In episode 381, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Vera van de Loo, part of the Media & Events team at Ifmec in The Netherlands, where she is passionate about helping facility management organizations create events and content that connect, inspire and deliver results. Mike asks Vera about her career as a young professional in the FM industry and her recent experience hosting the video stage at IFMA’s World Workplace 2025 in Minneapolis, MN. They discuss the future of the workplace and facility management industry and the exciting opportunities available for FM leaders as they seek to have an impact on not only the workplace, but on a societal level. She shares how intergenerational differences must be understood if we are to care for the built environment effectively going forward, and she discusses how leaders must consider the needs of younger generations in the workplace.
Agenda
- Exploration of trends and priorities in facility management. Topics include technology adoption, dynamic space assignment, and the growing importance of human-centered design in workplaces
- Conversation about generational differences and the physical workplace. How different generations perceive and use workplace environments, stressing the need for inclusivity and adaptability
- Advice for the audience on approaching the future of the workplace. Encouragement for facility managers to focus on people-first strategies, embrace change, and involve younger professionals in shaping the future
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: People must come before products
Vera emphasizes that facility managers should prioritize human well-being over deadlines or deliverables. She explains that focusing too much on projects or results can overshadow the importance of checking in on colleagues.
Her advice is clear: “Make sure the people are before the product.” By centering workplace strategies on empathy and care, organizations can foster healthier, more resilient environments where employees feel valued and supported.
Takeaway 2: Generational differences shape the physical workplace
Vera highlights that younger and older generations interact with workplace environments in distinct ways. Facility managers must recognize these differences to design inclusive spaces that meet diverse needs.
She stresses the importance of involving younger professionals in decision-making, ensuring their perspectives help shape the future of facility management. This inclusivity not only strengthens workplace culture but also prepares organizations for long-term adaptability.
Takeaway 3: Facility managers have a societal impact
The role of facility managers is evolving beyond building operations. Vera points out that they now influence inclusivity, sustainability, and career pathways within the industry.
She praises IFMA’s efforts to promote facility management as a career choice, noting that these initiatives elevate the profession and attract new talent. By embracing this broader responsibility, facility managers can make meaningful contributions to society while advancing their organizations.
Workplace management insights
- People-first approaches are essential: workplace leaders must prioritize employee well-being over deadlines or deliverables
- Generational differences in how employees interact with physical spaces require inclusive design and adaptable facility strategies
- Facility managers are evolving into societal influencers, shaping inclusivity, sustainability, and career pathways beyond traditional building operations
- Involving younger professionals in decision-making ensures fresh perspectives and strengthens the long-term resilience of the industry
- IFMA’s initiatives to promote facility management as a career choice are vital for attracting new talent and sustaining the profession’s relevance
Explore the full library of Workplace Innovator podcast episodes for an in‑depth look at workplace insights.
