How we communicate, new technology and physical workspaces are the biggest influencers when it comes to pushing the traditional office into the modern world.

The open office plan has become a popular choice for companies today, but telecommuting is another preferable choice among employees. There was almost an 80 percent increase in the number of employees who worked from home from 2005 to 2012. And it’s estimated that 3.9 million employees will telecommute by 2016. Talk about a good reason to amp up your home office.

Workers won’t have to worry about the hassle of traveling or missing a flight, since “telepresence” has taken over. Companies save thousands a year by cutting travel costs and instead using a webcam for national and even international meetings. Maybe the office of the future will go one step further, and use holographic images for “face to face” meetings.

Companies may get rid of desktop computers and other bulky equipment completely, and have employees bring their own portable devices to the office. With an emphasis on a flexible work schedule, this could be a preferable alternative to a static workstation.

The modern office emphasizes sustainability, and creating an environment that’s social and hospitable. And of course standing meeting tables and treadmill desks are a part of the criteria, since they encourage interaction and movement during the day.

Check out the infographic to learn more about the modern office:

The post The Office of the Future, Part 1 appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

Check out the list of modern work accessories below:

1. Power Stations 
If you’re lucky, you may have a smart phone for the office, one for home, or a tablet for work meetings. With so many office gadgets, that means more things that need to charge. The year 2014 has you covered, with battery packs and power stations that cater to several gadgets at once. Most come with extensive battery power and are able to charge multiple work accessories, so you don’t have to worry if one phone runs out of juice.

Anker Astro E4

Mophie Power Station

2. Smart Light Bulbs
Old fluorescent light bulbs are a thing of the past, now you can plug in energy-saving LED lights into your lamp, or even use a smart bulb. A few companies have taken LED lights to the next level. Now you can control these office gadgets with a remote, or your smart phone. So you don’t have to hear anyone complain if you forget to turn off your desk lamp.

Phillips Hue Connected Bulb

Insteon LED Bulb

3. Smart Watches
You knew it would happen at some point – smart watches will come to life in 2014. Instead of watching James Bond or the Jetsons speak into their high-tech wristwatches, you may catch someone in your office having a conversation with their arm. Smart watches are an ideal office gadget to have, for taking calls, sending emails or using an app. Now you can get rid of the extra phone and be the envy of your coworkers.

Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch

4. Never Ending Keyboard
Wireless keyboards are great, until they break or run out of battery. One minute you’re finishing up your work, and the next you’re hitting a nonresponsive keyboard against your NextSpace Keyboard Platform (not recommended). To save the hassle, the new office gadget to have is a solar powered keyboard. They’re powered by any kind of light, including low, lamp and indoor lights. Xdesk encourages a clutter-free workspace, and a solar powered keyboard is an ideal work accessory to minimize wires.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard

Or try a wireless mouse with Bluetooth technology:

Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse

5. The Talking Pen
Forget about dragging a laptop to a work meeting (around an adjustable conference table), now all you need is an old-school notepad and pen – sort of. A smart pen allows you to record audio while you take notes and play them back later. Once the meeting is over, take the pen back to your computer and plug it in through a USB port to save it. This office gadget is a handy work accessory to have, especially for impromptu meetings or lunch meetings out of the office.

Livescribe Echo Smart Pen

6. An Adjustable Desk
Of course this list of office gadgets wouldn’t be complete without an adjustable height desk. These modern desks have taken the office furniture world by storm, especially with new research showing the harmful effects of sitting. We hope the year 2014 will bring even more news about the benefits of standing desks, and why they’re needed in offices throughout the country. Xdesk is the future of the desk, after all.

Xdesk Adjustable Height Desk

Are you looking forward to owning one of these office gadgets during 2014? Which one is your favorite?

The post Modern Office Gadgets for the New Year appeared first on Xdesk Blog.