The full suite of features an integrated workplace management system (IWMS) offers is impressive — which is why one in five corporate real estate leaders are considering investing in one, according to Verdantix

The full suite of features an integrated workplace management system (IWMS) offers is impressive — which is why one in five corporate real estate leaders are considering investing in one, according to Verdantix analyst Susan Clarke.

However, an IWMS is not the right investment for every organization. Depending on the size of your company and your business needs, it may make more sense to implement a single solution.

As the workplace becomes increasingly distributed, facilities managers need to redefine what success looks like. In this era of hybrid work, it's no longer enough to simply look at occupancy and vacancy rates. Facility management KPIs give managers a clear view of the targets

As the workplace becomes increasingly distributed, facilities managers need to redefine what success looks like. In this era of hybrid work, it's no longer enough to simply look at occupancy and vacancy rates. Facility management KPIs give managers a clear view of the targets they need to meet to help their organization succeed. These KPIs compile data from multiple sources and make it transparent so your leadership team can overall performance at a glance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Here's a look at how facility management KPIs have changed and which ones are most important to consider today.

As business leaders reimagine the role of the workplace in this new hybrid era, they are embracing flexible office space. After two years of closures and less available real estate, we're now seeing an expansion of the flexible office supply, according to a February CBRE

As business leaders reimagine the role of the workplace in this new hybrid era, they are embracing flexible office space. After two years of closures and less available real estate, we're now seeing an expansion of the flexible office supply, according to a February CBRE report. 

Here’s what you need to know about flexible office space and how to use it to your advantage.

The past few years have brought immense challenges, but also growth opportunities for many organizations.  

Companies found new ways to serve customers, created new product lines, and discovered ways to save by consolidating office space and rethinking traditional approaches to facilities management. 

As we move into the

The past few years have brought immense challenges, but also growth opportunities for many organizations.  

Companies found new ways to serve customers, created new product lines, and discovered ways to save by consolidating office space and rethinking traditional approaches to facilities management. 

As we move into the recovery phase, here are six facilities management challenges we expect to see in the months ahead. 

At a time when many people are rethinking the role of the office and reconsidering the type of work they want to be doing, a great employee experience can make the difference between attracting top talent or losing out to a competitor. 

Investing

At a time when many people are rethinking the role of the office and reconsidering the type of work they want to be doing, a great employee experience can make the difference between attracting top talent or losing out to a competitor. 

Investing in your employees is a marathon, not a sprint. You may not see results right away, so you have to take the long view and celebrate small victories. And you’re bound to encounter some setbacks along the way. It’s OK to feel discouraged as long as those setbacks don’t keep you on the sidelines for long.

At iOFFICE + SpaceIQ, we're fortunate to have relationships with many innovative workplace leaders who are eager to share their wisdom in webinars and weekly Workplace Innovator podcasts. In addition to their own insights, they often share their favorite inspirational quotes about leadership from others.  

Here are some of the best quotes we've heard from them and others about how to transform the employee experience for new ways of working. 

Workplaces have been adopting flexible space strategies like office hoteling for years, but the pandemic solidified the business case for these new ways of working. 

In a recent CBRE Future of the Office survey, 66% of mid-sized companies

Workplaces have been adopting flexible space strategies like office hoteling for years, but the pandemic solidified the business case for these new ways of working. 

In a recent CBRE Future of the Office survey, 66% of mid-sized companies and 80% of large enterprises described their future workplace policy as "hybrid guided flexibility," meaning employees will divide their time between home and the office. 

 An earlier CBRE survey conducted in September 2020 also showed that while 57% of workplaces had primarily assigned seating prior to the pandemic, only 10% plan to continue that model in the future. The rest are adopting some level of unassigned seating or  "free address" seating arrangements, meaning employees can choose from a variety of workspaces each day. 

Office hoteling gives structure to unassigned seating, making it easier for employees to find available spaces and for leaders to plan accordingly. Here's why smart workplaces everywhere are implementing it.

Learning how to overcome resistance to change is more important than ever in today's hybrid workplace, when change is the only constant.

Many people resist change because they fear the unknown. They often focus more on what they believe they'll have

Learning how to overcome resistance to change is more important than ever in today's hybrid workplace, when change is the only constant.

Many people resist change because they fear the unknown. They often focus more on what they believe they'll have to give up while underestimating what they'll gain, especially in the workplace. One example might be moving to a  smaller office space when people have become accustomed to a large corporate headquarters. While there are many benefits — including giving your workforce more flexibility to work remotely and come to the office as needed — employees might worry about where they'll park, where they'll sit, and who will be in the office on any given day. They might also be concerned about whether they'll be able to collaborate and concentrate effectively in the new office space. 

