5 Things Your Office Needs To Prepare You For The Future
Times are changing. Is your office space still the same?
The office atmosphere used to have a steady position in the marketplace with basic typing and filing skills necessary in nearly every field. As technology has improved, however, each office now has some unique features that make them stand out from other companies. In fact, these features and perks will often prepare you for the future as careers ebb and flow. Take a close look at the top five things that your office needs to prepare employees for the road forward.
Cloud Computing
A company should definitely have cloud computing at this stage in the game. Data is one of the most valuable assets any company has at this point. It’s impossible to keep up with all of the hardware needs today to support that data, however. Running out of space or slowing the system is a real concern. Cloud computing offers a solution with remote servers maintained by a third party. You essentially lease out the necessary storage amounts for your company. As business grows or slows, increase or decrease your storage needs as required.
This future preparation simply makes the company a player on a global scale. Whether the business has two or 200 people, it can run seamlessly for every client. The money savings is substantial too because the hardware isn’t your responsibility. Run basic laptops from your business while taking advantage of huge servers from your provider.
Sit-to-Stand Tables
Today’s offices typically have several employees sitting at computers throughout the day. They’re performing the critical, data-input jobs for the company. However, sitting down for most of the day has been proven to be detrimental to your health. Standing up and walking around on a regular basis can alleviate the negative, health effects.
A smart solution for any business is sit-to-stand tables. They operate by sliding between short and tall heights. Adjust your position throughout the day while still remaining productive. You can still have all of your work out on the desk as it converts between heights. Nothing falls or moves as a result of the conversion. Offices end up as healthier spaces where employees feel good about working long hours and pumping out a quality product.
Video-Chat Capabilities
Preparing for the future also means that the expanding marketplace must be taken into consideration. Companies cannot limit their work to just one neighborhood. Being able to see and hear colleagues at another facility in real time is critical to customer relations across the world.
In addition to being able to access multiple locations across the United States, Your office may benefit from video-chat capabilities with inexpensive cameras and microphones located at each work desk. In a moment’s notice, you can quickly go over a project or question that must be answered. This important time with a colleague solidifies relationships while reducing productivity issues. When you see a person’s face, your humanity breaks through so that the work can be completed with empathy and teamwork in mind. One-on-one meetings and conferences should be performed with these chats enabled as companies expand across the world.
Strong, Social-Media Presence
No company will get by with just a basic marketing campaign anymore. A strong, social-media presence is critical to advertising and connecting with customers. Begin these campaigns with one account. Build this account so that you have many followers. Post interesting updates and informational blogs. Respond to any queries so that your customers feel connected to you and the product.
Move ahead to another social-media account (if you have bandwidth). Keep up with every account because you don’t want to miss out on any correspondence. All of these online connections can multiply in rapid time as people share and like various posts. When your company is well-known by hundreds of followers, you have a chance to build the business with solid sales and a strong reputation.
Coworking Spaces
Placing employees in small cubicles at work isn’t very productive. People are essentially cut off from their coworkers. Recent studies have shown that your office needs more coworking spaces. These areas don’t have to be departments either. They can be spaces with an eclectic group of people who might glean ideas off of one another.
It’s a fact that employees perceive their work as more important when they’re placed in a communal, working area. They might share ideas and come up with distinct concepts that were otherwise hidden from view. The communal space essentially creates a community that feels supportive where workers can move in and out of the area as necessary.
To keep up with all of these office advancements, employees must have the necessary training to feel comfortable with the changes. Employers should routinely offer classes that explain and dive deeper into the technology being provided today. Education is the sure way to move forward with any new items added to the office. With everyone on the same page, the entire employment group can serve their customers while adding another line item to their resumes.
About the Author
Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Faxage a leading company that provides Internet fax service for individuals and businesses.