Running Out of Office Space?

Has your company run out of office space, rather like at Integricity? Well, there’s another way you can expand, and without having to fork out hefty rentals (especially if you’re based at KLCC!). Companies will soon be able to move with the times and create digital office spaces, rather like that of a 3D game. If Wolfenstein (Remember “ACHTUNG!”? Maybe I’m just old…er than you) in 1992, Doom in 1993 and Quake in 1996 could do it to provide entertainment, surely we can utilise it for business today.

Staff can work from home or any place with net connectivity and still participate in pseudo-physical interactions via a solution called Qwaq Forum and a soon-to-be-released system by Sun called MPK20. Staff members have a virtual avatar that can “walk” around the virtual office and see other colleagues. The virtual office embodies similar traits to the physical and has meeting rooms, presentation rooms, whiteboards and has the ability for staff to perform work, almost as if they were actually there. They are able to attend meetings, verbally chat with colleagues, share files and update each other on the latest projects. I guess the only thing they can’t really do is utilise the kitchen to cook!

Advantages of a Digital Office Space

1. “Physicalisation” of remote workers

One thing that can never be replaced is the tangible feeling someone is there. Not even with this system. Nonetheless, it gives all parties a feeling that there is some sort of presence, by being able to see bodies walking around that you can actually speak to.

2. Resource Savings

The environment is fast dying, if we don’t help it. With coworkers spanning the globe, the digital office concept embodies the ability to conduct VOIP based discussions, thereby saving resources needed to commute.

3. Family Time

Be close to those who matter, indulge in your loved ones, but continue to work and earn your keep. We all know that the family is extremely important, and this might just be the answer employees and employers need in order to bridge the gap.

4. And best of all, I reckon it would be fun

You get to play around with your avatar while performing your daily work chores. How cool is that! Can I slap on an armour, and get a shotgun to go with that for the days I’m in a foul mood?

So, is Integricity going to embrace remote workers?

To put it plainly, I won’t say NO, but rather… PERHAPS. At present, these technologies are still in beta, but one day when we have the need to work together from many different parts of the world, it will definitely be something to take into consideration. Hopefully by then, the solutions would have matured even more.