As the IWFM Awards season continues, I have been thinking about the exciting changes ahead for facilities management and the workplace in 2024 and beyond. In this blog I have identified key trends that we recommend  watching, to help you and your team achieve more in the years ahead:

Human-centric design is changing the way we use our workspaces, to better reflect changing employee needs:

• Adaptable and flexible spaces: traditional static workspaces are giving way to modular furniture and multifunctional areas that can be easily reconfigured to suit different needs and activities.
• Employee well-being: amenities like fitness centres, green spaces, and healthy food options will be increasingly important in attracting and retaining talent.
• Hybrid work models: companies will continue to support flexible work arrangements, requiring facilities to cater to both in-person and remote employees.

Sustainability and resilience continue to rise up the leadership agenda:

• Green buildings and energy efficiency: organisations will invest in environmentally friendly technologies and practices to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with stricter regulations.
• Climate resilience: buildings will be designed to withstand extreme weather events and natural disasters.
• Focus on health and safety: post-pandemic concerns will still continue to drive hygiene protocols, ventilation systems and touchless solutions for a safer workplace.

Shifting workforce and skills to get ahead:

• Tech-savvy facility managers: with technology playing a bigger role, Workplace and FM practitioners will need to be even more adaptable and embrace new skills, including data analysis and understanding the potential value of new tech such as AI and Machine learning. 
• This value of this new technology will be truly created when we are routinely  collecting, managing and sharing data to enable better more timely interventions and decision making.
• Talent shortage and retention: the facilities management and  workplace sector will continue to face a growing talent gap as experienced professionals retire. Companies will need to invest in training and development to attract and retain skilled workers.

Technology-driven transformation will occur when the right workforce skills are in place to deliver:

• IoT and data insights: sensors and connected devices will collect data on everything from energy consumption to space utilization. This data will be used to optimize operations, make informed decisions, and improve energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
• Generative AI and automation: AI will take on more tasks, like generating predictive maintenance schedules, scheduling repairs, and managing workflows. This will free up Workplace & Facilities managers to focus on strategic projects and the human aspects of their job.

Workplace experience platforms: these platforms will integrate different technologies and applications into a single interface, simplifying space management, booking, communication, and access control for employees.

These are just some of the trends shaping the future of facilities management and workplace management in 2024 and beyond. By staying ahead of the curve and adopting these trends, we can create productive, sustainable, attractive places and spaces for people to work in and succeed.