What will the office of the future look like?



How is technology going to change the way we work?

Mobile technology and tablets have given rise to more collaborative office environments, including hot-desking, where you might not even sit at the same desk every day. Thanks to Wi-Fi, the office is now wherever you need it.

While we’ve had video conferencing for years, companies are now experimenting with telepresence robots, which allow the user to control point of view using a robotic camera eye and can even move around the office while seeing and hearing things within range.

Technological breakthroughs will cause one of the biggest shake-ups the office environment has ever seen. Digital innovations are transforming the future of work, including the definition of the workplace, both physical and virtual.

A typical day at the office in 2030

What will your typical workday at the office look like in 2030? There’s no doubt that virtual reality will play a role. You might start your day with a 3D holographic video conference (VR technology is making virtual meetings very possible), then log into your department meeting via your avatar, which can mimic your actual movements and facial expressions.

As you work, software will track which apps you use and for how long, which emails you’ve actioned and the tone of your responses. Your wearable tech will be able to sense when you’re lethargic and no longer productive, encouraging you to move around to get your monitored heart rate up and creating alpha waves to stimulate creativity.

By 2030, we can expect AI assistants to administrate our work diaries, acting as office assistants to schedule meetings, book travel and complete administrative tasks.

If you’re feeling stressed, you can proceed to the office sensory deprivation tank to rest and regain your concentration for your next project.

Office designs in 2030 will have us working in eco-friendly 3D printed buildings packed with IoT (Internet of Things) technology. Inbuilt sensors will adjust settings like temperature and lighting to adapt to outside weather conditions and occupancy levels in real-time.

While these technological advances will transform our workplace beyond recognition, one thing that won’t change is the need to co-operate either in collaborative workspaces or via video conferencing. These soft skills will be in demand regardless of office settings, ensuring employees can solve problems and develop creative solutions together.

Interested in innovating technology that benefits our society’s economic and social wellbeing? Join the rapidly evolving technology industry and bring your revolutionary ideas to life.

Check out a couple of Murdoch’s University’s IT Degree offerings below:

Find out more about the programmes, register for a preview session or request for a prospectus here.