How Technology and Automation Can Create a Healthier Office Environment?


Undeniably, a healthy office environment is the key to increased productivity and work efficiency. Today, the presence of pandemic, increased unemployment, adjustment to remote teams, and a rise in toxic work relations have deprived offices of a healthy atmosphere. However, perpetually advancing technology seems to offer promising solutions.

Tools and Stress Reduction

Only a few years ago, the most advanced equipment that one could find on office desks were printers and computers with basic processors. Using these devices, employees and admin staff completed a fraction of their business tasks.

They completed the remaining work manually, such as keeping all the data together in handwritten form or compiling it by hand. And without a doubt, that drained a whole lot of energy and time, keeping them from reaching their full potential.

Perhaps, we see the most advanced colors of tech and automation in the same old device, i.e., computers. Today, these come with super-fast processors and even in different sizes. You can get a portable one (i.e., a laptop) or a humongous one, depending on your needs. There are also tablets, projectors, and other such devices to make communication, collaboration, and completion of tasks in offices super easy.

These devices come equipped with handy software that easily manages tasks, monitor projects, collects data, schedule tasks, and whatnot. All of these prevent time wastage, boost productivity and efficiency. They also ensure accuracy. Thus, preventing any errors and losses.

These may include CRM software, Database Management systems, or even simple tools like Microsoft Teams or Excel sheets. With work getting done efficiently, the employees encounter reduced work-related stress. Therefore, elevating mental health and make the office a happier place.

Well-being and Work Relationships

The presence of negative feelings, such as jealously and arrogance, can easily turn work relations into toxic ones. In an office environment, this arising of toxicity between colleagues can develop into stress-inducing rivalries. Hence, reducing one’s work efficiency and mental well-being.

According to one study, workers with stressed and disengaged minds demonstrated approximately +37% absenteeism, +49% workplace accidents, and +60% errors. Thus, causing an adverse effect on the company’s growth and profitability.

Perhaps, this is why healthy work relationships hold immense value in the eyes of successful businessmen today. These people have utilized Artificial Intelligence to track and evaluate how the team members are interacting with each other. An example of this Artificial Intelligence technology is the smart ID badges created by the startup named Humanyze.

These badges track employee’s behavior and interaction. Also, it transmits the data to the employers for monitoring. Certainly, the employees must be aware of this technology, and the company must take consent.

However, using AI for monitoring can help create more reliable and smooth work relationships. Thus, making the work culture healthierOpens in a new tab..

Impact of Office Design

Did you know office with natural features boosted employee well-being by an outstanding 15-percent? Yes, the presence of nature can refresh minds and stimulate feelings of joy. But, does this mean redesigning the office design or installing plants everywhere? Certainly not!

Nowadays, a lot of companies have incorporated Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology to assess the moods of the employees. Then, the data collected on the basis of emotional well-being helps determine whether the employee requires physical or environmental stimulus.

For environmental, the automated sensors in the infrastructure can adjust the lighting to imitate daylight or alter room temperature.

In other cases, these sensors and modifications get installed in separate work units. So, the employee can adjust the controls according to individual needs.

Consequently, offices utilizing technology and automation make employees feel more open and relaxed at work. Thus, increasing productivity and well-being.

Elevation of Joy Levels

With the pandemic, a cloud of gloominess has saturated every aspect of life. The crisis, along with work stress, has deprived numerous employees of the emotions of glee. However, as a team leader, it is your responsibility to nurture a positive and healthy office culture.

You must concentrate on elevating the moods and keep them motivated to work. Considering, this can be a daunting task, especially when your team works remotely. But worry not!

The technological upgrades of the modern age have enabled businessmen and company leaders to resolve this matter too. Hence, maintaining a healthy office environment regardless of the global crisis.

Artificial Intelligence enables us to gather data related to the employee’s emotional well-being and gain insights into the level of workplace satisfaction.Opens in a new tab. This particular collected data can help the authoritative bodies take helpful initiatives accordingly.

In some case, AI applications, such as Ginger.io, also offers emotional counseling to keep the employees mentally fit. However, the usage of these applications is on a limited scale currently.

Moreover, some companies have integrated fitness trackers at work that offer employees a detailed insight into their well-being. Usage of these fitness monitoring applications encourages workers to be vigilant about their health and monitor it efficiently. There are also medical care plans available that workers can benefit from, such as Accendo Medicare supplement.Opens in a new tab.

According to research, fitness in workers boosts their productivity, immune system as well as reduces stress. Hence, making them happier and the office environment healthier.

Remote Teams and Communication

The spread of Coronavirus and the imposition of the pandemic has brought a prominent shift in working methods. Now, a majority of companies are operating remotely where team members connect online to complete the due tasks.

Certainly, the popularity in remote teams has exposed the uncountable benefits of it. Employees are no longer bound to the 9-5 work routine. They can spend their time according to their will.

Plus, the massive amounts of time and finances spent in commuting have reduced. Hence, allowing workers an opportunity to expand their productivity and invest time in some other areas of life. From an employer’s perspective, businessmen can access and include a diversity of talented people into the team. It doesn’t matter where the member lives in the world for every task gets completed online.

However, there are some cons to this remote team culture too. And, perhaps, the biggest one is the lack of motivation and coordination. Online work indicates limited in-person meetings. The absence of physical presence, coupled with a lack of communication, makes an employee feel as if they are alone.

Apart from feelings of isolation, this increases stress when any deadline is nearby, for one considers it as sole responsibility instead of teamwork. Hence, deteriorating mental well-being and work efficiency. Fortunately, where technology has brought the remote team culture into existence, it has also offered ways to minimize cons.

Nowadays, there are numerous team building applications and software available. These allow one to increase communications and stimulate feelings of interconnectedness amongst remote teams. Hence, making employees feel involved, motivated, happier, and healthier.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, technology and automation can prove to be quite advantageous in creating a healthier office environment if one utilizes it appropriately. Above, we have stated only a few examples. There still a hundred unique ways in which people are transforming their workplaces into a happier place using technology and automation.

Have you encountered any other innovative method or have an idea that you’ll like to see in this articulation? Well, then, do let us know about it below. We’ll be glad to hear!

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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