How Smart Glass Office Fronts Create More Productive, Sustainable and Secure Work Environments

As the world grapples with a workforce that is increasingly showing preference for remote work, companies face increasing pressure to create workspaces that employees will enjoy and find worth commuting to.

‍

One solution is investing in glass office fronts. These stylish and functional partitions not only contribute to the visual appeal but also address vital concerns such as sustainability, safety, and employee wellness. In this post, we'll delve into the numerous advantages of glass office fronts, in particular smart glass office fronts, including how they can create agile workspaces while also making them more energy efficient and safeguarding employees against contagious illnesses. 

‍

What Is a Smart Glass Office Front?

‍

Smart glass, also known as switchable glass, privacy glass or PDLC glass, goes from clear to frosted on demand. Thus, a smart glass office front is simply a glass wall or partition that has built in privacy thanks to smart glass technology. Watch this video to learn more about how smart glass is being used to enhance office design:
‍

What Are the Advantages of Smart Glass Office Fronts?

‍

Enhance Natural Light

‍

The contemporary workspace is constantly transforming, with design trends appearing and disappearing. However, certain aspects remain consistent, one being the significance of daylight. Lately, the impact of natural light on employee well-being and efficiency has gained attention, with outdoor views and sunlight emerging as the top office benefit, surpassing amenities like cafeterias and gyms.

‍

Gone are the days when only the top executives could enjoy window access. With sleek glass office fronts, everyone can share in the daylight and take in stunning outdoor views, all while enjoying a productive, focused work environment.

‍

Experience the Magic of Natural Light at Work

Let the sunshine in and watch your office thrive! Natural light sweeps away eyestrain, headaches, and drowsiness, all while boosting your team's mood and productivity. Picture your employees feeling healthier, happier, and taking 6.5% fewer sick days - it's truly a game changer. Studies have proven that natural light improves job satisfaction, elevates mood and enhances productivity.
‍

‍
The Role of Smart Glass In Daylighting Design

When switched to opaque, smart glass windows still allow two thirds of natural light through. This means staff can enjoy privacy without sacrificing daylight. Smart switchable blinds are also an option, allowing for partial privacy. 

Employee Wellness

In addition to providing ample natural light, privacy glass also contributes to employee wellness in several other ways. Ample natural light is associated with positive impacts on mental health, focus, and productivity. By allowing natural light to flow freely through the workspace, glass office fronts contribute to a better working environment while reducing common workplace problems such as eye strain and fatigue.

‍

Improved Air Quality

Increased use of glazing within offices helps maintain indoor air quality by allowing natural ventilation and reducing the need for mechanically circulated air. Fresh air has been linked to increased focus and productivity, leading to a healthier and more enjoyable work experience.

‍

Mental Well-Being

Providing employees with access to natural light and outdoor views through switchable glass walls can boost their mental well-being, as exposure to sunlight and nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

‍

Encouragement of Collaboration

Glass office fronts create an open and transparent atmosphere that encourages collaboration, allowing employees to feel more connected and engaged with their work. Simultaneously, smart glass allows employees to adapt their workspace to become private and distraction free during more focused periods.

‍

Customizable Workspace

Smart glass offices offer the flexibility to adapt workspaces to the needs of individual employees or teams. Whether through the use of  smart glass for privacy or movable glass partitions for temporary adjustments, this adaptability contributes to employee satisfaction and well-being.

‍

Acoustic Insulation

Smart glass has built in soundproofing that can significantly reduce noise transmission between rooms, resulting in a quieter and more focused work environment. By providing a private and comfortable setting, glass office fronts can contribute to a distraction and stress-free workplace.

Sustainability 

‍

Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs

Smart glass blocks 100% of UV and IR light, a source of heat gain. This significantly reduces the need for HVAC systems. Whatsmore, offices can opt for energy-efficient smart glass, such as smart insulated smart glass, which can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures. This type of glass helps further reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, leading to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling.

‍

Improved Durability

Glass is more durable and requires less maintenance than traditional building materials like wood and metal. This longevity contributes to a building’s overall sustainability, as it reduces the need for frequent maintenance, repairs, or replacements. Smart glass is cleaned just like regular glass, making it low maintenance and much easier to keep clean than conventional curtains and blinds.

Safer Workplaces

‍

Enhanced Visibility

The use of glass office fronts and partitions improves visibility across the workplace, fostering a safer environment as employees can more easily see and be mindful of their surroundings.
‍

‍
Instant Privacy

Should there be a security threat, switchable glass office fronts can become private in a fraction of a second. This feature makes smart glass especially popular for government and military offices. 

‍

Fire Resistant

Certain types of glass, such as tempered safety glass, can provide added fire resistance. This protection gives employees additional time to evacuate the premises during an emergency, leading to a safer workspace. Smart glass is laminated and tempered safety glass.

‍

Decreased Spread of Germs

The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for workplace safety with lasting impacts on workspace design. Glass office fronts provide practical solutions for addressing these concerns.

Smart glass partitions allow companies to create separate spaces for employees without completely isolating them, promoting effective social distancing measures while still fostering a sense of community. Furthermore, switchable glass surfaces are easily sanitized and provide a low-touch design, vital for maintaining a hygienic workplace.

Order Smart Glass Today for a Better Tomorrow

Privacy glass walls, partitions, smart glass doors and glass office fronts provide a myriad of benefits, from improving a building's sustainability to increasing employee wellness. By incorporating these features into their office designs, businesses foster a healthier and safer work environment. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, pandemics and higher expectations of workplace design, adopting sustainable practices like glass office fronts can play a significant role in shaping a better future. Contact Smart Glass Country today to learn more about how smart glass can benefit modern office design. 

‍

‍

Smart Film for Existing Glass Office Fronts

Already have glass installed in you or your clients office? No problem. Any existing glass surface can be transformed into smart glass by applying switchable smart film. Click here to find out more about switchable window film.

‍