Managing change in the workplace has been a common theme of our webinars and Workplace Innovator podcast over the years. Hear what some of our guests have to say on the topic and what you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

After two years of attending virtual workplace conferences, many of us are ready to reconnect in person again. Taking the time to step away from your day-to-day responsibilities and immerse yourself in on-site workplace conferences a few times a year can rejuvenate and inspire you. These conferences are also a great way to develop meaningful relationships with other workplace

After two years of attending virtual workplace conferences, many of us are ready to reconnect in person again. Taking the time to step away from your day-to-day responsibilities and immerse yourself in on-site workplace conferences a few times a year can rejuvenate and inspire you. These conferences are also a great way to develop meaningful relationships with other workplace innovators who are struggling with the same challenges you face. 

Here are some workplace conferences you should consider attending this year. 

Facilities management is a demanding profession that requires a diverse set of skills in order to be successful. The consistent professional, interpersonal and even emotional demands that facilities managers face on a daily basis seem to fly from all directions. A good facilities manager learns to manage all of these demands while continuing to serve the changing needs

Facilities management is a demanding profession that requires a diverse set of skills in order to be successful. The consistent professional, interpersonal and even emotional demands that facilities managers face on a daily basis seem to fly from all directions. A good facilities manager learns to manage all of these demands while continuing to serve the changing needs of their workforce. 

In today's hybrid workplace, the pace of change has never been faster and the need to adapt has never been greater. FMs are simultaneously planning a safe return to the office, re-evaluating the use of real estate, and rethinking the employee experience at the same time. 

Here are in-demand 22 skills every facilities manager needs this year and how you can develop them. 

After working primarily remotely for an extended period of time, employee productivity can hit a plateau. The hybrid workplace offers new opportunities to reimagine the way employees connect and collaborate, but there are still challenges

After working primarily remotely for an extended period of time, employee productivity can hit a plateau. The hybrid workplace offers new opportunities to reimagine the way employees connect and collaborate, but there are still challenges to overcome. 

Poor space planning, technology that is difficult to use, and an employee experience that's inconsistent for remote and in-office employees are just a few issues that can hurt productivity in the hybrid workplace.

The world of facility management is always evolving. Facility management professionals today are tasked with not only improving operations and reducing costs, but also creating a better overall work environment. 

In recent years, dozens of facility management technology

The world of facility management is always evolving. Facility management professionals today are tasked with not only improving operations and reducing costs, but also creating a better overall work environment. 

In recent years, dozens of facility management technology solutions have emerged, including more advanced facility management software and mobile applications.  The pandemic also changed the way we work as new concerns about employee health and safety arose and more companies shifted to hybrid workplaces. 

Many organizations have had some elements of digital transformation underway for years, but the pandemic accelerated the adoption of new technology like never before. The shift to more remote work revealed gaps in the tools employees use to communicate, collaborate, and respond to customers' changing needs. 

A recent

Many organizations have had some elements of digital transformation underway for years, but the pandemic accelerated the adoption of new technology like never before. The shift to more remote work revealed gaps in the tools employees use to communicate, collaborate, and respond to customers' changing needs. 

A recent McKinsey survey of 800 executives found 85% had accelerated the adoption of digital workplace tools for employee collaboration.  If your organization is considering moving forward with digital workplace initiatives but you're not sure how to prioritize them, it helps to look at where other companies are investing first. Then you can conduct a SWOT analysis for digital transformation to determine which needs are the most pressing. 

A standout star among the trends looming on the 2022 horizon is digital transformation. Gartner predicts an

A standout star among the trends looming on the 2022 horizon is digital transformation. Gartner predicts an 8.4% increase in IT spending globally from where it was in 2020 – equaling a projected $4.1 trillion in 2021.

Employees take it for granted that the equipment they need will be available and working properly when they need it. But without efficient service request management, it's easy to fall behind and accumulate a backlog of repairs. 

Staying on top of service requests is not only important for productivity. It's also essential for the health and safety of your

Employees take it for granted that the equipment they need will be available and working properly when they need it. But without efficient service request management, it's easy to fall behind and accumulate a backlog of repairs. 

Staying on top of service requests is not only important for productivity. It's also essential for the health and safety of your workforce at a time when expectations for cleanliness have never been higher.

Here's an overview of what a good service request process looks like and five steps you can take to improve yours. 

Investing in new workplace technology like an integrated workplace management system (IWMS) can be a tough sell to the C-suite.

It’s often easier to justify replacing a leaking roof or retrofitting an old building with new, energy-efficient lighting.

The average annual costs of an IWMS can be upwards of $50,000, depending on the size and complexity

Investing in new workplace technology like an integrated workplace management system (IWMS) can be a tough sell to the C-suite.

It’s often easier to justify replacing a leaking roof or retrofitting an old building with new, energy-efficient lighting.

