While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives, it has only accelerated the adoption of touchless technology in the workplace. Tenant-focused needs such as a direct line of communication with building occupants and the ability to provide touchless technology to enhance office experiences have become an absolute necessity due to modern health and safety regulations.
But what is touchless technology? According to HqOS Marketplace partner Proxyclick, the touchless technology definition is as follows: “any device that you can use or operate without needing to touch it. Standard human-machine interfaces in this niche include camera-based gestures, proximity-enabled screens, voice recognition, and eye-tracking tech.”
From this definition, the importance of touchless technology post-pandemic is clear: technology is now an integral part of every aspect of the modern work experience. In order to welcome building occupants back to offices safely, property teams need to quell any remaining fears they may have in regards to congested areas, communal surfaces, and more. How? By integrating their portfolios with touchless technology companies that can allow people to quickly move throughout a space, without ever having to touch a single surface.
These tech-enabled features will also create frictionless experiences that add value to the workplace by making them modern, enjoyable, and comfortable.
The trends speak for themselves
In our conversations with industry leaders and HqO tenants on what to expect in 2021, a notable theme emerged: increased desire for touchless technology for offices. Last year, we predicted the rise of IoT technologies and touchless sensor technology, and this year, we can verify that tenants are still looking for these capabilities, albeit due to new and unexpected health and safety protocols.
We asked nearly 300 tenants whether they were comfortable with returning to the office and attending in-person events, and while 31.5% of respondents expressed that they were, nearly half (46.9%) stated that they would only be comfortable attending outdoor events. These concerns from occupants are directly tied to a fear of the unknown: people are still questioning their comfort and safety in the aftermath of a pandemic.
Financial decision-makers in office buildings are equally as concerned with the possible effects of the pandemic: data from JLL’s Global Workforce Survey and PwC’s COVID-19 CFO Pulse Survey tells us that the number one concern for financial decision-makers is a new wave of infections, and 81% of CFOs plan to change their workplace safety requirements to address this concern. The data speaks for itself: the key to addressing lingering anxieties for tenants, staff, and property teams alike lies in leveraging property technology tools — such as what the growing touchless industry offers — to foster safety, communication, and engagement among the workforce.
What does touchless technology for offices look like?
As the surge in demand for touchless technology products continues to grow, more and more commercial real estate properties are partnering with companies that make touchless products. Here’s what touchless sensor technology can look like for your modern office building:
- Smart and sleek hand sanitizer solutions. Touchland offers an elevated, smart, and aesthetically-designed hand sanitizer solution for commercial real estate owners who are focused on improving the health and safety of their tenants, while also creating a memorable office experience. The Kub and Kub Premium touchless sanitation solutions for commercial properties are maintained through IoT touchless sensor technology, and are the perfect solution for landlords that want to help tenants feel safe while maintaining their properties look and feel.
- Seamless access to any physical entrance. Proxy revolutionizes how people access the workplace and opens the door to smarter workplace experiences tailored to each individual. Their line of mobile readers brings mobile access to any door, turnstile, elevator call, garage, gate, and more, even those not currently connected to your access control system.
- Easy access to mobile food ordering. Bbot is a smart, mobile ordering solution that seamlessly offers contactless ordering and dining experiences. Operators can create a fully branded, digital menu accessible through QR codes that patrons can scan with their smartphones. Diners can order whatever they want, whenever they want, without ever having to download or sign up for an app.
These touchless technology companies provide just a few of the functionalities that are currently being used to re-enter offices across the country via the HqOS operating system. Though some elements of the future of work remain uncertain, there is no sign that the touchless industry is slowing down any time soon.
Equip your office building with the needs of today
To take advantage of the benefits of how property technology is revolutionizing the commercial real estate industry, landlords and property teams must adopt touchless solutions. From seamless property technology integrations such as contactless transportation offerings to on-site amenities with elevated sanitation options, property owners can channel a renewed focus on the tenant experience from driveway to desk.
To learn more about the latest emerging trends for CRE, read our latest state of the industry report today.
