Property Management Services

Technology is transforming every aspect of building management, and HVAC systems are no exception. Modern HVAC technology not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances comfort, air quality, and sustainability—all critical factors for today’s facilities managers.

Modern HVAC systems are far more energy-efficient than older models. In fact, the National Institute of Building Sciences reports that the use of high-performance HVAC technology can result in energy and cost savings of between 10 and 40 percent. In addition, buildings equipped with technologies that provide dehumidified air in the summer can see savings of between 40 and 70 percent.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that besides cost savings, there are numerous other benefits from new HVAC technology, including improved occupant comfort, better indoor air quality (IAQ), and lower equipment noise and vibration—benefits that, according to the DOE, are as important to end users as energy savings. New zero- or low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, for example, emit few greenhouse gases, making it easier for companies to reach their net-zero goals.

A typical HVAC system accounts for about 40 percent of a commercial building’s energy consumption. Several new technologies are designed to lower that number.

Today, facilities managers can choose from a wide range of technologies to create an HVAC system that best suits their particular circumstances and goals. Here are five important benefits that today’s HVAC technology can provide.

Real-Time Management of HVAC Systems

Until recently, most facilities managers used occupant complaints as a guide for HVAC system settings, which often meant that settings were adjusted once for a specific time of day or a season and left alone for years. Today, thanks to artificial intelligence, facilities managers can monitor and control the HVAC system remotely based on real-time data from sensors, optimizing both occupant comfort and energy efficiency. Three different HVAC technologies help make this possible.

IoT-Enabled Systems

In the same way that the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming manufacturing and healthcare, it’s also remaking facilities management. Commonly used IoT devices in HVAC applications include:

Smart thermostats that learn user preferences and automatically adjust temperature based on learned schedules.
Occupancy sensors that trigger lowered HVAC output when a room is empty, thus preventing wasted heating or cooling.
Air quality monitors that trigger the system to adjust ventilation and activate air filtration as needed.
Chiller optimization sensors, which adjust the performance of the building’s centralized cooling system.

Smart HVAC technology that utilizes IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) can increase energy efficiency by 30 percent, resulting in a payback period of fewer than 15 years.

AI and Machine Learning

By analyzing performance patterns and detecting anomalies, AI and its subset machine learning (ML) can proactively schedule maintenance to prevent critical failures, maximizing system uptime and reducing costs. AI also simplifies the detection of faults and speeds the diagnoses of HVAC system issues, which can be complex and time-consuming. The smart thermostats mentioned above, for example, use machine learning algorithms to learn occupants’ preferences and optimize temperature settings accordingly.

Cloud-Based Management

Businesses are increasingly turning to cloud-based solutions for all aspects of their facilities management, including control of the HVAC system. Cloud-based HVAC systems allow for equipment to be controlled remotely, and as the software is updated regularly, these systems have greater scalability than in-house solutions. They also have lower upfront and ongoing costs.

HVAC Technology Fuels Energy Efficiency, Electrification, and Sustainability

Typical HVAC systems account for about 40 percent of a commercial building’s energy consumption, so in a world of rising energy costs, it makes sense for facility managers to look for savings. Several new technologies deliver on that promise.

High-Efficiency Systems

High-efficiency systems are engineered to deliver more comfort, better moisture control, improved indoor air quality, and quieter operation. One of the primary technologies in commercial applications is variable-refrigerant-flow (VRF) heat pumps for heating and cooling. These devices are similar to air conditioners in the way they use refrigerants instead of air, but they’re different in that they can both heat and cool the air, replacing the need for a separate system for heat.

A newer type of heat pump—groundwater-based geothermal heat pumps—have been found to be up to 44 percent more efficient than VRF-based heat pumps. And contrary to initial expectations, this type of heat pump works well even in cold climates. Solar-based heat pumps, which are becoming popular in residential settings, require a backup power source for commercial uses, given their variable energy source.

