Companies throughout America are investing in leading-edge technology in order to boost worker productivity, according to a Workplace of the Future survey.
Key findings of the survey include ninety percent of companies plan to increase investment in technology; cloud computing is a strategy 46% of companies are currently employing; the majority of companies, 54%, are using social media networks to engage employees; and top knowledge recruitment factors include offering flexible workplace options (41%) and leading-edge technology (39%).
“Revolutionary emerging technologies are transforming corporate real estate and changing the game for corporate occupiers,” said Peter Miscovich, managing director, corporate solutions, Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago. “Emerging technologies are enabling new levels of workplace optimization and utilization as well as boosting productivity to levels never seen before in global organizations, leading knowledge workers into new frontiers of high performance collaboration and innovation.”
The survey was administered to approximately 30 leading U.S. companies and design firms by Teknion, a Toronto-based office furniture designer and manufacturer, revealed that nearly 90% plan to increase their investment in productivity-enabling technologies such as voice-activation and sophisticated video conferencing by 2015. The survey also found that by 2015, the standard of square feet allocated per employee is expected to drop from 200 to estimates ranging from 50 to 100 square feet per person dependent upon the industry sector. Workplace utilization factors will increase to 85% versus the 35 to 50% levels of today.
To increase space utilization, companies are employing several strategies including:
- More open, collaborative workspaces with less individual offices (77%).
- Densification of individual workspaces within the corporate office (62%).
- Reduce square footage footprint through disposition (54%).
- More employees working remotely from home sites, satellite sites, or client sites (46%).
- Mobile working programs that include desk-sharing and co-working spaces (31%). BD+C
Related Stories
| Apr 3, 2013
AIA CES class: Sealant repairs that last – hybrid sealants for building restoration
It is hard to talk about restoration without talking about sustainability. This two-hour interactive online course discusses the role that restoration can and does play in the arena of sustainability, and specifically the role that sealants play in sustainable design and repair.
| Apr 3, 2013
Construction spending up 20% since 2011, growth will continue, says Gilbane report
The monthly rate of construction spending is up 20% in 24 months and increased in 18 of the last 24 months, which is a good leading indicator for new construction work in Q3-Q4 2013, according to Gilbane's latest Market Conditions in Construction report.
| Apr 3, 2013
5 award-winning modular buildings
The Modular Building Institute recently revealed the winners of its annual Awards of Distinction contest. There were 42 winners in all across six categories. Here are five projects that caught our eye.
| Apr 2, 2013
6 lobby design tips
If you do hotels, schools, student unions, office buildings, performing arts centers, transportation facilities, or any structure with a lobby, here are six principles from healthcare lobby design that make for happier users—and more satisfied owners.
| Apr 2, 2013
4 hospital lobbies provide a healthy perspective
A carefully considered entry zone can put patients at ease while sending a powerful branding message for your healthcare client. Our experts show how to do it through four project case studies.
| Apr 2, 2013
Green building consultant explores the truth about green building performance in new book
A new book from leading sustainability, green building author and expert Jerry Yudelson challenges assumptions about the value of sustainable design and environmentally-friendly buildings.
| Mar 29, 2013
Stanford researchers develop nanophotonic panel that reflects sun's heat out of the atmosphere
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a nanophotonic material that not only reflects sunlight, but actually beams the thermal energy out of the earth's atmosphere.
| Mar 29, 2013
Detroit's historic Whitney Building to be renovated for hotel, apartments
Detroit's David Whitney Building, a 19-story landmark erected in 1915, will be renovated for an Aloft hotel and apartments.
| Mar 29, 2013
PBS broadcast to highlight '10 Buildings That Changed America'
WTTW Chicago, in partnership with the Society of Architectural Historians, has produced "10 Builidngs That Changed America," a TV show set to air May 12 on PBS.
| Mar 29, 2013
Shenzhen projects halted as Chinese officials find substandard concrete
Construction on multiple projects in Guangdong Province—including the 660-m Ping'an Finance Center—has been halted after inspectors in Shenzhen, China, have found at least 15 local plants producing concrete with unprocessed sea sand, which undermines building stabity.
