According to a report by Colliers International, the Internet of Things (IOT) and the recent trends in cloud computing and cloud hosting services has caused a shift in workplace trends which leans towards a digital cloud-enabled workplace.
This model is being by Colliers international as the Internet of Workplace (IOW). This shift is foreseen to start in the Asia-Pacific region and revolutionize the way workplaces are run because of the existing edges which cloud services provide.
Workers can work from any part of the world and collaborate together on a cloud-based environment which provides not only the seamless integration of data but also virtually unlimited amounts of storage space.
According to them, it is a workplace model which exists in both the physical as well as virtual realms.
adopting decentralised structures that mirror the cloud computing environment, based around multiple remote teams that can be rapidly combined or scaled as needed, rather than a large central office.
This can make companies more agile and cost-effective, with positive impacts for employee well-being and productivity
– Rob Wilkinson, Associate Director, Corporate Solutions APAC, Colliers International
However, while it may seem quite beneficial for most, the report also covers how most transformations are disruptive as well as beneficial at the same time.
Cloud-Enabled Workplace Models May Transform Future Workplaces
A lot of enterprise leaders and managers would now have to think of other ways to embrace this transformation and would have to change the way they run their business to meet demands and changing methodologies.
This change would be the most disruptive to those unwilling to adapt to it and they have to come up with new ways of keeping up with the newer technologies embracing the market. Through careful planning and the right approaches, companies can navigate this disruption while capturing the benefits of the cloud.
utilising flexible workspace in a flex and core model, or developing open-plan offices to foster spontaneity and collaboration across teams
– Rob Wilkinson, Associate Director, Corporate Solutions APAC, Colliers International
In their report, Colliers has also described in detail how there are four stages to this transition and how they will affect business differently.
These four stages are named the Traditional stage which follows traditional means, the Transitioning stage which follows an enterprise transitioning to the cloud, the IoW adopter stage which is about corporations that are not entirely cloud-based, and the IoW Powered stage where the companies are entirely cloud-based platforms.
If everything proceeds as current trends display and if the report remains on point, we may as well have such IoW Powered workplace models in the very near future.