The average annual costs of an IWMS can be upwards of $50,000, depending on the size and complexity of your organization’s needs, according to Verdantix.

Workplace leaders need to demonstrate a return on this investment and show urgency as they present their business case.

Here are five good arguments that can help leaders justify the investment in an IWMS.

It’s clear the hybrid workplace is here to stay, but it’s also becoming apparent it has brought far more challenges than anyone anticipated.

 Workplace leaders are struggling to restructure schedules, redefine the role of the office, and reinvent the employee experience

It’s clear the hybrid workplace is here to stay, but it’s also becoming apparent it has brought far more challenges than anyone anticipated.

 Workplace leaders are struggling to restructure schedules, redefine the role of the office, and reinvent the employee experience for hybrid working.

At the same time, after two years of working remotely, some employees are feeling disconnected from their teams and from the company’s mission. They’re also missing valuable opportunities for connection, collaboration, and mentorship.

Here are three ways to re-establish meaningful relationships among your team and make sure no employee feels left behind lost in the hybrid workplace.

Organizations are making an acceptable use policy (AUP) for workplace technology to stay proactive in the hybrid work environment. AUP outlines the rules for employees on the use of company's network, software, internet connection, and devices. It also defines the acceptable use of personal devices in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) workplace.

Advantages of AUP in Hybrid Workplace

Remote work has increased the risk of cyber-attacks through phishing and unsecured networks. An AUP

Organizations are making an acceptable use policy (AUP) for workplace technology to stay proactive in the hybrid work environment. AUP outlines the rules for employees on the use of company's network, software, internet connection, and devices. It also defines the acceptable use of personal devices in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) workplace.

Advantages of AUP in Hybrid Workplace

Remote work has increased the risk of cyber-attacks through phishing and unsecured networks. An AUP ensures employees understand their role and rights in using technology at work, helps them identify potential threats, and reduces the company's risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and compliance violations.

Potential Issues with AUP

An improperly drafted AUP can lead to legal issues or negatively impact employee morale and productivity. An AUP should not be overly specific, leaving room for interpretation and flexibility in handling violations. It should balance protecting the company with not hindering employee work.

Drafting an Effective AUP

Follow these guidelines to draft an AUP that is easy to enforce and follow:

• Clearly outline the scope of the policy, including coverage and enforcement.
• Explain the reasons for adhering to the policy and how it will be enforced.
• Use simple language, avoiding specific terms, and track all revisions.
• Regularly review and update the policy with HR and legal input.

Investing in Secure Workplace Technology

Workplace technology should be accessible and user-friendly to avoid employees finding work-arounds and using unsecured third-party applications. IT should carefully vet workplace technology solutions by assessing their data privacy and security measures.

With remote work on the rise, companies need to protect against cyber threats. One way to do this is by implementing an acceptable use policy (AUP) for workplace technology. An AUP outlines rules and restrictions for using company network, software, internet and devices and also personal mobile devices in BYOD environments. An AUP can improve security by educating employees on cyber risks and holding them accountable for their actions. However, an AUP can also create issues if not drafted properly. To draft an effective AUP, consider clarifying its scope, providing reasons for adherence, explaining enforcement, using clear language, tracking revisions, protecting the company, and regularly reviewing. Additionally, it's important for companies to invest in secure and user-friendly workplace technology solutions that protect data privacy, store data securely, encrypt data and have been thoroughly vetted.

In conclusion, implementing an acceptable use policy for workplace technology is crucial for companies to safeguard their digital assets and secure their hybrid work environment. A well-drafted AUP should be comprehensive, easy to understand, and flexible enough to handle violations on a case-by-case basis. Companies should make sure to regularly review and update their AUP to stay current with the latest technology and risks. Additionally, investing in secure, user-friendly workplace technology can go a long way in ensuring a safe and productive hybrid work environment.

In this era of constant change, the ability to drive innovation in the workplace is the mark of a successful leader.

Workplace innovation is more than just a buzzword — it’s a key competitive advantage in the struggle to entice new clients, attract top talent, and ensure longevity.

And thanks to our Workplace Innovator podcast, we hear innovative ideas

In this era of constant change, the ability to drive innovation in the workplace is the mark of a successful leader.

Workplace innovation is more than just a buzzword — it’s a key competitive advantage in the struggle to entice new clients, attract top talent, and ensure longevity.

And thanks to our Workplace Innovator podcast, we hear innovative ideas every week from leaders around the world. Here's what some of our guests have shared on the topic. 

A good facilities manager is, in part, like a good mathematician. A key function of a mathematician is to compile data to balance equations and search for the desired output. A key function of a facilities manager is to gather various data points – from your real estate, your people, and your systems – and keep everything in balance to produce the

A good facilities manager is, in part, like a good mathematician. A key function of a mathematician is to compile data to balance equations and search for the desired output. A key function of a facilities manager is to gather various data points – from your real estate, your people, and your systems – and keep everything in balance to produce the desired outcome of operational efficiency.

