Ten innovations that will change how we do business

A man wearing a VR headset in a business meeting
New reality: VR and AR have potential to save money and time Credit: Getty

Every few years someone comes along and heralds the next big innovation in the workplace. So what's coming next?

First it was hot-desking, then it was plants in the office, then it was overlap spaces. But what other workplace innovations can we expect that will alter the way we work?

Automation

There’s no doubt that automation is on the rise. But, says Susy Roberts from people development consultancy Hunter Roberts, “while robots will cover many of the basics, anything more unusual will still be fed through to a human. There will still be situations that are beyond what a computer program can handle.”

In fact, she says, “these more taxing scenarios will become the mainstay for employees, leading to more challenging work. As a result, employers will be looking for people with problem-solving, leadership, senior level analytical and digital skills.”

The way we move

“Sitting is the new smoking,” says Orso Design workplace strategist Brian Brown, “It's been proven that long periods of sitting are detrimental to your health.”

Woman using a standing desk
Standing room only: sitting for long periods is seen as a health risk Credit: Getty

Workplace designers are increasingly offering the option for sit-stand desks to allow them to change positions. “I have been creating more elbow-bar-height meeting tables recently to allow quick informal meetings with no chairs,” says Mr Brown.

Wearables

A Swedish start-up recently announced its intention to implant its workers with microchips that function as swipe cards. Wearables can monitor workplace wellbeing, as well as observe how well we perform and contribute. However, wearables are also revolutionising marketing strategies and helping us to predict consumer behaviour better than we could have ever imagined.

Digital accounting

The tax reporting landscape is expanding rapidly and by April 2018 businesses will have to keep records of their income and expenditure digitally and send summary updates quarterly to HMRC from their software (which will be made free for smaller businesses). This will help reduce error and lower the chance of time-consuming compliance checks.

Virtual and augmented reality

Companies are increasingly using virtual and augmented reality to deliver workplace training, such as learning how to perform open-heart surgery without risking a life, and observing potential recruits in different scenarios. The possibilities offered by VR and AR in the workplace have the potential to save money and time, and improve productivity.

Internet of things

Buildings are getting “smarter”, with automatically regulated heating and lighting, reducing bills and contributing to environmental efficiency targets. Workstations are increasingly tailored to individuals’ use. For companies that use fleets, real-time data produced by truck sensors offer central offices a complete picture of what is happening in a fleet at any given time.

Facial recognition

Our future is in our face, Mr Hammar adds. “Retailers are able to connect consumers’ faces with their online profile, connecting likes and dislikes and pulling together potential purchases.” This allows businesses to upsell more easily based on customer behaviour.

A man using face recognition technology
Eyes on the prize: facial recognition is on its way Credit: Getty

Connected vehicles

Vehicles themselves are increasingly connected, with features that take control of steering and speed in heavy traffic. According to Gartner, Wi-Fi communications in vehicles will increase from 6.9 million per year in 2015 to 61 million per year in 2020. Drivers will be more easily able to find and pay for parking and fuel, saving businesses considerable hassle and money.

Facebook Workplace

Services such as Facebook Workplace and Slack are changing how workforces operate. Shipping companies can connect with crew using Live video, banks are using online tools to share updates, and chief executives are making presentations to colleagues on the other side of the world.

Social shopping

Social shopping already the norm. But, says Gavin Hammar, of social productivity tool Sendible, with people sharing what they’ve bought straight onto social media, “I’d certainly expect it to become a sizeable proportion of e-commerce in the future as the number of social media users, and their usage time, only continues to increase.” Retailers are already using Instagram to sell goods and apps such as Snapchat are offering customers unique insights into operations to build loyalty.

Keep your fleet moving with the times by calling the Volvo Car Business Centre on 0345 600 4027 or visit volvocars.com

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