Tech Takes Center Stage at the New-Normal Workplace

Facility managers across the country have more options regarding new technology for coronavirus infection control measures as many are reopening their buildings to the public, Market Watch reports.

Employers have deployed new technology like UV-light-emitting robots to clean surfaces, smart applications to monitor workers’ temperature and heart rate, a touchless digital system for booking hotel and conference rooms, and sensor devices for contact tracing. Additionally, many companies have adapted their buildings and work practices to include touchless elevators and doors, mask technology, and air and surface cleansers.

“There are baseline technologies that most organizations will have to sign up for: health monitoring, workspace redesign for flexible office hours, and filtering systems,” Gary Bolles, chairman for the future-of-work program at the non-degree-awarding learning community Singularity University, told Market Watch.

Another new technology is a 3,000-square-foot “safe office” prototype called Workplace 2030, which tests a touchless environment with an encrypted mobile application that allows employees to enter just by waving their smartphone at a sensor on a door. These “safe offices” include a “mud room” with hand sanitizers and touchless lockers where the employees receive a health check and temperature reading via an iPad screen. “The concept is a welcoming work environment, but with epidemiology-guided concepts,” said Brandon Cook, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Workplace.

Andrew Rubin, CEO of Illumio, a cloud-security startup, said necessary company technologies and policies include touchless elevators, high-tech UV light and air filters, reconfigured workspace with high-walled cubicles, and flexible work schedules.

Learn more about touchless technology and the latest facility trends.