The foundations for the offices of the future are already being laid today, by way of careful design and architecture. Decentralised structures (both physical and operational), agility, and adaptability are all traits of the evolving work environment. However, as the workforce itself ages and young people begin to make up a larger percentage of the total number of working adults (an estimated 75 per cent by 2025 globally), the emphasis within such spaces must shift to cater for a more sustainably-minded, technology-driven workflow.

With young employees having grown up with technology at their fingertips, the success of future offices will largely depend on their ability to deliver adequate access to up-to-date technological resources. Technology cannot be seen as just a tool to get a job done slightly faster or more economically – its influence often extends to the output of the work itself. 3D printers along with virtual and augmented reality, for instance, are fast becoming standard design tools within architecture and design. Even the most basic technologies, such as printers, are proving that they must not be taken for granted – today they are faster, more capable, and more intuitive when flipping between physical and digital workflows. What’s more, like most forms of technology, they are increasingly affordable.

Collaboration is rooted in both the digital and physical realms. As the number of flexible, technologically savvy and sustainably minded employees grow, so too will the popularity of the agile workspaces and non-hierarchical structures that have been seen in recent years. Technology that both acknowledges and responds to these demographics can streamline the efficacy of those spaces, creating opportunities for innovation as much as it is created by it. 

Recognising this, HP has lead the way in creating intelligent printing solutions that are both sustainably minded and intuitive. HP PageWide Technology, for instance, makes it easier to integrate printing solutions into business workflow without the environmental cost of alternatives. Compared to equivalent laser printers, PageWide printers can halve operating costs and cut the carbon cost of printing by up to 55 per cent, all whilst requiring 94 per cent less supplies and packaging and without limiting their top-of-class printing speeds and network integration. 

The act of printing can no longer be viewed merely as the final action taken when completing a job. Rather, it is part of the process – an evolving process that, as time progresses, will increasingly necessitate the ability to shift rapidly between physical and digital means.   

For more information about HP and their PageWide Printers and Printing Technology, click here.

About the Sustainability Awards

The Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious awards program dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating excellence in sustainable design and architecture. Nominations received are shortlisted and then winners for each category are announced at a five-star Gala evening hosted this year at the Star, Sydney on 11 October 2018. The daytime event Sustainability Live is a CPD-endorsed education event where industry experts present a range of topics to educate, inform and ignite learning. Buy tickets