Electrification

An energy-conserving trend in recent years has been the electrification of space heating and hot water systems, as these two systems represent about one-third of the total energy consumed by commercial buildings. Besides heat pumps, other technologies include electric boilers for hot water and heat pump-based hot water systems.

Eco-Friendly Refrigerants

Regulations for more eco-friendly refrigerants that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions were set to take effect in 2025, but the Department of Energy postponed their implementation. Facility managers should pay close attention to this regulatory situation. Also, be aware that HVAC experts warn that these new refrigerants have different characteristics than current products, including greater flammability. Businesses adopting the new refrigerants will need to be sure that their maintenance staff has been trained to install the equipment safely.

Indoor Air Quality and Health-Focused HVAC

Maintaining high indoor air quality promotes a healthier environment for occupants, reduces the risk of health conditions like sick building syndrome, and even enhances productivity. Here are some ways technology can help.

Advanced Filtration

Advanced air filtration technologies such as UV light filtration and multistage filtration processes gained popularity during the pandemic. These systems can remove pollutants, pathogens, and particulates from the air more efficiently than ever. In addition, UV light can be used to sterilize areas where mold easily breeds, such as cooling coils and air ducts.

Air Quality Monitoring

Indoor air quality monitors measure pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde on a room-to-room basis. They can help determine if ventilation needs to be increased, air purifiers activated, or humidifiers turned off.

Smart Ventilation and Humidity Control

These HVAC technology systems use sensors and automated controls to monitor and dynamically adjust air humidity and ventilation. Exhaust fans or energy recovery ventilation systems, which exchange the energy contained in normally exhausted air to treat incoming outdoor air, can be helpful in high-humidity locales.

Responsive and Remote Operations

From AI-enhanced monitoring and predictive maintenance to advanced filtration and ventilation technologies, recent HVAC innovations are setting new standards in building health, efficiency, and environmental control. These and other smart HVAC technologies are leading the way to the future of HVAC systems. It’s a future in which facilities managers will be able to adjust their HVAC systems on a dime, without having to leave their offices.

For example, AI-powered direct digital controls allow the system to be monitored and controlled via a remote user interface which receives data from sensors and thermostats that measure temperature and humidity levels. Facility managers can monitor performance, detect potential heating or cooling issues early, and make adjustments remotely—long before these issues impact the comfort of building occupants. Automated systems may even be able to self-diagnose problems, allowing issues to be addressed promptly.

Even the HVAC control interface is changing. Many HVAC systems can now comprehend and carry out text-based and voice-activated commands. Voice assistants or mobile applications can be used by technicians to communicate with HVAC systems, making it easier and more convenient to change temperature settings, modify airflow, or keep track of energy usage. And natural language software, trained on tech support calls and other technical material, uses machine learning to help technicians solve complex problems.

Safer HVAC Maintenance

Advances in HVAC technology aren’t just increasing efficiency and enabling more precise control, they’re also making the workplace safer for HVAC technicians. Several new developments are making an impact on safety. These include:

Virtual reality training.
Automated lockout/tagout (LOTO) systems to ensure equipment is properly de-energized before work begins.
The use of drones for inspections in dangerous areas such as high rooftops or confined spaces.
Robotic arms and autonomous machines that can take over repetitive or potentially risky tasks such as tightening belts or greasing bearings.

Futureproofing Through HVAC Technology

The last 50 years have seen huge advances in HVAC technology, and these developments show no signs of slowing down. Here are a few emerging technologies that facilities managers can expect to see more of within the next few years.

Scalable Modular Systems

The use of modular HVAC systems is expected to grow in coming years. Because they are prefabricated, installation is often faster and simpler compared to traditional large-unit HVAC systems. These systems can also be customized to fit exact space requirements by adding or removing units as needed, making them highly cost-effective.

Innovative Materials

Researchers have found that polymer-based membranes (called polyimides) use less energy to dry air and are experimenting with this organic material to improve its dehumidification efficiency for HVAC use. Other new materials have the potential to significantly improve HVAC output. For example, aluminum oxide nanofluids can enhance heat transfer and improve air conditioner system performance by approximately 22 percent. These nanofluids could make it possible for facilities managers to improve HVAC performance without expensive system upgrades or replacements.

