As corporate real estate decision-makers strive to create optimized work environments that balance employee experience and data security, they're turning to innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. By integrating these smart solutions into mobile apps, companies can unlock a seamless consumer-like experience for their employees, fostering greater collaboration, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Fusing Culture and Technology
To achieve this harmonious blend of culture and technology, corporate real estate (CRE), IT, and HR functions must collaborate more closely than ever before. This synergy is crucial for developing solutions that connect remote workers to each other and the corporate brand while maintaining data security. According to leading technologists and CRE professionals who presented at CoreNet Global Mid-Atlantic's second Annual CRE Technology symposium, "Corporate real estate was one of the last industries to be hit by technology, but it's now become a huge part of this work."
Anywhere Workplace
Mobile technologies have empowered employees to work from anywhere, anytime. However, this flexibility raises questions about how CRE professionals, IT, and HR teams can develop solutions that connect these far-flung workers to each other and the corporate brand. Moreover, how can employers ensure data security when employees are working remotely? The answer lies in creating a seamless consumer-like experience that integrates AI-powered mobile apps with physical office spaces.
Seamless Experience
According to Nathan Rogers, Chief Information Officer at SAIC, "The culture of a company isn't just about your leadership; it's about how you work together. This is where CRE, IT, and HR have to collaborate." For employees, this means having access to the right tools and technology that mirror their personal experiences. Millennials, who make up an increasingly larger percentage of the workforce, aren't concerned about where they work as long as they have the necessary tech tools.
Proprietary Mobile Apps
The proliferation of mobile apps has given employees greater control over their lives at home. Now, workers want the same level of experience in the office. The quality of this work experience, including physical space and communication tools, is now an essential part of the equation to recruit and retain top talent. Major businesses are developing proprietary mobile apps that provide access to amenities like food, coffee, meeting spaces, and wayfinding features.
Technology Deployment
The increasing use of AI-powered mobile apps requires a new approach to technology deployment, involving collaboration between CRE, HR, and IT functions. This means that companies need to de-silo these teams and develop innovative solutions that integrate physical office spaces with digital tools. As Scott Phillips, Director of Corporate Real Estate at McDonald's Corporation, notes, "We've had to bring in new positions – people who can coordinate with IT and integrate systems."
Data Security
While AI-powered mobile apps are revolutionizing the workplace, they also present significant data security risks that must be carefully managed. The Internet of Things (IoT) embeds data gathering capabilities into various devices, making it essential for companies to prioritize employee data privacy. By leveraging AI-powered mobile apps and physical office spaces, organizations can create a harmonious blend of technology and culture that prioritizes both employee experience and data security.
By incorporating AI-powered mobile apps into their workplace strategies, companies can unlock a seamless consumer-like experience that fosters greater collaboration, productivity, and job satisfaction. As the modern workforce continues to evolve, it's essential for corporate real estate decision-makers to stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovative technologies like AI in mobile apps.