At the dawn of 2020, we stand the edge of innovation. New technologies are emerging and are beginning to transform workspaces every day. As companies work to attract fresh talent and boost employee satisfaction, they are using tech to upgrade their facilities and create a more connected experience for the modern worker. It’s important that facility managers keep up to date on the newest workplace trends. Here are three emerging trends that facility managers need to know:

Voice Assistance Integration Within Your Facility and Workflows

The voice assistance technology featured in smart home devices has changed our home life experience. While branded assistants like Alexa and Google have seamlessly blended into our personal routines, they haven’t impacted our work life in the same way. That being said, new, workplace-focused voice assistance technologies are beginning to emerge. Microsoft’s Cortana system, which is being presented as a workplace assistant instead of a personal assistant, is now capable of enabling users to dictate messages and request emails to be read aloud. Hot on the heels of Microsoft, Amazon has begun to partner with companies and embed Alexa for Business in conference phones and headsets. Voice AI in the workplace is in its infancy, but it could soon change the way we work.

Wearables Integration

Much like voice assistants, wearable technology has become a ubiquitous part of our personal lives. Wearable technology has also begun to enter the facilities space. Wearables like smartwatches and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) wristbands have immense potential for data gathering and analysis within a work environment. They are also affecting safety and security in buildings, as wearable devices can be used to enhance your security measures, through tools that can authenticate identity and grant access to prohibited areas. Integrating these simple yet powerful tools in your workplace could yield amazing results for your facility.

Internet of Things (IoT) Integration

While wearable technology is making an impact in workspaces today, they are just the tip of the IoT iceberg. The Internet of Things (IoT) has been quite the talking point of the tech world for the past few years; however, in 2020, workplaces will begin to see more practical applications of IoT. Office lighting, room temperature, and so many other environmental features are becoming easier to track and regulate through IoT-enabled devices. Communication and data-sharing through IoT can increase facility efficiency, thereby reducing cost. This burgeoning trend is something that savvy facility managers must prepare to incorporate into their workplace.

What new workplace technologies are you curious about?  Let us know in the comments section below or by visiting the contact page of our website.