Cybersecurity for HVAC Technology

As in so many other situations, the increased use of connected devices has led to increased cybersecurity threats that exploit vulnerabilities in commercial HVAC systems. Cyberattacks on HVAC systems pose multifaceted risks to commercial buildings. These risks include unauthorized tampering with temperature and ventilation controls, disruption of critical HVAC functions, exposure of sensitive data, and in extreme cases, the compromise of entire building automation systems.

To prevent these attacks, HVAC systems under development today incorporate multiple cybersecurity technologies to restrict access to authorized personnel. These technologies include robust access control mechanisms such as multifactor authentication, role-based access controls, and secure user management systems.

HVAC Technology for Today and Tomorrow

HVAC technology has come a long way since Willis Carrier patented his “apparatus for treating air” in 1906. Today’s HVAC systems are far more efficient, responsive, and complex than their ancestors. Recent advances in technology have revolutionized commercial HVAC systems and will undoubtedly lead to even more innovations in the years to come.

An HVAC Expert You Can Rely On

Ready to take your facility’s HVAC system to the next level? With over 35 years of experience, PRIDE Industries offers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure optimal comfort for your building’s occupants.

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In the 1950s, it was a best practice to replace machine parts based on a strict schedule, regardless of a part’s condition. While this approach avoided equipment failure, the downside was that parts which could have continued to function flawlessly were discarded, creating inefficiency and unneeded expense. Fast forward to today, and facilities management best practices look a lot different. Predictive maintenance, automation, artificial intelligence, and other developments have reshaped facilities and the facilities management profession. Here are seven best practices that will help today’s facilities managers optimize their operations.

1. Integrate AI for Predictive Maintenance

Facilities management best practices are changing, and optimizing building operations may require new protocols.

Predictive maintenance in facility management means using data and analytics to predict equipment failure, so that repairs can be made proactively—before faulty equipment causes problems or facility shutdowns. Although they sound similar, preventative maintenance and predictive maintenance are not the same. Preventative maintenance relies on evaluating machinery at regular intervals, no matter how frequently or heavily a piece of equipment is used. Predictive maintenance, on the other hand, is more nuanced; it relies on continuous monitoring and analysis of equipment. Relying on large data sets, predictive maintenance is more precise than preventative maintenance, enabling facilities professionals to more efficiently maintain facility assets.

A broad spectrum of industries, from oil and gas to commercial real estate, are using predictive maintenance. By monitoring equipment through data-gathering sensors that feed AI algorithms, companies can detect potential problems and prioritize maintenance. Additionally, these AI tools help companies gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of equipment failure. One example of using artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance is GE Digital’s SmartSignal. This predictive maintenance software allows companies across multiple industries to find and act on potential equipment problems, preventing downtime for essential equipment.

2. Take a Systematic Approach to Sustainability

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), more than a third of total U.S. greenhouse emissions are due to buildings. To address this challenge, the federal government, as well as some states, are calling for net zero buildings—buildings that reduce energy use through numerous energy-saving features and technologies. But how do you achieve a building that is more efficient, especially if you aren’t building from scratch? A report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recommends taking a systematic, comprehensive approach to retrofitting. For example, rather than just swapping out old light bulbs, a systematic approach will go further and also integrate automated shading and electrochromic glazing on windows to reduce energy use.

3. Creatively Conserve Water

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that commercial, industrial, and institutional landscapes utilize 2.4 billion gallons of water daily. With water scarce and demand for it high, companies benefit by seeking out water-saving solutions for landscaping and irrigation. One easy solution is rainwater—it’s free! By capturing rainfall in barrels or cisterns, companies can save money, and perhaps more importantly, decrease their dependence on local water infrastructure. Capturing and utilizing rainwater onsite also makes water management more effective, and avoids the unintended pollution and erosion caused by untreated, unmanaged water surges.

