Category: Human Resources

CBRE Inks Billion-Dollar Deal to Acquire Facility Services Provider J&J Worldwide

CBRE Group Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire J&J Worldwide Services—a provider of engineering services, base support operations, and facilities maintenance for the U.S. federal government—from private equity firm Arlington Capital Partners. CBRE, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firms, said the deal will expand the Dallas-based company’s […]

The Future of Open Floor Plans: Achieving Flexibility Without Employee Backlash

Cubicles and closed-off spaces in workplaces are outdated. Today, many businesses prefer open floor plans over private work zones. While open spaces are great for collaboration, they also have some drawbacks. How can you enhance the flexibility of open floor plans, boost employee well-being, and mitigate the drawbacks? Here are some ideas to consider. The […]

AI Adoption Creates ‘Unprecedented Demand’ for Data Centers: JLL Report

As the global economy continues to rapidly adopt artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure to support these systems must keep pace, according to a new report from JLL. Consumers and businesses are expected to generate twice as much data in the next five years as all the data created over the past 10 years. This growth presents […]

Creating a Safe Workplace for Winter: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

While some might enjoy walking in a winter wonderland, if facilities managers aren’t careful, their employees’ journey could include slip, trip, and fall injuries, which can be costly for employers and employees. However, there are ways to be prepared for what Mother Nature has in store. What Are Slips, Trips, and Falls? The Occupational Safety […]

EPA Awards Nearly $11M to Help Community Buildings Combat Wildfire Smoke

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected nine applicants throughout the West to receive nearly $11 million in funding through the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program. The new federal program aims to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and […]

11 Facilities Management Certifications to Consider for 2024

As we entered 2024, many facilities professionals made New Year’s resolutions to boost their careers. Some will be going back to school to get a college degree in facilities management or a specialty such as sustainability or operations management. Others will be taking classes, or simply studying on their own, so they can gain the […]

Navigating the Permacrisis: How Facilities Managers Can Prepare for the Unexpected in 2024

Risk management for facilities managers has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. What was once centered on physical concerns like injuries, security, and equipment failures now encompasses a broader range of challenges. The evolving landscape demands a more comprehensive and adaptive approach to risk management, encompassing digital, environmental, and public health considerations to mitigate […]

OSHA Launches Regional Tree and Landscaping Safety Enforcement Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Region 2 office has launched a regional emphasis program (REP) to reduce worker fatalities and injuries in the tree and landscape services industries in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the agency announced January 11. The new REP includes two elements: “We want to make […]

mopping

Contest Seeks Nominations for School Custodian of the Year

School custodians play a vital role in creating a successful learning environment—inside and outside the classroom. However, their extensive schedules and strenuous duties often go unnoticed. To honor exceptional school custodians, Cintas Corp.  has launched its 11th annual Custodian of the Year contest and is seeking nominations through Feb. 9. “Custodians are the force behind a […]

Companies Prioritize Shared Office Space in the Age of Hybrid Work

In 2023, 90% of companies offered some level of hybrid work, according to a new survey from CBRE. The adoption of hybrid work is driving companies to lease less space and redesign their offices to be more effective for employees, with space changes varying by industry. The annual survey reflects workplace and occupancy insights from 66 […]