The COVID-19 pandemic was an impetus for change. It forced many businesses to explore the advantages of cloud-based and IoT technologies. However, since businesses are returning to the workplace, tech is reshaping how businesses operate.

So, how is tech reshaping the modern workplace, and how can you bring your business into the future?

Keep reading as we discuss technology's main effects in modern work environments and the different tools you can implement to create more streamlined operations for your business.

Hybrid Work Options

The technologies many businesses adopted to continue operations during the pandemic now allow them to explore hybrid work options. Many employees need more time to return to the office after enjoying the luxury of working from home. Using cloud-based technologies and communication tools, businesses can still allow employees to work from home in a hybrid work model. Employees gain access to in-office resources while still being able to work from home.

Some of the technologies facilitating hybrid and remote work options include:

• Cloud-based work platforms - many businesses now prefer online browser-based work platforms for project management. Since the tool is cloud-based, it allows all employees to update and contribute to work plans in real-time. Whether working in the office or at home, employees need assurance that they are working with the most relevant and up-to-date information.

• Communication tools - businesses can use cloud-based online communication tools to implement group chats and 1-1 conversations to ensure that their employees always have a direct line of communication. Both in-office and remote employees can work together without changing their schedules.

These two technologies are here to stay following the pandemic, allowing companies to continue providing employees with the luxuries of a hybrid or remote work model.

Automating Reception Duties

The cloud-based technology revolution is allowing businesses to drive automation. Companies can access open API integrations for their security hardware by implementing cloud-based access control solutions. Visitor management software is one of the most valuable security integrations for access control. Maintaining a log of visitors with accurate time sheets is essential for security and evacuation purposes. With integrations, businesses can automate the visitor management process to reduce their reliance on reception staff, presenting savings opportunities.

Visitor management software is a tool that automates the visitor management process using your building’s access control solution. Visitors can access your visitor management system using their mobile devices - they can fill out digital registration forms to provide their details. The system grants them access credentials to move through the building once they have completed the form using their mobile device.

When they leave, they can only reaccess the building if they register. The access control system automatically logs their entry and exit time to ensure your visitor records are accurate - removing the potential for human error.

Automating Building Management

The integrations that come with cloud-based security tools also present benefits for your monthly overhead costs. Technology allows businesses to create intelligent building management systems that reduce energy waste.

When your office building is unoccupied, you should ensure you are not spending money heating, lighting, and cooling your building. The recent energy crisis has driven the importance of decreasing energy consumption for businesses and homeowners, and smart security technology presents a solution. Companies can automate building management triggers based on security events.

They can integrate access control with their IoT building management devices to do this. When someone enters a room in the office, the building management systems will activate. The systems deactivate when the building is empty, and the last person leaves. This smart technology ensures that building management is energy-conscious, reducing monthly overhead costs.

Creating More Accessible Security

Cloud-based security technologies present the benefit of open API integrations, allowing businesses to implement the tools listed above. However, they also benefit from making building security management more accessible and user-friendly.

Here are some of the benefits of cloud-based building security technologies:

• Reduced wiring infrastructure - cloud-based security tools rely on WiFi, BlueTooth, and cellular communication instead of wiring systems that usually connect them to servers. This makes security more scalable.

• PSaaS - with cloud-based security, you can outsource security management to a third party to reduce the burden on your security and IT staff.

• Remote operation - your security team can manage security from anywhere using a mobile app or browser-based control center for a more agile and convenient security response.

• Cloud data storage - you can store your security data in the cloud, ensuring you do not reduce ROI on your office space with server storage.  You can even invest in high-end storage server deals which can support every minute data of a corporate chain.

For the above reasons, cloud-based security is making security management more accessible and user-friendly for your security team and ensuring quicker, smoother security operations. When opting for cloud security technologies, businesses can decide between IP dome vs bullet security cameras, keycard or fob access control, and other types of hardware.

Summary

You must look towards cloud solutions to improve your office environment using future-proof technologies. Cloud-based technologies make hybrid work more accessible for businesses, improve security operations, and enable automation. Consider which of the technologies listed above would have the most significant impact on your office environment.