In the post-pandemic world, the hybrid work model is here to stay, meaning commercial offices need some flexibility to operate efficiently. Door hardware has also reflected these changes with its most recent innovations such as modernized access controls and smart technologies.
Facility Maintenance Decisions spoke with door hardware manufacturers to better understand the current forces influencing trends in door hardware for commercial offices that maintenance and engineering managers need to be aware of.
FMD: How has the demand for flexible work environments in commercial offices affected door hardware products?
“As with hybrid schooling, remote work reduces the number of individuals needing to use office facilities at the same time. Single-user restrooms can be more economical to construct and maintain and provide their users with a greater sense of safety. Being unisex is the most efficient way to designate these rooms’ use. Coworkers who may not be as familiar with each other as when in a fully in-person office will benefit from decreased opportunity for appearing impolite, which can be aided by IN-USE/VACANT indication on door hardware that's installed on these single-user unisex restrooms.
When employees work remotely, they can have a higher chance of being disturbed by others at their homes or public offices. Such remote office locations therefore benefit from door hardware that signals when the room is occupied and/or those inside need to be undisturbed. Standard commercial door hardware may not be as appealing for residential and premium office space dwellers. Therefore use-indicating door hardware for these environments needs to be more stylish in choices of finish and elegant form-factors.
Since these alternative office or conference rooms will not get as much traffic as a public space, tubular locks are likely preferable due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.”
— Anatoliy Kaverin, product manager, Vizilok
“Managing and controlling access to work environments has always been a high priority to protect people, property and assets of organizations in the public and private sectors. Today’s prevalence of flexible and hybrid work environments has further escalated these challenges with the need to better monitor and control costs related to building management. With employees and contingency workers seeking access to facilities during off hours and weekends, facility managers are now tasked with ensuring that building systems like HVAC, elevators and escalators, lighting and other essential services are always available when employees are working –whenever that may be.
Integrating smart entry solutions such as security and architectural entrances enables facility and security managers at large facilities to keep better track of occupancy numbers and times, enabling them to better manage their facility infrastructure. Security and architectural entrances also help security personnel better manage entry and egress, enhancing security, safety and compliance, all while aggregating actionable business data and intelligence to optimize overall operations – a win-win for today’s commercial/industrial properties.”
— Amanda Powell, marketing manager, Boon Edam
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor for the facilities market.
Security and Safety: The Latest in Door Hardware for K-12 and Higher Education
Flexible Workspaces: The Latest in Door Hardware for Commercial Offices
