As more employees opt to work from home, the pressure to attract tenants back to the traditional office is mounting.
In fact, in cities across the nation the office space market is not as strong as it once was – Cushman & Wakefield reports office vacancy rates in New York City jumped to 9.2% at the end of 2018. In response to the global exodus from the traditional office space in favor of telecommuting and coworking, sophisticated technology is being worked into the design of many office buildings in hopes of attracting corporate clients and premium rents. Businesses are looking for office space outfitted with the latest gadgets that will boost employee productivity and morale – and attract and retain top talent. As commercial real estate listings grow and more companies reconsider renting commercial space, these office upgrades are sure to entice potential corporate tenants to maintain (or expand!) their physical footprint.
It’s the dawn of a new era for corporate, and renting an office space isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of the cubicle farms and organizations leasing endless amounts of office space that sits unused. Companies around the globe are revaluating their physical footprint in traditional office buildings and searching for the right tools, and the ideal space, that will drive performance and savings. While traditional considerations like location and floor-plate size are still top concerns for corporate renters considering corporate properties for rent, office buildings are reinventing their once plain spaces into wonderlands of AI-infused technology to boost lease numbers.
Below are a few of the most impressive technologies luring organizations into signing a lease and enhancing their physical footprint.
AI Windows
Yes, you read that right – windows infused with artificial intelligence are one of the advancements developers and landlords are offering in exchange for premium rent. These ultra-modern smart windows automatically tint depending on the amount of sun. When hit by sunlight, a thin coating between the double panes activates and darkens preventing harsh glare and heating during the summer months. These windows are only going to get smarter. Soon, smart windows will function like a computer screen allowing information to be displayed and even display videoconferences. With a wide array of benefits, smart technology like these AI windows give tenants more bang for their buck.
State-of-the-Art Wi-Fi
As office buildings are outfitted with more impressive AI technology, there is one trend that will most likely seal the deal: guaranteed internet access. Companies like WiredScore that use a commercial real estate rating system that measures digital infrastructure and reports on the reliability of an office building’s internet functionality have certified over a thousand offices around the globe. Don’t underestimate the appeal of guaranteed wi-fi – the assurance that teams will be able to reach their goals, make videoconference calls with international clients and access online databases no matter the weather can seal the deal for a potential corporate client. Added bonus: guaranteed connectivity in a corporate office can also serve as a backup for telecommuting employees that lose internet at home
Office Apps
In case your office doesn’t have AI that predicts your employees’ office temperature preferences, office apps allow tenants to adjust office temperature, search out open conference rooms and RSVP to office events are the next best thing. Employees at some companies can do exactly this and more via an app created specifically for a corporate tenant. For many, smart technology equals personalization and this is what office buildings are now offering. Office apps pair with a hoteling workspace by allowing employees to schedule time in the office and reserve a desk. On top of that, data is gathered from the app and monitored by office operators who can detect temperature patterns and janitorial needs based on people gathered in a specific area.
As you can see, the future of artificial intelligence in the corporate office is limitless. Going forward, you will need disruptive tools that help transform your physical footprint into a driver of performance and savings. Discover more by watching Tango’s on-demand Applying AI & Machine Learning to IWMS webinar below.