Graywater—lightly used water from sinks, bathtubs, and showers—can also be reused. To save money, some companies have invested in closed-loop water recycling systems that collect, treat, and reuse graywater, minimizing the need for freshwater intake and lowering wastewater discharge. If your company isn’t able to recycle its graywater, rainwater capture can still be easily handled with a small investment in water capture receptacles.

4. Facilities Management Best Practices for Compliance and Regulations

Today more than ever, it’s essential to be well versed in industry-specific mandates, regulations, and safety standards. Mandated regulations from OSHA, EPA, ICC, and other agencies carry stiff penalties for violations. So, how can you stay in compliance? One way is to regularly schedule training for your technicians. Another best practice is to keep meticulous records to show that you have complied with all protocols and requirements. But don’t stop there. It’s not enough to keep your own team in compliance. Many facilities managers delegate to third-party contractors, and it’s important that these contractors are also in compliance. This is why it’s crucial to communicate clearly with your contractors and keep accurate records. And if there are serious noncompliance issues, be ready to switch vendors. Remember, it’s your reputation on the line.

5. Adopt Robotics and Automation

As in many industries, robots can help solve labor shortage and other issues in facilities maintenance. Sophisticated floor-cleaning robots, for example, use laser scanners and ultrasonic detectors to maneuver around people and clean a wide variety of surfaces. Some models can clean more than 200,000 square feet in a single day. And when these robots are finished, there is no need for a human to put them away. Not only do these robots automatically return to their docking station, but they also refill themselves with cleaning fluid. And for environments where more stringent cleaning is necessary, such as hospitals, robots equipped with disinfection technologies like pulsed xenon UV light can kill bacteria within minutes. In these situations, where a sterile environment is critical, robots can be especially useful, since they never take vacations or call in sick.

In the same way that robots are changing how facilities are cleaned, automation is modifying how they’re managed. CMMS software, for example, enables managers to track maintenance activities and scheduling costs. It automates the management of workflows, optimizes routing, and enables organized recordkeeping for reporting and auditing, maximizing a facility’s MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations).

6. Prioritize Occupant Safety and Wellness

Since the pandemic, businesses, governments, and the public have taken an increased interest in indoor air quality. According to Joe Allen, associate professor at Harvard and founder of the Healthy Buildings Program, buildings are at the center of a public health crisis: “They represent one of the greatest public health opportunities of this century. Therefore, the future of healthy buildings must be one where they are the norm for everyone, not just a privilege for a select few.” Allen emphasizes that improvements don’t have to be expensive. They can be as simple as updating air filtration systems. A good air handling system can help lower the incidence of infectious illnesses such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19. These systems can also protect against allergies and reduce the health impacts of wildfire smoke and other air pollutants.

If you are looking for ways to adopt facilities management best practices in terms of health and well-being, consider pursuing WELL certification. Indoor air quality is only one of ten categories of WELL certification, a global certification developed by the International WELL Building Institute that recognizes buildings constructed and designed to support the wellbeing and health of their occupants. Some of the issues that WELL certification addresses include:

Designing a building to encourage physical activity
Creating spaces that minimize noise disruptions
Providing relaxation and stress reduction spaces
Reducing occupant exposure to hazardous materials

Every type of facility, from the office to the school building, is eligible for WELL certification.

7. Monitor the Condition of Your Facility

No list of facilities management best practices would be complete without mentioning the need for monitoring. While sensors and other technologies have made it easier than ever to monitor conditions within a facility, it’s not always clear how the information gathered should be interpreted and applied. That’s where the facility condition index (FCI) comes in. Launched in the U.S. in 1991 by the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the FCI allows companies to assess the overall condition of a building, as compared to typical buildings of the same size and configuration.

