No-touch office building prepares for post-coronavirus test

Australia's first completely touchless office building is preparing for it's biggest test as workers return to their offices in the coming weeks.

The Gateway building, in Sydney's Circular Quay, uses palm and finger scanning to open security gates, program lifts and even allow access to lockers and the company car park.

"It's simple, it's easy, it's safe", Kevin George, executive general manager of Gateway's landlord Dexus said.

"It was really part of an efficiency drive, trying to make the customer experience efficient, smooth and simple."

The scan technology replaces the need for traditional swipe cards in the office environment and was chosen over developing technologies such as facial recognition.

"We think it's a much better scenario from a privacy perspective", Mr George said.

Roughly 35 percent of The Gateway's more than 2000 occupants have registered for the scan and swipe option.

Dexus is confident that number will grow as Australians return to office work following the COVID-19 period and see the technology in practice.

Remarkably, the plans to go contact less were rolled out before the pandemic.

"I think also people not having to touch surfaces is a huge hygiene benefit for individuals and the whole building", Mr George said.

The technology is not compulsory. Occupants can opt for a phone app or traditional swipe, but it is being expanded with plans to implement the scan and swipe systems in cafes and retail outlets in the building.