We’re already a month into 2022, and the FM industry is moving at lightning speed to accommodate evolving office, academic, and retail environments. Facility managers are implementing new technology and protocols to help people feel safe and comfortable working, learning, and shopping.
At Berman, we are always looking for cutting-edge solutions to help our customers create one-of-a-kind, positive experiences for anyone who enters their facilities. Our team shares the tech and trends we should see for the rest of 2022 and possibly beyond.
Space planning for different office designs
Omicron may have halted some employers’ plans to bring employees back to the office, but we know that 2022 will mark a return to the office for many. Still, some employees don’t feel 100% ready to go back. According to a Honeywell survey, more than two-thirds of the global workforce say they don’t feel completely safe going back to the office. One in four said they would look for a new job rather than return to a worksite that didn’t implement safety measures.
Some employers have decided to downsize their offices and implement various models to reflect their employees’ preferences.
- A common model is one where employees may come into the office a few days a week and work the rest remotely. Rather than having a dedicated desk, employees would work in shared spaces.
- In other models, some employees would work full-time remotely while others who wanted to would come into the office.
Whatever the model, employers will need to consider how they layout their office to make the best use of the space and ensure social distancing. They should consult their facilities team about developing a plan that considers how many employees will be in the office at a given time and how many workspaces they’ll need for those that do come in.
Along with those questions, employers and their facilities teams should consider the following when developing a layout plan:
- Will employees be assigned specific desks and equipment when they come into the office?
- Are there any ways to make employees feel more comfortable when they work (ergonomic chairs, standing desks, lounge furniture)?
- Can any extra space be used for conference rooms and other collaborative areas?
- Are there any amenities that can be added to the office to help workers feel happier? (gym, fully-stocked kitchen, childcare)
- How will any cleaning programs and other safety/hygiene measures be implemented into the plan?
- Is there a way to “build health” within your office layout to enhance wellness and wellbeing?
HVAC automation and optimization
With fewer employees coming into the office and more downtime, many companies have more options for their HVAC systems. Facility managers are looking at temperature control and automation technology to optimize how and when HVAC systems run.
If employees are not in a space, running the AC at full blast doesn’t make much sense. These technologies will help companies reduce their energy consumption and overall utility costs.
Companies are also making modifications to their HVAC systems to allow for higher filtering levels if possible. While filters won’t kill any airborne pathogens, they can reduce pathogen concentration and how long they are airborne, which is essential in the Covid era.
Companies may only need to install higher MERV filters into their existing equipment in an optimal scenario. But in other cases, they may need to upgrade or replace their existing equipment to ensure proper filtration within their facilities.
Our experts can discuss your options regarding air filtration and system automation if you have any questions about your existing HVAC system.
A Flexible IT strategy for all employees
Two years ago, when the pandemic started, companies scrambled to get employees set up remotely and maintain productivity and collaboration. There was undoubtedly some trial and error, but those mistakes helped companies understand what they needed from their technology.
For the rest of 2022, companies will continue to fine-tune their IT strategy to ensure a consistent experience for workers who come to the office and those that work from home. Of course, this means providing employees with the necessary equipment to video conference and collaborate.
It also means ensuring that employees can connect to their office network securely and that any internal networks and tools remain protected at all times. Hybrid models have impacted cybersecurity significantly, and employers must stay up-to-date on IT best practices and invest in IT infrastructure when necessary.
Offices have grown from one centralized location to thousands of home offices potentially across the country, so any IT strategies must align with this significantly different workplace structure.
Outsourcing facility management
Many of the conditions discussed in previous blog posts are still affecting companies of all sizes and industries. Outsourcing facility management may be the best option for companies with very little wiggle room regarding facility management costs or experiencing scarcity within their FM team.
Outsourcing offers fixed pricing for facility spending and ensures companies have the necessary staffing to operate and carry out vital facility services. A reputable third-party provider should have the team, resources, and equipment to maintain FM tasks and priorities.
If you are considering outsourcing some or all of your facility management services, we encourage you to contact us or review our blog for more information.
