Retaining quality employees in 2022 looks drastically different than it did 10 or even two years ago. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that in 2022 there are more than 5 million more open jobs than unemployed people. This shocking data has caused people to believe no one wants to work as they used to.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have been shifting their priorities to accommodate their passions, lifestyle, and suitability. While the number of traditional job vacancies increases, employers are having to adapt to a more flexible approach to avoid employee turnover. One thing companies are doing to attract quality talent is implementing day-to-day technology solutions that support collaboration, productivity, and remote-work flexibility. These solutions have turned into what we call smart offices.
Smartphone door access
In the last couple of years, many companies had no choice but to adapt to remote work. As employees and employers experienced the benefits, it quickly became the expectation. Employers no longer had to maintain large office spaces and employees gained versatile work options.
According to a Gallup survey of 140,000 U.S. employees, 53 percent of remote-capable employees expect to be on a hybrid schedule. Smartphone door access makes managing hybrid work more efficient. Users download an application on their smartphones that seamlessly integrates with Bluetooth, allowing their phones to communicate with a sensor placed on the door. Granting smart access not only allows for a convenient way of entering a building but also supports employees’ fluctuating schedules while also prioritizing safety.
Workspace booking software
A great way to maximize office spaces and encourage collaboration is by implementing room booking software. Employers can upload a custom map of their office, floor plan and meeting areas, allowing workers to reserve rooms in advance. The software also assists hybrid employees who no longer have a dedicated workspace due to office space reduction.
Electronic booking software creates transparency and improves communication while manual booking methods are more likely to increase scheduling confusion and conflicts. Workspace booking platforms are simple to install and integrate with software that most companies already use, such as Google Workplace, Slack, and Microsoft Exchange and Teams.
Digital concierge
Paper sign-in sheets not only kill trees and leave room for error, but they’re also more challenging to manage. A digital concierge is a system that uses computers to fill the role of a traditional concierge. Although a concierge is most associated with hotels, digital concierges have found their way across a diverse spectrum of industries.
Usually found in the form of a kiosk, a digital concierge acts as a contactless front desk secretary, assisting guests with signing in, printing name tags, answering office-related questions, and notifying the correct point of contact upon arrival. The system makes it easy to keep a record of traffic and maintain contacts. A digital concierge supports the overall guest experience and subconsciously shows guests the company will provide modern services.
Smart offices are quickly becoming vital tools to help businesses provide value and maintain a strong workforce. A new way of working has emerged, and companies must embrace modern, yet simple, technology solutions to stay ahead of the competition.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, CSI Companies partners with leading organizations to provide full-spectrum workforce solutions. As a boutique division of RGF staffing, one of the world’s largest providers of HR services, CSI has the tools, tactics, and strategies to fuel the success of businesses nationwide.