The shift toward hybrid work over the past few years has transformed the employee experience and human resources as we know it. Yet the role HR leaders play in recruiting, training, and engaging an increasingly distributed workforce engaged is more crucial than ever. When it comes to measuring their success, what HR metrics and KPIs matter most?

The shift toward hybrid work over the past few years has transformed the employee experience and human resources as we know it. Yet the role HR leaders play in recruiting, training, and engaging an increasingly distributed workforce engaged is more crucial than ever. When it comes to measuring their success, what HR metrics and KPIs matter most?

Here’s a closer look at what has changed and how HR leaders can continue to add value to their organizations this year.

When you think about smart workplace technology, what comes to mind? 

Do you picture touchless applications? Sensor-enabled automation?  Artificial intelligence replacing routine processes? 

Because the phrase has become a catch-all for so many things and smart workplace technology is continually evolving, it can be difficult to define. Here's

When you think about smart workplace technology, what comes to mind? 

Do you picture touchless applications? Sensor-enabled automation?  Artificial intelligence replacing routine processes? 

Because the phrase has become a catch-all for so many things and smart workplace technology is continually evolving, it can be difficult to define. Here's a closer look at what we can expect a smart workplace to include in the near future and how advances in technology will change the way we plan, collaborate, and measure success. 

It’s Tuesday morning, and several departments are eager to schedule meetings in person after working remotely for so long.  

No one anticipates a shortage of meeting rooms, but when they arrive, the room status shows everything is booked already. Yet half those rooms are actually empty. Someone reserved them long ago and just never canceled the

It’s Tuesday morning, and several departments are eager to schedule meetings in person after working remotely for so long.  

No one anticipates a shortage of meeting rooms, but when they arrive, the room status shows everything is booked already. Yet half those rooms are actually empty. Someone reserved them long ago and just never canceled the reservation. Room scheduling shouldn’t be this frustrating.

For a modern-day facility manager, there is no “typical” day.

Today’s crisis could be tomorrow’s follow-up email. Still, many facility managers have a typical morning routine they follow to set themselves up for success.

They check the same areas, make the same lists and use the technology—including facility management apps. On a recent webinar,

For a modern-day facility manager, there is no “typical” day.

Today’s crisis could be tomorrow’s follow-up email. Still, many facility managers have a typical morning routine they follow to set themselves up for success.

They check the same areas, make the same lists and use the technology—including facility management apps. On a recent webinar, we asked attendees what facility management apps are essential to their morning routine.

Here’s what they told us.

It's a typical Thursday morning. A few employees have gathered together in a meeting room, getting ready to start a video call with their colleagues in a different time zone. Throughout the morning, others trickle in to meet with clients, have lunch together, and split off to work in quiet spaces where it's easier to concentrate than it is in their homes. 

It's a typical Thursday morning. A few employees have gathered together in a meeting room, getting ready to start a video call with their colleagues in a different time zone. Throughout the morning, others trickle in to meet with clients, have lunch together, and split off to work in quiet spaces where it's easier to concentrate than it is in their homes. 

Welcome to the age of the agile working environment.

An agile work environment gives employees the freedom and flexibility to work in different areas of an office when and how they choose. During times of lingering uncertainty as new COVID-19 variants emerge and employees re-evaluate what they want from their personal and professional lives, this flexibility that used to be a nice perk has now become an expectation. 

Here's a closer look at what the agile workplace looks like today. 

Over the past two years, many of us have reflected on what it means to be an effective leader in times of crisis. That often comes down to having a clear vision, inspiring others to work toward it and holding them accountable while demonstrating compassion and empathy. In our Workplace Innovator

Over the past two years, many of us have reflected on what it means to be an effective leader in times of crisis. That often comes down to having a clear vision, inspiring others to work toward it and holding them accountable while demonstrating compassion and empathy. In our Workplace Innovator Podcast, we explored this topic often with experts in a variety of industries.

We wanted to share some of the best quotes and sentiments to help you develop your own leadership resolutions for this new year.

We spent 2020 reacting to the changes brought on by a global pandemic, and the past year reimagining new ways of working. Now, with 2022 on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking strategically, especially about space planning. As your facilities management leadership team shifts their thinking, it’s important to ask the right questions to guide your planning process

We spent 2020 reacting to the changes brought on by a global pandemic, and the past year reimagining new ways of working. Now, with 2022 on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking strategically, especially about space planning. As your facilities management leadership team shifts their thinking, it’s important to ask the right questions to guide your planning process toward the best long-term solutions, not just “good enough” temporary fixes. This checklist will help you ensure you hit every angle.