How technology will change offices after the coronavirus

Of course, there are going to be some changes to the way people interact and move around shared spaces. So, here’s how AV technology can help businesses take the steps they need to ensure their workplaces are safe and employees can easily navigate the office.

The introduction of digital signage could be a key tool to help educate the returning workforce. With displays positioned throughout offices, employees can easily view instructions relevant to the area they’re working in. It also means that messages can be quickly updated with specific instructions where required.

It’s likely that we’ll also see desk booking system being adapted, so when someone books a desk the others surrounding it are automatically booked out as well. This type of functionality will help staff to pre-plan visits to the office and be sure they have a safe environment to work in.

Obviously, many businesses will continue to take advantage of remote working and it’s very likely we’ll see a rise in the number of remote workers joining meetings online, rather than being physically present. Collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex will also allow users to take video calls at their desks, if they cannot practice social distancing in meeting spaces.

Before the pandemic we were already seeing a rise in wireless conferencing technology that allows users to walk into meeting rooms and control things like cameras, displays and audio from their laptops. There’s likely to be an uptake of these solutions as they help to remove unnecessary contact with equipment.

We’ll also see room booking solutions become more prevalent as they give users the ability to see what meetings have been scheduled on any given day. This will help to make sure time is left between meetings so the space can be thoroughly cleaned before its next use.

As non-essential shops begin to open, businesses have the chance to review their offices and take the time to think about how they can make spaces as safe as possible. Having some of these solutions in place will be key to ensuring that staff are willing to come back into work. With social distancing here to stay, now is a good to time to get ready for the post-pandemic workplace and help that transition back into the workplace.