their overall satisfaction, it is vital tenants are fully informed before they make the final decision on their next workplace. By understanding what these technologies do, how they can benefit their businesses, and how they align with their values, tenants can confidently decide which office will best support their growth.

Written by NCG