Technology for
a smarter world
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E: info@fsifm.com
www.fsifm.com
AUGUST 2020 21
FMJ.CO.UK
in a restricted space thereby reducing the chance of
infection.
FMs have an opportunity to embrace technology in
the post-COVID era as businesses consider investment
strategies. Technology will be demanded by employees
who have become comfortable with reliable wireless
connections working at home. The last thing a business
wants as it reopens its doors is any shortcomings in this
area. Sensor based solutions have been maturing over
the past five years and are well-positioned to deliver
answers to the key questions that will streamline the
return to work.
THE CORPORATE WORKPLACE
PROVIDER’S VIEW
JULIE ENNIS, CEO CORPORATE SERVICES,
SODEXO UK & IRELAND
Employees
now have an
expectation that
their employers
will keep them
safe, supporting
their physical,
mental and
emotional health.
Businesses were
already improving
their approach
to wellbeing and
we work with
many companies
who have been making changes to put people first.
The pandemic has proven it takes much more than the
absence of illness for people to feel and perform at their
best.
People are more reliant on technology and many have
had to become more flexible. Some of these changes
are sure to remain a er the pandemic, contributing to a
significant shi in the long-term future of work.
The COVID-19 crisis has brought cleanliness and
hygiene into much sharper focus. Previously unknown
terms such as ‘social distancing’ are now part of
everyday language and the habits they describe have
become second nature. Cleaning and janitorial services,
previously delivered outside traditional working hours,
will become more visible to ensure peace of mind and
support for employees and visitors.
As the world starts moving again and we consider
the implications of that shi , we are beginning to
understand how the emerging trends will a ect the key
areas of workplace experience.
People are connecting virtually and have proved
they can work from home, but this doesn’t necessarily
mean they want to get used to it. Whilst many have
enjoyed it, ultimately, as humans we are ‘wired for
social connection’ and just because you can have people
working remotely all the time, doesn’t mean you should.
Physical o ice space needs to be adapted so it
can foster collaboration in new ways and maintain
engagement which we know is so important for an
organisation to succeed.
Organisations will depend on employees’ willingness
to come to the o ice, so they must be involved in
deciding how it looks and works. Previously a Monday to
Friday, 9 to 5 routine could be imposed, but employees
now need to feel safe and in control of their environment
and work schedules.
For many, this control will come from the
understanding that much of their work can be carried
out remotely, supported by the o ice as a place that
o ers something they can’t get elsewhere.
A place that embodies the culture of an organisation
and helps build a strong and connected work
community.
Face-to-face time will be more valuable as it becomes
less frequent, so o ice design will need to safely
maximise collaboration and interaction.
Physical workspaces will be critical to the success of
companies as we enter the ‘next normal’. Far from being
replaced by home working habits, they will become
critical hubs that support and enhance the human
connection we need.
Employers now have an opportunity to adapt the
workplace and embrace a truly hybrid work model,
focusing even more on people and helping them make
the decisions that will lead to the greatest benefits for
the individual as well as the organisation.
It is time to really think about how the workplace
can better support the business, and we can do this
through e ective leadership and through using data and
technology to optimise space.
THE WORKPLACE RE-ENTRY EXPERT’S
VIEW
MICKEY ROONEY, PROGRAMME DIRECTOR,
JLL INTEGRAL
In late April, Jes
Staley, CEO of
Barclays Bank
declared that
o ices could
be a ‘thing of
the past’ and
did not see the
need to bring
7,000 people
back into an
o ice post
pandemic.
Many others
believe that
the o ice is far
from dead. In fact, we know that o ices encourage
collaboration, innovation, mentoring and team building
– all things remote working struggles to replicate. A
FM CLINIC
Mickey Rooney
Connecting
people,
property and
data for peak
performance
Concept Evolution
CAFM / IWMS
FSI GO
Mobile Workforce apps
Concept Advantage
Workplace apps
Celebrating
30YEARS
in 2020
Julie Ennis
ADVICE & OPINION
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