Offices around the world have remained largely quiet as millions of people seek safety by working from their own homes.

Without the latest technologies, this transition may have not been possible. However, now that laptops, smartphones and other devices are largely accessible, we could be right on track towards a digitally-fueled future of the workplace.

While this transition seems to mean that remote working could become a permanent fixture for some companies, there is still value in having a physical office for many people.

“We come together to collaborate, we come together to be with other people like us,” said Edward Wagoner, chief information officer at JLL Technologies. “Even though some offices aren’t open, people are still looking to get back out into … physical spaces, we’ve seen that all over the world.”

But this will have to come with significant changes that will require advanced technology to keep up with sanitation and distancing guidelines.

This means implementing automation and artificial intelligence to better maintain the physical workplace. Although there is a perception that using this technology in the workplace would equate to less jobs, it could actually boost job prospects as people upskill.