6 facilities management trends to watch in 2024

Facilities managers are turning to technology and automation to help address commercial real estate challenges, including decarbonization, office space optimization and skilled labor shortages.

By Nish Amarnath , Joe Burns • Jan. 10, 2024

DOL independent contractor final rule announced, will take effect March 11

The rule largely tracks the agency’s October 2022 proposed rule, adopting a six-factor, “totality-of-the-circumstances” framework for analyzing worker-employer relationships.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 9, 2024

Trends that will define facilities management in 2024: 12 predictions

Net-zero goals, AI-driven automation, predictive maintenance and office right-sizing are some of what industry participants expect in the new year.

By the Facilities Dive Team • Jan. 2, 2024

NYC building service workers, RAB reach tentative contract agreement, averting strike

The proposal continues existing healthcare premium coverage, sets a 3% average annual wage increase over four years and creates an early retirement incentive. 

By Joe Burns • Dec. 28, 2023

NYC building service workers strike threat could affect 1,300 buildings

The 32BJ affiliate of SEIU is negotiating with the Realty Advisory Board for wage increases, fully employer-paid health insurance and job security in a contract that expires Dec. 31.

By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 22, 2023

Organizations plan to cut, optimize space to accommodate hybrid work

Sensor and network connectivity data is informing decisions on office space and collaborative work needs, according to CBRE.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 21, 2023

GAO: Federal agencies need to coordinate data on independent contractors, temp workers

Millions of U.S. workers are in nonstandard work arrangements, but data on those workers is scattered and unorganized, GAO said.

By Laurel Kalser • Dec. 21, 2023

DOE allocates $40M for energy audit training

The funds aim to help states upskill a workforce that will evaluate energy efficiency to help building owners save money and combat climate change.

By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 21, 2023

DOL rule would promote apprenticeships, tighten program labor standards

Apprenticeships have received much attention of late as a way to funnel badly needed talent into key industries.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 19, 2023

A lack of collaborative space tops list of in-office concerns

As 58% of North American companies are mandating or encouraging more time in the office than they did six months ago, challenges remain, according to a workplace report by VTS.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 15, 2023

Nearly half of companies say they plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements in 2024

Many employers are dropping degree requirements to create a more diverse workforce and increase job candidate numbers, survey results show.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 14, 2023

Bilt adds project collaboration feature to help train technicians

The interactive instruction firm aims to bridge the skilled labor gap through upskilling and on-the-job training based on interactive 3D guidance.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 8, 2023

Could apprenticeships help address the skilled worker shortage?

Janitors and other high-churn, low-wage U.S. workers could benefit from a proposed apprenticeship system to become electricians, construction managers and other skilled professionals, a new report says.

By Kathryn Moody • Nov. 17, 2023

DOE grants aim to expand building energy workforce training

The $40 million-plus funding will add new building training and assessment centers and industrial assessment centers, which provide technical assistance to commercial and institutional buildings and some manufacturers. 

By Joe Burns • Nov. 17, 2023

DOL’s proposed overtime rule change faces pushback

Commenters on the rule suggested the agency reduce the minimum increase threshold, delay the rule’s enactment or abandon it altogether.

By Emilie Shumway • Nov. 13, 2023

ASHRAE releases new guide on how grid interactivity can accelerate decarbonization

The guide offers best practices and considerations for carbon emissions reduction, energy usage optimization and operational cost savings, the organization says.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 2, 2023

Higher prices for hard services contracts expected to linger: CBRE

Competition for labor will keep electric, plumbing and HVAC service contract costs elevated compared with those for soft services, the report states.    

By Joe Burns • Oct. 31, 2023

1 in 7 US workers want to leave their current job within the next year, Yoh report says

Workers are most likely looking for a higher salary or better benefits, according to the survey.

By Carolyn Crist • Oct. 16, 2023

Facilities management conferences ahead in 2024

Improving building management processes, streamlining operations and meeting sustainability goals are key focal points at events across the U.S. 

By Joe Burns • Updated Oct. 18, 2023

Solatube appoints new CEO, president amid aggressive growth plan

The daylight device manufacturer, acquired by Kingspan Light + Air in 2021, aims to expand into industrial businesses with an LED lighting fixture that promises new features.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 12, 2023

Clean energy could create up to 4.7 jobs for every commercial building

Solar PV, heat pumps and battery storage installation and maintenance could generate more than 2 million new jobs in the U.S. and Europe, according to a study by Schneider Electric and Boston University.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 11, 2023

Megaproject boom squeezes supplies for life sciences construction

Labor and material shortages are causing cost increases and continued delays as lead times for generators, electrical switchgears and elevators stretch to two years, said Cushman & Wakefield exec Jason D’Orlando.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 6, 2023

Insurance execs are prioritizing workplace dynamics, carbon reporting

Leaders at a recent JLL forum said space planning, net-zero goals and labor woes have led to real estate portfolio adjustments and AI investments.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 5, 2023

Office utilization rates on climb to pre-pandemic levels

Culture, collaboration and communication are bringing employees back into the office on their own terms, said participants in a recent webinar by FM:Systems.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 4, 2023

Canada Green Building Council introduces low-carbon training program for building operators, owners

The initiative seeks to meet a growing demand for skills in retrofits and construction as the country races to meet climate targets. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 28, 2023