Why Embracing Technology Makes a Workplace More Human-Centric

We’re a culture consumed by technology. And while some reports claim the more time we spend with tech the less human interactions we have, it appears the opposite could actually be true at work. I spoke with two workplace experts to learn more about how technology can help fuel organizations to be more the human-centric.

The 5G Revolution and the Future of Workplace Connectivity 

Rich Berliner | Founder of Fifth Generation Media, Publisher of “Connected Real Estate Magazine”

"People in the commerical real estate business need to understand 5G will be here. You can move forward, confidently, don’t wait for 5G because it will be easily bolted on without having to rip out your entire network."

Rich Berliner is Founder of Fifth Gen Media and the Publisher of “Connected Real Estate Magazine”, an educational resource for commercial real estate developers, building owners and property management firms. He believes that workplace leaders should feel a sense of responsibility to bring new technology, like 5G, to their workplaces, as it opens the door for so many other benefits to take place. 

Once companies realize the impact the future of workplace connectivity and next generation technologies like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 have on the built environment – everything will change. As the marketplace continues to recognize the importance of frictionless experiences in the workplace, it’s clear why seamless connectivity is essential for success when implementing the latest employee-experience applications. One way workplace leaders can help foster a technology-friendly environment is by prioritizing connectivity and communication among their workforce. When used the right way, technology can remove mindless tasks and repetitive responsibilities and increase the opportunities for positive interactions between colleagues. 

Rich explains that 5G is going to power technologies that we don’t yet have even the most modern workplaces. From holographic phones to robotic surgeries, resources we haven’t even thought of yet are just around the corner. By embracing technology we are setting the groundwork for them to become reality, and to help increase the human element in the workplace at the same time. 

The Workplace Opportunity for Facility Management Leaders

Chris Moriarty | Director of Insight & Engagement, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management

"The fact that we’re still predominately using building metrics says to me at the moment we’re still not quite a people-centric sector. We’re still people-focused that’s fine, we know they’re important, but until we start changing some of those metrics, some of those approaches I don’t think we can truly say we’re people-centric. But I’m starting to see that shift. 

Chris Moriarty is Director of Insight and Engagement at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management. Throughout his research he has developed an idea called, “The Workplace Opportunity’, where professionals in the global facility management industry are encouraged to explore practical ways to elevate the profession by taking advantage of key trends in the marketplace. One of those trends? Embracing the right technology. 

Chris is seeing a shift in organization’s priorities towards becoming more people-centric work environments. Companies are starting to recognize that the types of places they create really matter because they’re made for the people, and those people should be at the heart of every decision they make. Providing enabled work environments with the right technology only propels people to be their best. It impacts both the employee experience and performance. And while there is often some hesitation to embracing technology, the right tools help bring people together to do the work they are capable of doing. 

Chris believes that workplace leaders are uniquely qualified to help lead their organizations down the right path. FMs are thoroughly involved with both the workforce’s needs and what workplace environments work best. This gives them a special opportunity to enlighten their leadership teams, by showing them the possibilities between a human-centric workplace fueled by tech, and what a wonderful outcome it could have.