The role of IoT in offices in 2023
As we move towards the future, companies are already experimenting with new models for their work environment. The UK Parliament reports that in September 2022, around 22% of workers are working at least one day from home per week. LHH’s article ‘The Post-COVID-19 Office: Physical Space Reimagined’ highlights how the new working normal has required companies to re-configure their physical spaces. Offices in the new era must adapt to become more efficient, productive, and cost-effective by implementing new technologies and layouts.
One recommended change includes upgrading IT infrastructure to adapt to remote hybrid working policies. The Internet of Things (IoT) is considered one of the most notable innovations. The IoT is a network of physical devices, vehicles, and buildings embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. In the next few years, IoT devices will be integrated into office spaces in various ways. Today, we’ll discuss the role of IoT in offices in 2023:
It will improve connectivity among colleagues
By 2023, the IoT will significantly impact connectivity and collaboration in hybrid and remote offices. The technology allows companies to connect their employees and workstations with the rest of the world. This means that they can better communicate and collaborate remotely and access important documents from anywhere. This system can drive productivity while reducing costs associated with office space and travel expenses.
The IoT also finds application in physical office spaces. For example, if an employee wants to find out who is working on a particular project or needs help finishing a report, they can ask their virtual assistant. The IoT will allow office staff to collaborate more efficiently by sharing information and working together in real time in 2023 and beyond.
It will create an intelligent office ecosystem
The environmental impact will increasingly become a core business concern in 2023. To this end, IoT can play a huge role in office spaces by creating intelligent ecosystems that can mitigate excessive energy consumption. Through a central control hub, office administrators can easily leverage technology to provide employees with a more pleasant work environment. The smart thermostat is one example of a device that can control the internal climate of the office. New technologies, such as Google Nest, can connect to sensors around the building and learn employees’ optimal temperature habits. They can adjust your offices’ heating and cooling schedule to save energy when you don’t need it.
In 2023 and beyond, there is a need to balance the environmental impact with employee productivity and satisfaction. The IoT provides innovative solutions, such as intelligent ecosystems, to address this growing concern.
It will provide smarter security solutions
An MIT Technology Review Insights poll revealed that global business leaders have become more aggressive in their cybersecurity approaches in the past few years. In 2023, this trend will likely continue as end-user security continues to top the list of organisational concerns. Because IoT technology has been the subject of cyber-attacks and privacy concerns, its security subfield has been gaining much attention over the past few years.
Various methodologies under the umbrella of IoT security are now put in place to strengthen the entire infrastructure. Programs such as public key infrastructure (PKI) authentication and Application program interface (API) security are some of the few methods IT professionals in 2023 are using to reduce the vulnerabilities of their current IoT technology in office spaces.
The Internet of Things will continue to grow in the coming years as more and more companies see the value it can bring to their business processes. In 2023 and beyond, this technology will see an increased role in hybrid and remote office spaces as it opens up new opportunities for productivity, collaboration, and security protection.
