The shift in workplace models over the past five years has truly been remarkable. I’m sure I’m not the only one working from home occasionally, and I know several fully remote colleagues as well.
The move toward hybrid workplaces left some companies with big office buildings that were woefully underutilized. Some even shut down their formal offices.
As a result, there’s been a dramatic increase in the use of coworking spaces. Coworking spaces help organizations remain agile in response to evolving business conditions, allowing them to expand or reduce their footprints as needed. Instead of committing to lengthy office leases, companies can take advantage of the short-term, often month-to-month, agreements that coworking spaces offer.
Even with specialty office spaces, however, luring employees back to the office requires amenities and coworking space technologies they can’t get at home. Robust software and applications are a given, but physical coworking technology is just as important.
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The Ultimate Guide to Physical Coworking Space Technology
Standardizing Technology Across Locations
Major coworking brands have built their business models on creating exceptional member experiences, no matter where their facilities are located. To accomplish this goal requires consistency from one property to another.
An example is Industrious, a nationwide coworking space provider with more than 60 locations across the United States. The company hosts numerous members, from freelancers to Fortune 500 companies, and they wanted to offer them the ability to seamlessly transition from one facility to the next with a plug-and-play environment. Members know what to expect and how to use the available technologies regardless of location.
Creating consistency requires more than just implementing the same technology at each location, however. Just as important is receiving consistent service. That’s difficult when working with independent technology providers in each region. Each provider will inevitably have unique processes, equipment, billing cycles, work schedules, and capabilities. Managing multiple providers isn’t just an administrative burden, it inevitably leads to disparities in project design, quality, and overall outcomes.
Industrious solved this issue by working with our ASD team and our national AASDI™ workforce — a network of more than 12,000 technicians with 1,700 points of operations. We helped Industrious standardize their low-voltage technologies and provided consultation services, assisting with the design and oversight of installations at all U.S. locations.
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Industrious Implements Technology Solutions Nationwide
Some organizations start with a wish list of equipment and technologies and then look for a vendor to fill the order. A more proactive approach is to work with a technology provider that offers consultation, design, engineering, and ongoing support as a foundation of your technology strategy across locations. After all, anyone can sell you equipment.
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Must-Have Coworking Technologies
Once you’ve built a strategy, your provider will help you design a robust suite of technologies including:
Video Conferencing. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams integrate with high-definition cameras and AV systems, allowing coworkers to engage in real-time discussions, share screens, and collaborate on projects regardless of their physical location.
Reliable WiFi. A robust and secure WiFi network allows all members to access high-speed internet from anywhere within the space. This accessibility supports various collaborative activities such as cloud-based project management, real-time file sharing, and remote desktop access. A provider can help optimize connectivity by leveraging WiFi heat maps and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
Access Control Systems. These systems can be integrated with mobile apps, allowing coworkers to access the space and book meeting rooms conveniently. Technologies like biometric scanners and smart cards can ensure that only authorized individuals can enter specific areas, protecting sensitive information and equipment. Room scheduling software integrated with access control systems can streamline the process of booking collaborative spaces, ensuring that teams can focus on their projects without worrying about logistical details.
Sound Masking. By reducing noise distractions and ensuring speech privacy, sound masking systems help maintain a comfortable and productive atmosphere. This technology is particularly useful for managing sound levels in open areas.
Video Surveillance Systems. Surveillance cameras and video analytics monitor for unusual activities and provide real-time alerts to security personnel. Implementing surveillance systems with advanced AI-enabled features such as facial recognition and automated alerts can enhance the overall sense of security, encouraging members to engage more freely and confidently.
Structured Cabling. Connectivity is crucial for any workplace. Structured cabling often serves as the foundation for many technologies, ensuring reliable and fast data transmission and enabling seamless connectivity across all devices and systems.
Strategy Leads to Success
To stand out among competing office spaces, coworking spaces need to provide a range of amenities and technologies that are rarely found in conventional leased offices. To succeed, organizations need to maintain brand consistency at each location. That same approach should be taken with their technology.
Take a deeper dive into implementing these and other technology strategies in our complimentary guide, The Ultimate Guide to Physical Coworking Space Technology, then contact our team to talk through how we can help you standardize your technologies throughout the U.S.
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