How technology continues to shape workplace experience

Authored by Sean Lucas, SVP APAC, essensys.

In today’s ever-changing work environment, it’s crucial to embrace the needs and aspirations of a diverse workforce. The workplace is no longer just a physical space. It has been transformed into an ecosystem where flexibility, community, and technology come together to help shape the end-users increasingly varied experience.

As the shift towards an omni-channel workplace continues, the concept of having a suitable third space available close to home and the demand for a seamless in-building experience are key factors influencing the new office landscape. This shift in the market is also impacting the workspace solutions provided by landlords and operators.

A recent IDC InfoBrief sponsored by essensys (Enabling a Seamless Digital Experience Across an Office Building Portfolio, Doc. #AP, 241427IB, April 2023) surveyed 360 people across six markets in the Asia Pacific region. The data revealed that at least 96% of organisations have made or will make changes to their physical workplaces to accommodate a hybrid workforce.

Adoption of flex

Expectations around the office and workplace experience have shifted markedly. It is essential for landlords and operators to deliver a variety of flexible workspace solutions to attract and retain occupiers. Yet to successfully implement flexible spaces at scale, the right technology is imperative.

In more mature flexible workspace markets like the US, the integration of technology and real estate has already shown great results in supporting the delivery of flexible spaces in every aspect. Leading global landlords and operators, such as Hines, Industrious, and Tishman Speyer, are demonstrating exactly how digitalisation and flexibility can be successfully implemented to help create a foundation for future success.

How to remain competitive

To remain competitive in the current dynamic market, technology plays a crucial role. The key takeaways from IDC’s InfoBrief include:

• Occupiers highly value a seamless digital experience and are willing to pay more for it.
• Dynamic spaces within office buildings, such as common lobbies, event and meeting spaces, and food and beverage outlets, are being used more by occupiers.
• Landlords across APAC have not fully met occupiers’ demands for network and connectivity services. This is particularly seen in areas like speed, reliability, security, and access.
• Automated network management offers benefits such as centralized control over networks across a portfolio and streamlined network infrastructure management.
• Landlords are planning to implement more smart technologies across their portfolios in the next three years. The top technologies include network management, space management, and touchless/sensor-based solutions.

Australia spotlight: Technology as a key enabler

The IDC InfoBrief also takes a closer look at the Australian office market to understand demands and opportunities. The spotlight focuses on occupiers’ priorities and landlords’ ability to better meet these changing demands. Occupiers in Australia have a strong demand for a portfolio-wide solution that allows them to “work from any building” across a single space providers wider portfolio. They are also looking to deliver enhanced end-user experiences through technologies such as touchless building access and mobile-first user journeys.

Interestingly, these amenities are not just expected; they are very much seen as worthwhile investments with..

Forward-thinking landlords and flexible workspace operators are actively addressing occupier demands. In Australia, enhancing the occupier experience is a top priority for landlords. The InfoBrief finds 90% of landlords are open to increasing their technology spending by 5% to 20%. This is to upgrade their buildings and provide a more seamless, digital first experience for occupiers.

When considering a flexible workspace strategy, it is crucial for landlords to listen to occupier demands. These expectations are likely to continue growing, and staying responsive to occupier needs will be key to success.

You can download a copy of the IDC InfoBrief here.