To determine a facility’s FCI, the data gathered by automated technologies is put into the FCI formula. The resulting index number allows facilities managers to determine the relative condition of a facility by comparing the cost of needed repairs to the total replacement value of the facility. A high FCI indicates that significant repairs are needed, while a lower score means that the facility is in good shape. With a current FCI, facility managers can:

Effectively allocate resources by identifying the areas of greatest need
Predict the expected useful life of components and plan strategically for upgrades
Track the facility’s condition over time
Provide quantitative measures of facility health to stakeholders to help justify funding requests
Identify facilities that may pose safety risks due to deteriorating conditions

Monitoring the condition of facilities, like all the facilities management best practices listed here, is not a magical solution to facilities management. But companies that are able to adopt at least a few of these practices will ensure that their facilities are efficient, safe, and ready for whatever the future may bring.

Delivering Facilities Management Best Practices

Do you need to level up your facilities management? With over 35 years of experience in energy systems maintenance, engineering services, and predictive maintenance, we know how to optimize your facilities systems. Contact us to discover how we can help you lower energy and maintenance costs while simultaneously optimizing occupant comfort.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) may be a young technology, but its use has grown faster than just about every technology that preceded it. ChatGPT, for example, is now used by more than 92% of Fortune 500 companies. Clearly, AI is here to stay, with more and more companies adopting AI-enabled tools. But what about AI in facilities management? When does it make sense? And how do you get the most from this technology?

How Does AI in Facilities Management Work?

Simply put, AI has enabled the latest iteration of smart buildings. When combined with existing smart building technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and sophisticated building management systems, AI can make buildings far more energy-efficient than previously possible.

Software company Service Channel believes that by enabling machines and networks to learn from experience, process large amounts of data, and recognize patterns in the data, AI can automate time-consuming tasks and streamline workflows.

With its large quantity of repetitive, time-consuming tasks, facilities management is one of the industries that’s expected to benefit most from AI over the next few years.

“It’s been said that FM may be the industry that benefits most from AI in the coming years, especially given its large quantity of repetitive, time-consuming tasks. With AI-enabled technology in place, FM professionals will benefit from increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved contractor relationships, and a boost in asset reliability,” the company says.

There are many benefits to using AI in facilities management. Four areas, in particular, benefit from AI-enabled technologies.

Predictive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance—regular checkups to identify issues before they cause major problems—has long been an industry standard. The practice has been compared to dental hygiene, because both teeth and facilities require regular checkups to ensure everything is in working order.

Now, AI can revolutionize that process. Predictive maintenance goes beyond preventive maintenance by collecting data about individual and aggregate assets to determine the best schedule for both maintenance and inspection. Through the analysis of historical data and real-time sensor information, AI-driven systems can forecast equipment failures and arrange maintenance during scheduled downtime. This proactive strategy minimizes costly interruptions and unexpected repairs, extending the lifespan of equipment and lowering maintenance expenses.

By engaging in predictive maintenance instead of waiting for equipment to fail, facility managers can anticipate issues and address them before they cause significant problems. This is particularly valuable for critical systems where sudden failures can lead to substantial operational disruptions and financial losses.

Predictive maintenance is still a fairly new discipline, made possible by advances in data analytics and sensor technology. Technologies such as EAM (enterprise asset management) software and CMMS (computerized maintenance management systems) enable technicians to move away from reactive maintenance to a more predictive strategy of maintenance and repair. And now with AI, these systems are becoming even more useful.

Energy Management

Since the first “smart buildings” came on the scene in the early 1980s, the focus for designers and facility managers alike has been energy efficiency, and AI can take that efficiency to another level. Upgrading to AI-driven, smart equipment can increase energy efficiency by 30%, resulting in a payback period of fewer than 15 years.

Through an infrastructure of connected equipment, devices, and systems, IoT enhances communication and enables information to be shared in real time. But this data is useless unless it can be analyzed and acted upon in a timely fashion. That’s where AI comes in. Because AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data, facilities managers now have a tool that enables them to tailor energy use to the behavior patterns, activity levels, and environmental preferences of occupants, delivering a high level of comfort while using less energy.

