Intelligent Workplaces: The Technologies Powering 2026 and Beyond
Empowering Businesses for a Smarter, More Sustainable Future As we look towards 2026, workplace technology continues to evolve rapidly, redefining how people connect, collaborate, and deliver results. Artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid working, and sustainability-led innovation are no longer emerging ideas; they are the foundation of the modern workplace. According to Grand View Research, the global managed services market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 14% from 2025 to 2030, reaching $731 billion. Meanwhile, Quocirca’s Future of Work 2030 report reveals that two-thirds of IT decision-makers plan to increase AI investment in the coming year. At Ethos, we believe technology should make work simpler, smarter, and more meaningful. As a trusted Workplace Technology Partner, we help organisations bring people and technology together to improve productivity, strengthen security, and deliver measurable sustainability outcomes. Below, we explore five key technology trends shaping the workplace of 2026, and how Ethos helps organisations turn innovation into opportunity. 1. AI-Driven Workflows: From Automation to Intelligence Artificial intelligence has evolved from an exciting concept into a practical business enabler. From automating document-heavy processes to generating real-time insights, AI is transforming how teams work and make decisions. Solutions such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) are already helping businesses improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Ethos supports organisations in implementing AI responsibly through our Automation and Workflow Transformation services. By integrating tools like DocuShare Flex and Microsoft’s AI ecosystem, we help teams eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on higher-value work. Did you know? According to Quocirca, 28% of IT leaders say productivity improvement is the top benefit of AI adoption. AI isn’t about replacing people; it’s about empowering them to work smarter and achieve more. 2. Hybrid Collaboration: Connecting Teams Without Limits Hybrid working is now a permanent part of the business landscape. However, ensuring consistent, high-quality collaboration across locations remains a challenge for many organisations. The answer lies in creating intelligent, inclusive workspaces that enable seamless communication wherever people work. Ethos delivers this through Audio-Visual (AV) and Unified Communications solutions, including Room in a Box, Microsoft Teams and Zoom integration, and workspace monitoring tools. These solutions make collaboration intuitive and reliable, helping teams stay connected whether in the office, at home, or on the move. By combining collaboration technology with proactive support, Ethos helps organisations build hybrid workplaces that enhance engagement, culture, and performance. 3. Cybersecurity and Trust: Protecting the Digital Workplace As workplaces become more connected, digital trust has become a core business priority. According to Quocirca, 41% of IT leaders cite data privacy and security as their top concern when implementing AI. Ethos helps organisations strengthen their defences through Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services. Our layered approach, based on Zero Trust principles, includes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), vulnerability management, and dark web monitoring. These measures work together to protect data, users, and devices across every environment, ensuring businesses can innovate securely and confidently. At Ethos, cybersecurity isn’t just about protection. It’s about creating the trust and resilience that enable growth. 4. Sustainable Technology: Building a Greener Workplace Sustainability is now a strategic priority for every organisation. Companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress on reducing emissions and improving efficiency. Industry insights from Grand View Research and Quocirca indicate that sustainability and carbon performance metrics are now playing a central role in IT procurement, as organisations seek technologies that strike a balance between performance and environmental responsibility. Ethos integrates sustainability into every layer of our service offering. From PrintReleaf’s carbon offsetting and energy-efficient devices to Device as a Service (DaaS) models and telemetry-based carbon tracking, we provide clients with the tools to monitor and manage their environmental impact. By embedding sustainability analytics into workplace technology, Ethos helps organisations achieve their ESG goals while improving performance and reducing costs. 5. Flexible Technology Models: Driving Agility and Control In today’s rapidly changing economy, flexibility and cost control are essential. Businesses require technology that scales, adapts, and evolves in response to their changing needs. Ethos provides this agility through Device as a Service (DaaS) and Technology as a Service (TaaS) models. These flexible solutions allow organisations to access the latest hardware, software, and support through simple subscription-based contracts — eliminating large upfront costs. Using AI-powered telemetry and lifecycle analytics, Ethos helps organisations monitor device usage, optimise performance, and reduce waste. The result is a workplace that’s agile, efficient, and built for the future. Looking Ahead: Creating the Intelligent, Sustainable Workplace The most successful organisations will be those that view technology as a connector, uniting people, processes, and purpose. By embracing AI, automation, hybrid collaboration, cybersecurity, and sustainability, businesses can create workplaces that are not only smarter but also more human and resilient. At Ethos, we bring this vision to life through our Workplace Technology Services, enabling organisations to transform how they work, collaborate, and grow. Start Your Digital Transformation Journey with Ethos Every organisation is on its own digital journey. Whether your focus is improving collaboration, embedding sustainability, or leveraging AI, Ethos is here to help. Our team can assess your current workplace technology environment and design a strategy that enhances efficiency, security, and sustainability. Get in touch today to arrange your free Business Technology Health Check and discover how we can help your organisation thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Enhancing Security with Managed Print Services
