Will we have smart offices after the Pandemic?

The impact of Covid-19 on offices has been well documented and businesses are beginning to consider what measures they might need to adopt in their office spaces to accommodate the “new normal”.

Technology is likely to play a key role in these proposals with items previously seen as expensive office add-ons now potentially becoming key to the future performance of our office spaces.

So, what technology and science will be making our offices smarter and safer?

Smart Materials

Office fit out contractors are likely to borrow ideas from the healthcare sector and use more antimicrobial materials in their designs. Surfaces, in particular, will need to be easy to maintain, resist bacteria and promote good indoor-air quality. Antimicrobial coatings can be applied onto interior furniture, but it will not just be new smart materials that will be used more with copper being naturally bacteria resistant.

Temperature Scanners

Temperature checkpoints or Infrared Fever Screening Systems can help monitor office workers as they enter their office building or individual work areas. Particularly in larger office these will be a crucial line of defence especially in monitoring those who will need to share crowded lifts after entering their main office building.

Automatic door releases and dispensers

Automation and voice activation will become more necessary with the need to reduce physical contact with our work environments. Many offices already have automatic lighting systems, sensor-activated taps and soap and water dispensers but we are likely to see more automated items such as for door access and lift operation.

Better ventilation

HVAC systems that recirculate air are common in most office settings but there is likely to be a focus on systems seeking to ventilate more with outdoor air to dilute airborne contaminants and effectively lower virus transmission. A return to operable windows may also be necessary with an opening function that is safe and automated.