Category: Human Resources

A Fresh Look at Energy Efficiency in the Era of Hybrid Work

Although it’s been a full three years since the start of the pandemic, the question among employers and employees about how and where to work still very much exists. Despite initial concerns when the world shut down in early 2020, work persisted and productivity flourished with the help of new collaboration tools and processes, affirming […]

How to Create Smarter Workplaces with Shrinking Office Footprints in 2024

Gallup measures employee engagement by surveying samples of the working population on various workplace issues, like profitability, productivity, customer service, and retention, linked to business outcomes. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 32% of U.S. employees overall were engaged in 2022. With the influx of new generations of professionals with different working styles, smart […]

Facilities Management Trends Shaping the Market

Globally, commercial buildings are experiencing a number of dynamic challenges. Following the impact of the COVID pandemic, tenant needs and behaviors have drastically changed. The cost of property has grown as interest rates continue to escalate in an ongoing effort to curb inflation. At the same time, the energy crisis has raised operating costs and […]

NFPA Unveils 2024 Outlook for Skilled Trades Industry

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its second annual Industry Trends Survey, which reveals skilled trade workers’ sentiment around the current state of labor, training, and technology on the jobsite. NFPA collected responses from 310 U.S.-based workers in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields. In […]

Facilities Managers Cite Mental Health as Top Challenge in Survey

As a facilities manager in the U.S., are you facing the same major problems as your colleagues across the pond? A new survey of 750 European FM professionals reveals that mental health is the biggest challenge they face, with 39% pinpointing it as a critical issue. According to the Voice of the Facility Manager report from real estate […]

How to Foster Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing Facilities

Continuous improvement in manufacturing refers to ongoing efforts to enhance products, services, or processes. The improvements can be incremental over time or achieved through breakthrough moments. However, the goal is to streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing facilities. Embedding a culture of continuous development and refinement in manufacturing facilities is […]

OSHA Offers Workplace Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

To make sure this holiday season is truly joyful, the U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers and workers not to overlook workplace safety and health. For a sad reminder of how an on-the-job tragedy can leave families, friends, and co-workers grief-stricken, look no further than Akron, Ohio, where a 25-year-old worker—hanging holiday lights on a […]

California Revises Indoor Heat Standard Proposal

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB), which sets workplace safety and health standards for the state, released revised text of its draft standard for heat illness prevention in indoor spaces. The board updated its draft standard in response to comments made in an earlier draft. Changes to the proposed regulation include: Comments were due […]

How Facilities Managers Can Fight Rising Costs

With rising inflation, possibly confusing but smart technology solutions, and an increase in energy efficiency mandates, facilities managers are increasingly struggling with how to do more with less. At Facilities Management Advisor’s FM NOW: Smart Buildings virtual summit on November 1, Phil Zito, CEO of the Smart Buildings Academy, was the guest speaker for the […]

What’s Ahead for FM Costs in 2024?

Facilities management (FM) costs are slated to rise again in 2024 but moderately compared to a spike in 2022, according to a new report from CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business. The report expects FM costs to increase 2.5% in the U.S. in 2024, down from a forecast gain of 3.3% in 2023 and a […]