Space Utilization

AI algorithms can analyze historical data and predict future space requirements based on such factors as workforce size, departmental needs, and seasonal fluctuations. This enables companies to adjust workspace design to meet evolving demands, minimizing underutilized areas and optimizing resource allocation. AI-powered tools can also generate optimized floor plans by analyzing employee preferences, workflow dynamics, and ergonomic considerations.

Enhanced Security

AI can also enhance surveillance and threat detection capabilities. The Security Industry Association notes that AI technology plays a significant role in multiple aspects of building security. For example, with intrusion detection and prevention systems, AI can help identify and respond to threats instantly, preventing incidents and mitigating damage and loss.

In addition, AI-powered analytic systems can be trained to identify specific objects and people, and then closely track their movements. These capabilities, along with facial recognition technologies, enable AI to identify individuals and authorize or deny their entry.

AI-enabled technologies can even thwart cybersecurity threats by monitoring and analyzing data network traffic in real time, strengthening network security, and identifying suspicious activities like unauthorized data access attempts or unusual data transfers—an important capability, given the increasing automation of HVAC and other building systems.

Should You Invest in AI?

AI offers numerous benefits for facilities management—depending on the facilities. Before going all in, you should consider such factors as your facility size, your current challenges, and your goals.

Integrating AI in facilities management can be an expensive proposition, which is why facility managers should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the costs. AI-driven facilities management tools require a substantial upfront investment, as new tools must be acquired and integrated into current systems. This entails spending on hardware, software, and training.

Among the costs are:

Hardware. This includes sensors to detect occupancy, temperature, and light levels. Once the data is collected and analyzed, hardware will also be needed to control HVAC, water, lighting, and other systems.
Software. Once data is collected, it has to be analyzed. Since most software today is licensed, these expenses will be ongoing. The data also must be stored and updated constantly, likely by a cloud-based provider, which is yet another expense.
Training. Your staff will need to be thoroughly educated to oversee and manage the AI systems.
Cybersecurity. AI systems require vast amounts of data, some of it personal, such as the tracking of who enters a building and when. For this reason, it’s important not only to build firewalls and other safeguards into your software systems, but also to hire people who know how to keep your data private and secure.

While the costs of adopting AI-enabled systems can be high, the expense is usually worth it, especially over time and for large facilities. If your company is one of the growing number of businesses opting to integrate AI in facilities management, be sure to plan carefully and take a systematic approach.

A Three-Step Approach to Using AI in Facilities Management

Planning is essential for getting the most out of AI-assisted facilities management. IFMA recommends a three-step approach for any organization undertaking a large-scale digital transformation:

1. Prepare a comprehensive request for proposal. IFMA calls it the cornerstone of a successful partnership and suggests following this path:

Create clear objectives with tangible outcomes and measurable KPIs. This will allow managers and vendors to chart a coherent and aligned path forward.
Flesh out technical specifications. Be sure to specify required software integrations and data migration protocols.
Develop a realistic budget and timelines. This will allow vendors to prepare more accurate and tailored proposals, reducing the risk of future financial disagreements or timeline disputes.
Determine vendor qualifications. Review their past projects, their certifications, and feedback from previous customers.
Set clear response and evaluation criteria. This not only sets expectations up front, but also paves the way for an objective assessment once the project is completed.

2. Conduct a digital facility audit. This entails cataloging every digital asset, conducting a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, using feedback and surveys to gain employees’ perspectives, and preparing a cost-benefit analysis to help ensure investments are channeled effectively.

3. Develop best- and worst-case scenarios for such issues as implementation cost overruns, technological incompatibilities, user resistance, and security vulnerabilities. This will allow you to anticipate potential problems and develop solutions ahead of time, which is sure to save you time and money.

AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be transformative when implemented strategically, enabling companies to streamline operations and even compensate for a loss of skilled labor. By following the steps above, you can ensure that you reap the benefits of this revolutionary technology, at the lowest cost and with the least disruption.

