In episode 360, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Lily Pritchett, regional sales manager at Humanscale and past president of the IFMA Houston Chapter. Pritchett is passionate about consulting with organizations to create experiences that spur creativity and drive innovation with purposeful space design. Petrusky and Pritchett chat about their time together at IFMA’s Facility Fusion conference in Austin, where industry partners and FM professionals focused on leadership and caring for the built environment. They then talk about the significant shift in corporate real estate toward flexible spaces, reflecting changes in how people use offices, and how the role of facility managers is expanding, requiring a more holistic approach to ergonomics and accessibility. Pritchett shares her belief that mentoring the next generation of FMs should be a priority for the industry, explains why sustainability is critical, and talks about how technology should be leveraged to understand space and align with our goals for the future workplace.
Agenda
- Role and impact of facility management in the current workplace landscape, particularly the shift towards flexible and ergonomic spaces
- Importance of mentoring the next generation of industry professionals
- Insights on the importance of sustainability and technology for the future workplace
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: The role of facility managers is evolving to focus more on health, safety, and well-being in the workplace
In the rapidly changing landscape of corporate real estate, facility managers are recognizing the importance of addressing the holistic needs of employees, particularly in terms of health, safety, and well-being. “That is what is important to consumers and what should be important to businesses moving forward,” Pritchett explains, emphasizing the shift in focus.
The expanding scope of workplace design is another important change, she says, noting that “floor plates and once again this is more corporate, and we could talk about how that’s really spilled over into other areas because that flex space is no longer what we might think is traditional corporate floor plates and design.”
The traditional layout, dominated by individual workstations, gives way to flexible spaces that include huddle rooms, Zoom rooms, and wellness areas, reflecting a new approach to how employees use office spaces. And that means the role of facility managers is becoming more strategic and multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of both physical and human factors, she says.
Takeaway 2: Facility managers should prioritize the development and retention of the next generation of professionals in the field
“We all have a responsibility to continue discussing the facility management profession with our clients and our networking contacts because whether people realize it or not, there’s a lot of individuals who have facility management responsibilities, and we’re all invested into it,” Pritchett explains.
She emphasizes the need to “truly build the bench long term for the FM career,” suggesting that mentoring and supporting young professionals and student chapters are essential steps. “Not only getting involved in it for your own organization and your own professional development and education, but frankly for the next generation,” she says.
She also points out the strategic value of engaging with business partners and leveraging their expertise to enhance the FM role. “Lean on your partners because they are subject matter experts, and there is a lot they have at their disposal that you’re probably not privy to,” she says, encouraging facility managers to collaborate closely with external partners to stay informed and make the most of available resources.
Takeaway 3: Embracing technology and sustainability is crucial for facility managers to drive innovation and maximize impact
Pritchett encourages industry professionals to remember their environmental responsibilities, noting that “the built environment, you know, contributes up to 40% of carbon emissions, and it’s something that we don’t have the luxury of ignoring anymore.”
To move the needle on sustainability, Pritchett advocates for long-term investment decisions that prioritize climate-positive practices and healthy materials. “Coupled with technological advances, coupled with not commoditizing your purchases, but making long-term investment decisions, that’s really how we can all move the needle,” she says.
Workplace management insights
- The facility management industry is evolving, with a greater emphasis on health, safety, and well-being of employees.
- The concept of flexible space is becoming increasingly dominant in corporate environments, replacing traditional heads-down work areas.
- Facility managers should focus on attracting and retaining the next generation of professionals by making the career relevant and engaging.
- Business partners play a crucial role in helping facility managers understand and integrate new technologies and solutions.
- Sustainability is a critical responsibility for facility managers, who have the power to influence long-term environmental impact through strategic decisions and daily operations.
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