3 Ways Smart Apartments Can Support Remote Work

This article was originally published on IoT for All. It has been edited to adjust to this format.

Remote enablement with the pandemic has no doubt changed the way many people approach work. Apartment residents appreciate taking advantage of standard amenities like conference rooms, and expect high speed internet in these spaces and across the property as they stream, work, and make (video) calls. Residents are excited about and choose to live at properties that provide property-wide managed Wi-Fi, seamless Sidewalk to Sofa™ access, and smart apartments.

How can Wi-Fi, Sidewalk to Sofa™ access, and smart apartments support remote work?

1. Establish property-wide Wi-Fi for seamless internet connectivity

Professionally managed Wi-Fi is becoming the standard in these buildings as it allows residents to connect to the network whether they’re in their unit or amenity spaces. This is a much more secure approach to Wi-Fi, compared to in unit hubs that rely on residents to find their own provider and install Wi-Fi, which leaves many vulnerabilities for cyber attackers, as opposed to securely installed and managed property-wide Wi-Fi networks.

Fast and stable internet is the highest priority, as property owners and operators are using technology and amenities to attract remote worker residents. During the workday, the more people who are using the internet in an area (like in the unit), internet bandwidth can be drastically reduced inside the unit and across the property depending on how many people are utilizing video conferencing in a household. If there’s limited bandwidth in a unit shared by multiple residents, there can be issues with dropped (video) calls.

Amenities are also a big priority. Many residents want the option to step out of their apartment, either to work in a shared workspace or just to relax and disconnect from their work, but stay connected online, for a short time period. Club houses with coffee machines and entertainment are becoming a must-have for residents wanting a break, while remaining connected to the powerful property-wide Wi-Fi.

2. Create a path for Sidewalk to Sofa™ Access

With Sidewalk to Sofa™ smart access, residents can navigate from the outside of the property into their unit, easily. With one credential (like an app on the resident’s phone), residents can securely enter building access points, elevators, garages, common areas, and of course, their units.

With Sidewalk to Sofa™ access, residents can also offer temporary access to guests including friends, delivery drivers, and third party vendors. This is helpful when remote workers are in their unit but may not be able to disconnect from work for example, if they’re in a meeting, and need to let in a guest.

3. Enable Smart Apartment technology, property-wide

Within a smart apartment, the smart IoT devices like smart thermostats, smart lighting, and smart leak sensors maximize resident comfort and energy efficiency. This is particularly helpful as remote workers can spend a majority of their days in their unit, and the smart apartment can provide an environment suited for their needs.

Of course, with property-wide Wi-Fi, Sidewalk to Sofa™ access, and IoT-enabled smart apartments, all residents (and other stakeholders like property staff, owners, and operators) can benefit, not just remote workers. This is a snapshot of how these different aspects of smart apartments can contribute to the on-demand digitization that enables remote work, as well as smart apartment living.

Want to learn more about smart apartment living and greater resident satisfaction? Take a look at the 6 Ways to Make Your Building Smarter and Residents Happier eBook.