19 May 2016

3 new technologies to revolutionise the workplace and attract staff

A desk, a chair, a computer and a keyboard. In some places, maybe there’ll be an ergonomic chair and a wrist rest. That’s generally the familiar set up employees are offered throughout their working life.

But with a huge focus on workers’ sedentary lifestyle, health and wellbeing becoming more and more popular within UK businesses and the constantly changing digital world, what’s being developed to help offices adapt and fit in with the future workplace?

Expos dedicated to bright ideas and innovation pop up all around the world touting new technology, gadgets and brand developments, so we looked at what could be coming to an office near you.

1) Chairigami

Environmentally conscious Yale graduate, Zach Rotholz, worked with Triple Wall cardboard to create a range of affordable and versatile furniture. Chairs, tables, stools and shelves, made from 70% recycled cardboard and 30% virgin fibre can be flat-packed and easily moved to suit the everyday office environment, as well as forming creative spaces with colleagues.

With the rise of ‘workhubs’ in the UK, there is now an alternative to the conventional desk, which can also give way to a more collaborative workforce.

2) Talkband B2

With the latest launch of the brand new Apple Watch, smart technology looks like it’s getting smaller again. This new invention is being hailed as the watch for business professionals who ‘don’t want to wear a sporty wristband in the boardroom’.

The Huawei Talkband B2 is a neat little gadget that fits right in with an employee’s busy multi-tasking life, as well as helping to improve health and fitness with sleep cycle and movement monitors.

People are working more and more and many tend to work straight through lunch, meaning they’re sitting for even longer than their contracted hours. What if workers had a piece of technology measuring how much moving they’re actually doing in a day? Perhaps it will shock them into going for a quick run at lunch.

And the best part of the Talkband? The core pops out of the wristband, turning it into a Bluetooth earpiece. So if there’s an incoming important call that absolutely has to be picked up, being out for a jog doesn’t hinder the work.

Just keep in mind that workers do need to switch off from time to time!

3) Updesk Powerup

Stand-up desks are fast becoming a staple in the forward-thinking offices around the world. In fact, Denmark has become the first country to make these types of desks mandatory and as sitting for long periods has been found to be about as bad for you as smoking, the need for a shake-up in our hourly routine has never been more prevalent.

There are a few brands out there that offer different kinds of desks, but an innovative one from US company, Updesk, is really neat.

The Powerup features an electronic adjust system, energy saving controls and comes in three different sizes and a range of colours. The electronic aspect means the height can be just right when you’re either sitting or standing, making sure the employee isn’t slouching.

Bad posture can cause back pain and neck problems, possibly leading to a prolonged absence from work. A great overall feature of the Updesk brand is the addition of a health and fitness app. It schedules time on your feet and measures the calories you’ve burned doing so.

So, here are a few ideas to help you get on board with the future trends emerging throughout UK business. An investment into employee wellbeing can do wonders for loyalty, productivity and morale, plus could give you a real competitive edge when it comes to recruitment.

This article was provided by Unum.