Creating a Smarter Workplace

Real estate management remains challenging for all Facilities Teams following the Covid pandemic as organisations continue to modify their workplace strategies to either increase or decrease their built footprint.

Others are expanding as some sublet or sell portions of their office space or move premises. One thing is for sure: following the uncertainty of the last few years and rising property and energy costs, such decisions are not being taken lightly.

FMs must not rely on gut feeling or previous thinking; decisions must be based on complex data.

Improving the employee experience

A leading consulting firm presented one such case study at last year's Facilities Show. The company wanted to know how much land it had compared to the number of employees, so it moved to a centralised space management strategy to collate the data over its 500 offices.

Space management software and a network of sensors were implemented to collect data on air quality and occupancy. The latter was shown as live data on a digital floor map to make it easier for occupants to find workspaces and each other.

As a result, the organisation found it had much more space than required and could reduce its floor space by 40-50%. The company reinvested part of the money saved into higher quality office space for its employees, which was beneficial for their morale and efficiency, as well as turnover and recruitment.

Complex spaces, a panoramic view

It's more than just corporate offices looking to optimise their space. For example, one organisation that manages an extensive and complex power station building project used space management software integrated with CAFM to measure data over ten years.

The challenge was to enable its site operations team to manage space and facilities efficiently by the rapidly changing and growing nature of a workforce – expected to be around 5,500 employees as construction progressed.

The client required their space management software to provide visibility of how the workspace was being used, where the workforce was located at any given time, and to understand this information for both office and site-based roles.

Through this data, they could access detail and continuity to coordinate, giving staff the necessary resources and support management in resource, budget, and planning control.

Integrating space management software with CAFM

The integration of space management and CAD tools with CAFM software has increased markedly in the last two years: in 2022, 32 per cent of organisations reported integration, compared with 11 per cent in 2020.

The earlier survey was conducted before Covid-related lockdowns, showing how space management and digitising the physical workplace have become a priority. However, workplaces are dynamic and must remain responsive to organisational change, regardless of location. A critical factor in this success has accurate data on which to base decision-making and the software tools to make the process easier.

Trends that will affect Your Organisation's "Stickability" in 2023

Workplace trends that will affect your organisation's "stickability."

The modern workplace is constantly evolving, and in recent years, several trends have emerged shaping how we work.

These trends are driven by technology, changing demographics, and shifting work-life balance expectations. Here are some of the latest workplace trends and examples of how they are being implemented in the modern workplace.

Remote Work

One of the biggest trends in the workplace today is the rise of remote work. With advancements in technology, it's now possible for many employees to work from anywhere in the world. In addition, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become even more prevalent, with many companies quickly adapting to a remote work model. Companies like Amazon, Twitter, and Shopify are just a few companies that have embraced remote work and are seeing success.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling is another trend that is gaining popularity in the modern workplace. This trend gives employees more control over their work schedules and provides a better work-life balance. Companies like Netflix, Best Buy, and Dell are just a few companies that have embraced flexible scheduling and seen positive results, such as increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

Collaborative Work Spaces

Collaborative workspaces are becoming increasingly popular as companies look for ways to foster teamwork and collaboration among their employees. These spaces are designed to encourage employees to work together and share ideas, making it easier to get work done and drive innovation. Companies like Google and WeWork are just a few companies that have embraced collaborative workspaces and are seeing the benefits of this trend.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we work and has become an important trend in the modern workplace. AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-level tasks and providing companies with a more efficient workforce. Companies like IBM and Microsoft are just a few examples of companies that have embraced AI and are seeing the benefits of this technology.

Focus on Employee Wellness

Employee wellness is another trend that is gaining popularity in the modern workplace. Companies are recognising the importance of keeping their employees healthy and happy and investing in programs and initiatives promoting well-being. Companies like Google and Nike are just a few examples of companies that have embraced this trend and are seeing positive results, such as increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

In conclusion, the modern workplace is constantly evolving, and these trends are just a few examples of how companies adapt to meet their employees' changing needs.

By embracing these trends, companies can create a workplace that is more productive, innovative, and supportive of their employees.