Workplaces are now becoming hubs for collaboration following a shift in working patterns since the pandemic. With almost  80% of employees now working in a hybrid way, smart technology and innovation in facilities management are now focussing on providing data to help drive change, such as cost-savings, sustainability, collaboration and more.

The Internet of Things now means facilities management providers have a more comprehensive understanding of employee data, behaviours and patterns throughout the buildings in which they operate. The data collected here can be used by facilities managers to predict workplace maintenance as opposed to reacting to it, as well as more granular insight into how a workplace is being used by its employees.

Monitoring workplace occupancy and footfall

Keeping an eye on office occupancy is still as common as it was during the pandemic when businesses were looking to ensure safe capacity and social distancing.

Now, monitoring workplace occupancy provides facilities managers with trend data to help them make informed decisions around the best times to deploy operations. For example, scheduling routine M&E maintenance during quieter periods means less disruption to employees as they work. Occupancy sensors can also provide great cost-savings, as well as helping businesses be more sustainable by reducing energy waste.

Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace is just as important now as it was during the pandemic, too. Over 70% of employees say general cleanliness is important for them when they attend the office. Here, occupancy sensors in shared areas, like toilets, are useful as they can measure footfall and alert facilities staff to clean and replace any consumables. This data-led cleaning can improve efficiencies and enable teams to plan work shifts and resources better.

Additionally, desk-booking systems can enable cleaning staff to track space use and ensure that every surface has been cleaned sufficiently. Some systems have integrated software to track cleaning so that no area is missed. This aids teams to keep workplaces spotlessly clean and inviting for workers.

Innovative front-of-house solutions

Using smart visitor management systems that generate automated emails and codes for your scheduled visitors can add extra levels of security and professionalism to your front-of-house operations.

These systems send personalised emails and access codes direct to visitors when they are registered to come to a workplace, which prepares them on what to expect when they visit. As well as this, it enables businesses to always maintain a record of everyone in the building, which can be particularly useful for security teams, too.

Choosing the right technology for your facilities management team

It can be a tricky task for facilities managers to know exactly what technology is needed.

Some operations will require technologies that have been tailored to suit their specific needs based on their working models, workplace environments, customer experience and more.

Adapting to the evolving needs and requirements of the workplace means that facilities managers need to be ahead of the game when it comes to innovation. Using integrations and technology to support facilities management has the power to drive change, make better-informed decisions and improve the overall workplace experience.

To find out more about our hard, soft and total facilities management contracts, and how we can use smart technology to improve processes in your workplace, contact us here.