4 Emerging Trends In Workplace Management Software
The article outlines four emerging trends in workplace management software—globalization driving the need for operational excellence in multinational facilities management, sustainability requiring energy-efficient space utilization, reduced physical infrastructure due to mobile and flexible work models causing workspace allocation challenges, and the necessity for easy-access, cloud-based software to support a global and remote workforce—highlighting how such software addresses these challenges by enabling efficient employee moves, space utilization reporting, and flexible access to information.
Big Issues in Facilities Management and Trends in Workplace Management Software
1. Globalization
Phil Gregory of Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions writes that globalization has made facilities management more important than ever, with companies focused on reducing costs and optimizing the value of built assets. Facilities managers must keep a close eye on new trends and technology to achieve their goals. For multinational companies like IBM, Verizon, and Shell, facilities management is about pursuing productivity and operational excellence.
2. Sustainability
For facilities managers, eco-friendly best practices are not just a personal choice but a job requirement. The amount of energy used by a company is directly tied to its bottom line. Companies aim to avoid unnecessary costs, such as having one person occupy an otherwise empty floor. Monitoring and adjusting space usage has become a major concern for facilities managers.
3. Less Infrastructure
The office is becoming more flexible and mobile due to the rise of portable tech devices and flexible workspace models. This flexibility reduces costs associated with buying desktop computers and installing cubicles. However, it can also lead to conflicts and confusion among workers, especially regarding workspace allocation.
4. Easy-Access Software
A globalized workforce requires access to information at any time, not just during business hours in a specific time zone. As a result, cloud storage is becoming increasingly crucial, and with more employees working from home, easily accessible software is even more important.
The challenges raised by these trends can be addressed, at least in part, by workplace management software:
- Globalization: Workplace management software provides the tools needed for operational excellence, such as orchestrating moves for employees across locations.
- Sustainability: The software can generate space utilization reports, helping facilities managers identify opportunities to save money and consolidate space.
- Less Infrastructure: For companies using flexible workplace models like hoteling, workplace management software helps track workspace reservations and maintain organization.
- Easy-Access Software: A successful software program should be accessible to all users, whether they are facilities managers, admins, or employees seeking resources like meeting rooms.