Future of work: 5 ways technology is reshaping work and the workplace

2. Smart Buildings
With the technology already widely available, smart buildings are increasingly popping up in cities across the world, both residential and commercial. 
Smart buildings have already transformed the workplace. 
The workplace experience has been proven to help companies attract, engage, and retain talent. Studies have confirmed that the physical workplace significantly impacts company performance. This is why many organizations are increasingly focusing on creating unique workplace experiences that place humans at the center of construction, design, layout, and operation. 
Smart buildings are making it easier for organizations to offer such experiences. Not only do these buildings help reduce environmental footprints, but they also impact an individual’s overall wellbeing. 
From smart lighting and temperature control, to door access and on-demand desk or meeting bookings, technology is giving people more control over their physical environments. At the same time, technology is providing organizations with insights on how people use and interact with their space. This data is highly valuable as it can help organizations make educated decisions on workplace design and layout. 
Technology has impacted the built world so much that it has given rise to a new industry:
3. Human Robot Collaboration and High Value Tasks (AKA the digital workforce)
One of the most significant ways technology is reshaping work is through the creation of the digital workforce. 
“A digital worker refers to technology — including artificial intelligence, intelligent process automation (including content intelligence), robotics, and augmented reality and virtual reality — that performs tasks, jobs, and activities previously accomplished by a human worker.”
Digital workers are already being deployed by some businesses, and the percentage of companies using them is expected to rise in the coming years, and for good reason. 
Digital workers, rather than replace human beings, can enhance our individual capabilities, which can free up more of our time to focus on higher-value tasks. 
But the benefits don’t stop there.
Previous research has found that digital workers can:

• 
  Improve productivity
  
• 
  Improve business operations
  
• 
  Enable better decision making
  
• 
  Improve customer and employee experience
  
• 
  Reduce costs
  
• 
  Mitigate security risks. 
  

This last one is one of the most valuable benefits of this technology, as privacy and security are a key concern for businesses and employees alike.