Discover how smart lockers are revolutionizing hybrid workspaces, offering secure, flexible solutions that enhance productivity and member satisfaction in modern offices.
Discover how smart lockers are revolutionizing hybrid workspaces, offering secure, flexible solutions that enhance productivity and member satisfaction in modern offices.
Over the last decade, the modern workspace has undergone a series of transformations, each shaped by technological advancements, economic shifts, and societal changes. From the rise of the open-plan office to the digital revolution that untethered work from a specific location, these evolutions have impacted how, where, and when we work.
Practically overnight, organizations and employees worldwide found themselves grappling with remote work, not by choice but by necessity. This shift laid bare the limitations of traditional work models and paved the way for new, more flexible work arrangements, setting the stage for the widespread adoption of hybrid work and the rise of flex spaces. This has led to rethinking the purpose of the office environment: corporate offices are turning into smart offices and coworking is becoming the model for a wide range of white-collar workers.
Today, as the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) industry struggles to redefine itself and set a course for the next decade, businesses small and large are devising strategies to entice employees to come back to the office – at least some of the time. For the more progressive companies, their focus has shifted towards designing spaces that offer flexibility, foster collaboration, and promote well-being and balance. Among the various amenities being integrated into these contemporary workspaces, one seemingly modest yet remarkably effective amenity stands out: smart access and lockers.
Understanding hybrid work
What is hybrid work? The term refers to a flexible work model that supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go working. It offers employees the autonomy to determine how to work wherever they are most productive. In many corporate circles, “Hybrid Work” has also begun to connotate ideas of inclusiveness, engagement, and well-being for all employees and staff members.
For businesses looking to strike the delicate balance between employee demands and their real estate investments, the hybrid model has emerged as the "sweet spot" for them and their employees. This model offers the best of both worlds: the conveniences of remote work, combined with the collaboration and community opportunities offered by in-office days. Corporations are also offering employees the opportunity to work in coworking facilities that are typically closer to their homes, which is an attractive alternative, as well.
The role of workspace amenities in hybrid work
In recent years, the landscape of workplace incentives has undergone a significant transformation. Employers, in their quest to create a more engaging and enjoyable work environment, have experimented with a variety of perks ranging from ping-pong tables and craft cold brews to pizza parties. While these amenities certainly add a fun element to the office, the evolving needs of today’s workforce and the shift towards hybrid work models have prompted a reevaluation of what truly constitutes meaningful incentives. Today, the focus is on providing amenities that not only enhance workplace satisfaction but also contribute to increased productivity and effectiveness.
No longer just perks, amenities are now critical components of a strategy designed to support hybrid work models and address their unique challenges. Among these, creating an environment that supports both collaboration and flexibility stands out as a primary goal for modern organizations.
In these new, modern corporate office spaces, the emphasis is shifting toward creating smart spaces that leverage technology for improved functionality. From intelligent lighting systems that adjust based on natural light, IAQ (indoor air quality) to temperature regulation through IoT-connected HVAC systems, these features not only contribute to energy efficiency and to achieve significant cost savings but also foster a comfortable and productive working atmosphere.
The physical design of office space is changing as well, with the introduction of flexible workstations where workers can choose from a variety of settings – be it a quiet corner for focused work, collaborative spaces for team projects, or casual lounges for informal discussions. This flexibility is driven by the integration of advanced access control and other digital tools that allow employees to transition between different work modes seamlessly.
Smart lockers provide secure storage for hybrid workspaces with self-service, on-demand, or mobile credentials
Smart lockers enable these hybrid employees to work how they want, with secure storage when and where they need it.
In the quest to balance the evolving needs of the modern smart office, lockers have emerged as an unlikely hero. Gone are the days when lockers were merely a utilitarian fixture relegated to the corners of gyms or schools. In today's flexible corporate workspaces, lockers have been reimagined as a cornerstone of next-generation office design, symbolizing the shift towards a more dynamic and personalized work environment.
That due to rethinking the prupose of the office, office space is redesigned which often let the office space shrink but. Far from their traditional image as simple storage solutions, modern lockers are designed to support the dynamic nature of hybrid work. They offer secure storage for employees who no longer have a fixed desk, facilitating hot-desking and flexible seating without the burden of carrying personal items to and from the office daily. Moreover, with features like digital locks, charging stations, and ventilation, today's lockers enhance the employee experience, marrying functionality with the sleek aesthetics of contemporary office design.
Beyond storage: Bring all the advantages of access control to lockers and cabinets
Today’s smart locker systems integrate with other workplace amenities to create an organized and efficient work environment. The smart locker system is typically a part of the access control system, workplace app, or wallet key. Data generated from smart lockers can be used with other smart office systems to optimize building processes and energy efficiency and control. Additionally, thoughtful placement and design of locker areas can improve workplace flexibility and collaboration, contributing to a vibrant office culture.
Innovative XS4 Eco lock solutions illustrate the potential of smart lockers in modern workspaces. These systems not only secure personal items but also seamlessly integrate with building management systems, enhancing the workplace's functionality and user satisfaction.
- Employee lockers for personal use
- Employee day use lockers
- Visitor lockers
- Team lockers
- IT Tech lockers
- ...
Securing the future: Lockers as a keystone of a comprehensive smarter access solution
Modern access-control systems include locker lock management as part of the building's security ecosystem. However, integrating smart storage lockers with access control systems can revolutionize how we think about and implement security in smart workplaces.
Access control systems are a fundamental aspect of security and are used to protect people, sites, and assets. Implementing an access control system is a critical component of security, ensuring the right people have the correct level of access to the right resources. Physical access control systems are important for businesses that need to regulate access to sensitive data, protect people and businesses from unauthorized entry into buildings, ensure workforce compliance and safety, or to restrict access to areas that contain valuable items. In this modern world, things are ‘‘going digital’’ – and locker access is no exception.
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