We have proven that, when it comes to smart buildings, the time is now. The technology has matured enough so that many business can leverage an extensive sensor environment to drive experience and sustainability outcomes, without it being an encumbrance to the building manager.
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In traditional buildings, we would define a strategy upfront, design a layout concept, build it, and deploy it—and then we would stop. With smart buildings, we are completing the loop by gathering data and insights about the space, and then moving into an optimization phase. Everything in our lives is digitized except real estate. Now that we have the right data about space, we can think about that optimization phase.”
Brian McCourt
Smart Building Consultant
Cisco
Smart Building Consultant
Cisco
The first step is to start putting your own plan in place to adapt real estate to the new demands of hybrid work. Here are some key considerations:
Start with collaboration.
Hybrid work requires a cross-domain solution. HR, IT, RE, facilities, and sustainability departments should define requirements across the board, as this is not just a space problem.
- Determine your real estate strategy with digital buildings in mind before signing new leases or making space purchases.
- Create a hybrid work strategy before making new technology investments in collaboration.
- Consider how your design supports sustainability goals and how to measure progress
- Determine the outcomes you want to achieve.
Ask, don’t guess.
Survey the user base to understand what is important to them.
Use data driven design.
Collect occupancy- and usage-related data that you likely already have but are not leveraging. This includes:
- Badge data
- Wi-Fi information
- Occupancy and usage data for meetings delivered by collaboration endpoints
- Smart camera data
View real estate as a strategic platform.
This approach can enhance your employee experience and support your organization’s culture. It will play a significant role in supporting progress in your organization’s sustainability goals, while driving space compression, when possible.
Optimize your technology infrastructure.
If your Wi-Fi and collaboration endpoint technology doesn’t supply detailed occupancy data, then consider an interim upgrade as part of an long-term space and RE strategy.
Create an equitable, video first office.
A recent Webex study found that 98% of meetings will have at least one remote participant, with most joining by video. It’s important that the video tools used create an equitable and consistent experience, whether the participant is at home or in the office.
Prioritize health and sustainability.
Build or remodel space with sustainability, safety, and wellness in mind.
Consider interim steps.
Can you implement new hybrid work technologies without moving walls or construction? Your technology investment in hybrid work could still be repurposed in the new or renovated space.
Assemble the best team.
When you are ready to start building, ensure that you put together the right team, with the right experience. This is not just a typical building design exercise—you need the right partners, both for technology and smart building expertise.