Workplace safety is fundamental to an organisation’s overall health to maintain and improve the wellness of both employees and visitors. Following the emergence of COVID 19, businesses witnessed major transformations in standard operations and protocols, driving global enterprises across all industries to shift their priorities and evaluate how they run their organisation.

There is sufficient evidence that demonstrates the significance of health and safety practices at work and the implication it has on productivity. With the universal emphasis on health, workplaces around the globe saw a technological revolution with fundraising, mergers and acquisitions of workplace experience platforms reaching an unprecedented level in 2021 and 2022.

Today, technology offers employees a myriad of innovative solutions to enhance their experience at work. When it comes to employees’ health and wellness, present-day workplaces have the option to introduce indoor environment monitoring tools to secure the thermal comfort of office occupants, control indoor air quality and reduce energy use.

Using IoT sensors, the air quality, temperature and humidity of the room is regulated at all times; these sensors can detect pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide and trigger alarms when levels in the air become unsafe. In an effort to elevate hygiene and comfort levels, ‘smart washrooms’ have been introduced into workplaces. These washrooms are equipped with multiple sensors which provide data on air quality, statistics that reflect high usage timings which assist in managing cleaning schedules effectively, monitor and alert when consumables like soap and paper run out, and lastly, user satisfaction tools that  measure fulfillment.

Moreover, the implementation of innovative visitor  management solutions at the workplace is becoming more prominent, as many companies are using digital reception desk sign-ins to avoid the hassle of the traditional entry process to buildings and sites. Companies can now generate QR codes for visitors to ensure seamless entry and exit for meetings, deliveries and more, while maintaining visitor statistics. To further develop the access experience, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and access control systems are being utilised in car parks, meaning vehicles are recognised as they leave and enter the space, eliminating the need for plastic access cards or remotes, upgrading the overall experience.

Mobile applications have also streamlined processes in the work environment - with the touch of an app button employees can easily book meeting rooms, hot desks, or workspaces all through a shared platform across the organisation. This way employees can see which spaces are available or occupied and when, making it easier to manage meetings and plan in advance while also providing office managers an indication of space utilisation. In addition to simplifying operations, these apps can improve workplace engagement by making sure everyone is informed about any upcoming activities or any discounts and offers in the office building. Whether it’s a group yoga session, team building exercise, or a free donut at the café, app users will be notified immediately.

The bottom line is that alongside increased productivity, implanting innovative technology keeps employees safe and expedites a communication flow across all verticals in an organisation. Therefore, UAE-based platforms like PropEzy Workplace and global players such Envoy, HQO and VTS Rise are leading the charge in revolutionising how employees interact with their workplace. Best of all, through the software-as-a service (SAAS) model, these are most often pay-as-you go solutions, so clients have no heavy capital expenditure up front, making the business case even more straightforward. 

This article is written by Uros Trojanovic, Divisional CEO, EAST-O Holdings.