In episode 335, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Tom Ryckaert, founder of the consultancy and advisory firm 2nRich. Ryckaert has over 20 years of experience in the facility market and currently serves as a board member at International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Belgium, where he leads the organization’s national innovation and technology initiatives. The two talk about his book “Disruptive Workplaces: How to Create Your Sustainable & Future-Proof Work Environment,” and how data management is becoming increasingly important in providing services and managing facilities. Ryckaert also explains why he thinks change management is an essential skill for facility managers, especially when designing new workplace strategies.
Agenda
- Role of facility management in the evolving world of work
- Importance of technology and innovation
- Impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry
- Importance of change management for facility managers
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to future-proof environments
A facility manager doesn’t need to be an AI specialist, knowing what it is and how it can benefit them is going to be crucial. And understanding AI is an ongoing process.
“My advice would be to make sure that you are aware of what’s happening. And the second thing is that you have a network with experts who can help you with bringing you further in those domains,” Ryckaert explains.
Petrusky agrees and describes how helpful IFMA has been for him.
“What better network than our IFMA community, whether it’s there in Europe or here in the US… that IFMA community is where I have gotten the most incredible support and also education and information and inspiration for tackling what comes next in the world of facility management and the built environment.”
Takeaway 2: The impact of technology on the facility management industry
The role of technology is growing in facility management and the built environment, and it’s important to understand implementation and impact.
Ryckaert explains the trend with some recent examples, including a real estate developer who implemented smart building solutions and a service provider using mobile applications to improve service delivery.
“So, they really set up their whole data management strategy and also involving this for their bigger customers to see how they can create an added value,” he says.
There are also opportunities to use technology to create a better work environment. “And if you combine this with more technology in the built environment, this is really a strong approach.”
Takeaway 3: The importance of change management and innovation
Change management is growing in importance in the fast-paced world of facility management.
Ryckaert compares it to an iceberg, with visible operational aspects above the surface and less visible but equally important aspects, such as resistance, politics, and culture, below the surface.
“You know, above the surface you see the peak and that’s clear and that’s what we’re really good at,” he explains. “But then you see below the surface, you have all the other things about resistance, about politics, about culture, and those kinds of things. You also have to take into account, especially creating new work strategies or work design.”
His advice: Involve stakeholders and ambassadors from the start of new projects to ensure success.
Workplace management insights
- Facility management is increasingly becoming data-driven, with technology playing a crucial role in delivering services.
- Using technology in the built environment can significantly enhance the employee journey and experience.
- Change management is a vital skill for facility managers, especially when implementing new work strategies or designs.
- Awareness of current trends and technology, such as AI, is essential for facility managers, even if they are not specialists in these areas.
- Having a network of experts to provide further insight into various domains is beneficial.
Do a deep dive into more workplace insights by exploring all Workplace Innovator podcast episodes.