Safeguarding sensitive business information is paramount in the digital era. Managed Print Services (MPS) streamline printing processes and bolster security measures, protecting documents and data from unauthorised access. The Importance of Secure Printing Secure printing is a core feature of MPS, designed to mitigate the risk of confidential documents being left unattended on printer trays. Through secure release functions, documents are held in a queue and only released for printing when an authorised user authenticates directly at the device. This process minimises the exposure of sensitive data and reduces the risk of information theft. Robust User Authentication MPS enhances security through rigorous user authentication. Users must verify their identity using a PIN, access card, or biometric data before accessing printer functions. User authentication ensures that only authorised personnel can print or retrieve documents, enabling detailed tracking of print activity by the user—a critical component for audits and security compliance. Automated Security Policies With MPS, security policies are not just recommended; they are automatically enforced across all networked printers. These policies can include mandatory encrypted connections, preset document handling rules, and auto-deletion of stored documents on devices after printing. Such automation helps maintain consistent security standards without requiring manual oversight. Integration with IT Security Infrastructure Our comprehensive MPS solution integrates seamlessly with your existing IT security infrastructure. It aligns with network firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data loss prevention protocols, providing an added layer of security. Real-time monitoring and alerts for suspicious activities ensure that potential security breaches are managed swiftly. Enhanced Document Management MPS also improves document management by implementing digital workflows that reduce the need for physical documents, thus decreasing the chances of misplaced or misused sensitive information. Digital records can be tracked, controlled, and secured more effectively than paper-based files. Educating Staff on Security Best Practices An often overlooked aspect of MPS is its role in employee education. By establishing clear printing and document handling protocols, staff become more aware of security risks and best practices, reinforcing the organisation’s overall security posture. Managed Print Services are critical for businesses looking to protect their confidential information. By implementing MPS, companies enhance their operational efficiency and significantly strengthen their security measures, ensuring their document workflows are secure, compliant, and efficient.
Streamlining Document Management for SMBs with Xerox DocuShare Flex
In the digital age, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face significant challenges in efficiently managing vast amounts of data. Xerox DocuShare Flex offers a cloud-based solution to streamline document management processes, enhance productivity, and safeguard sensitive information. Ideal for SMBs aiming to maintain a competitive edge, DocuShare Flex simplifies operations and adapts to business growth, making it a pivotal tool in the arsenal of modern businesses. Ease of Use Xerox DocuShare Flex is engineered for simplicity and ease, accommodating users across all technical skill levels. The platform’s user-friendly interface includes seamless drag-and-drop capabilities, allowing quick and efficient document organisation. Advanced search functions are another highlight, enabling employees to locate documents swiftly by keywords, content, or metadata, thus saving valuable time and reducing frustration. This intuitive usability extends to its mobile app, which provides remote access to documents, ensuring team members can stay productive and connected even when out of the office. By minimising training requirements and enhancing user adoption, DocuShare Flex sets itself apart as a straightforward yet powerful tool for document management. Scalability DocuShare Flex is not just a document management system; it’s a growth partner for SMBs. It offers scalable solutions that evolve with your business, from storage capacities that expand as you grow to modular features that can be added as your business needs change. Whether you’re looking to increase your storage space or integrate new functionalities like automated workflows, DocuShare Flex can accommodate you. This scalability ensures that businesses do not need to invest in a new document management system as they expand. The flexibility of DocuShare Flex also means that companies can tailor the system to their specific needs, adding value and enhancing efficiency as they scale. Security Features Security is a cornerstone of Xerox DocuShare Flex, designed to protect sensitive business documents against unauthorised access and data breaches. The system employs robust encryption methods for documents at rest and in transit, ensuring that all data is securely stored and shared. DocuShare Flex’s comprehensive role-based access control system also allows administrators to set detailed user permissions, limiting access to sensitive information based on specific job roles. This layered security strategy helps comply with stringent data protection regulations and instils confidence among stakeholders that their valuable information is well-protected. Efficient document management is critical for SMBs. Xerox DocuShare Flex offers a streamlined, secure, scalable solution that enhances productivity and protects data. With Pinnacle’s expertise in deploying Xerox solutions, SMBs can harness DocuShare Flex’s full potential to optimise their operations and drive growth.