Aimee Grossman, CFM, CBRM, COEE is AVP of Facility Management & Workplace Experience at AdvaMed, Lena Thompson, IFMA Fellow, FMP, SFP is an Adjunct Professor & IFMA Qualified Instructor while serving on the IFMA Global Board of Directors and Sarah Burns is a Partner Account Manager at Eptura. Mike Petrusky hosts a live roundtable discussion for the Capital Chapter of IFMA called “How Evolving Systems Can Empower Facility Professionals” where the panelists discuss integrating workplace technology with the overall management of the built environment and the evolving role of FM professionals. They explore how the hybrid work model requires significant change management, including adapting to new routines and human behavior. It was unanimous among all at the table that data and reporting are critical for decision-making.
Agenda
- The challenges and opportunities of the hybrid workplace model
- The role of technology in facilitating change
- The importance of understanding human behavior in managing facilities
- The need for efficient communication systems and emergency broadcasting
- The importance of data and reporting in decision making
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Embracing the hybrid work model and adjusting to the new work environment
Workplace leaders and facility managers are still acquainting themselves with the hybrid work model and the complexities it brings. The panelists in this episode emphasized the need for adjusting routines and usage of technology to facilitate this transition.
Aimee Grossman states that “it takes everyone to make this change [to hyrbid work] possible.” She further highlights that it’s critical to ensure a productive work environment whether employees are in the office or working remotely.
Eptura’s Sarah Burns adds to this by emphasizing the need for a user-friendly system that allows employees to manage their office and remote work seamlessly.
“The user is going to want to go on their phone, they’re going to want to be able to click 4 times max and then move on to their day,” she says.
Takeaway 2: Leveraging technology for workplace efficiency and communication
The panelists stress the significant role of technology in improving workplace efficiency and communication. They agree that the right utilization of technology can greatly enhance the workplace experience, especially in a hybrid work model.
Grossman highlights the importance of effective communication systems in a hybrid work model, “it’s finding that balance with this emergency communication system that I think is a new challenge in accounting for everyone.”
Burns emphasizes how technology can provide valuable data for corporate decision-making. She says, “The biggest thing is there’s many different products that can do similar things…But it’s trying to find what’s going to be the most user-effective and reporting-effective for your C suite.”
Takeaway 3: The importance of understanding human behavior in facility management
The discussion underscores the critical role of understanding human behavior in facility management. The panelists emphasize that while technology plays a significant role, understanding and managing human behavior is equally important.
Mike P contributes by mentioning that “the reason we do all these things and implement this technology and want to communicate better is because we want to care for you — the people in our buildings.”
Lena Thompson expounds on this and notes, “I think the most important thing as we move forward is that we’re learning from ourselves and changing with the environment. That change management structure that’s out there for us is just so phenomenal.”
Workplace management insights
- A hybrid workplace model requires a change in routines and habits, especially in terms of using reservation systems for office spaces.
- Data is crucial for decision making, especially for the C-suite. It helps move the profession forward and helps leadership understand the direction to take.
- Reporting is a significant need across sectors, as it provides data on space usage and helps in making decisions about leasing or renting spaces.
- Emergency communication and broadcasting are challenges in a hybrid model, where employees have different schedules and locations.
- Understanding human behavior is crucial in managing facilities. The goal is to create a good, productive workplace experience.
Do a deep dive into more workplace insights by exploring all Workplace Innovator podcast episodes
