A recent 2020 Webex study found that 97% of employees want their company to implement changes to the workplace to make it safer. This was a key component of the PENN1 redesign.
The connected office approach gives Cisco the data we need to optimize the space continuously to maximize well-being. Through sensors embedded in our Webex devices and our wireless access points, as well as third-party smart building components, we have over 5,000 data points that can be analyzed and acted upon.
The use of Power over Ethernet (PoE) and software integration enables us to control the user experience from the Cisco endpoints. The systems track room occupancy, temperature, lighting, and other environmental metrics. This data is integrated with building systems via an open application programming interface (API), and can be provided to the CIO organization, HR, and other departments. Every PENN1 employee has access to data so they can choose the space that’s most comfortable for them.
Also, as much as possible, we offer touchless experiences, so our employees don’t have to handle shared devices. Team members can use voice commands to tell Webex Assistant—the AI-powered digital assistant—to start a meeting, turn off the lights, a whole host of other useful tasks.