A Facilities Management Partner You Can Rely On

PRIDE Industries has over 35 years of experience in facilities management, energy systems maintenance, engineering services, and preventive and predictive maintenance. Our state-of-the-art CMMS systems can help you optimize your facility’s systems to lower both energy and maintenance costs. Contact us today to see what our award-winning facilities management services can do for you.

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If you are finding it more difficult to find qualified plumbers and electricians lately, you’re not alone. The labor shortage in skilled trades is impacting facilities managers in companies both large and small as they struggle to fill vacant roles. According to Facilities Management Advisor, 70% of facilities professionals reported employee retention/recruiting challenges.

And the labor shortage isn’t isolated to any one trade, as these concerning trends show:

There is currently a shortage of 110,000 HVAC technicians.
The U.S. is projected to be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027.
Every year, nearly 10,000 electricians either retire or change careers, but only about 7,000 new ones enter the field.

How Did We Get Here?

Savvy companies are learning that there’s another potential labor pool that boasts high retention and low absenteeism—people with disabilities.

The skilled labor shortage did not develop overnight. Changing attitudes and the economic conditions of the 21^st century have led workers away from the skilled trades.

Lack of Shop Class: In the past, shop class was a popular option among middle and high school students, and these classes served as a pipeline to fill positions in the skilled trades. However, when the No Child Left Behind Act passed in 2002, many schools adopted a college-or-bust mentality and let shop classes fall by the wayside.
Retiring Baby Boomers: While many baby boomers choose to continue working, the boomer workforce is nevertheless declining by 2.2 million workers annually, or 5,900 daily, according to Pew Research. This mass exodus has created more than a labor shortage; it has led to a gap in expertise, as these workers take their extensive knowledge and experience with them when they leave the workforce.
The Great Recession and the Pandemic: After the economic downturn of 2008, many skilled workers who had been laid off never returned to their previous industry. For example, according to Associated General Contractors, the Great Recession led to almost half of construction workers either retiring or finding alternative work. A similar mass exodus of skilled workers happened a little over a decade later when COVID-19 rocked the world.
Decline of Family Businesses: Traditionally, family businesses have been multi-generational. However, the millennial generation for many years showed less interest in continuing legacy businesses, as documented multiple times by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in their annual US Family Business Survey.
Views on Skilled Labor: Those in a position to inherit a family business aren’t the only ones who turned their backs on skilled trades. Many saw these jobs as overly physical and sometimes dangerous. Younger workers especially have for several years opted for work that is more technology-focused and less physically demanding. And some educators and parents encouraged this point of view, which in turn discouraged young people from pursuing traditionally blue-collar careers.

All of these factors have worked together to create a perfect storm that has led to the current labor shortage. But hope is on the horizon. Other, countervailing trends are starting to shift labor dynamics in a more positive direction.

Shifting Calculations for Trade School vs. College

For years, it was widely assumed that earning a college degree was the best way to optimize lifetime earnings. But with the unrelenting rise in college costs, that calculus is changing.

Educationdata.org reports that the typical student at a private university, living on campus, spends nearly $60,000 a year. Factor in student loan interest and the loss of income from forgoing four years of paid work, and the cost of a bachelor’s degree can balloon to a price tag of more than half a million dollars. Students pursuing a trade education, on the other hand, often live free at home, and their tuition typically starts at just a few thousand dollars annually. Additionally, most trade school programs can be completed in two years—and some can be completed in mere months.

At the same time that the financial investment delta between trade schools and colleges is growing larger, the differences in income are growing smaller. While long-term earnings for college graduates have traditionally been higher than for trade school graduates, pay for skilled trades is rapidly increasing. For example, in 2024 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that record-high demand in manufacturing and construction operations had raised those sectors’ average wages by more than 20% since 2020.

Reskilling and Upskilling

Rather than wait for trade schools to increase the outflow of skilled talent, some companies are taking matters into their own hands and investing in their current workforce. Working with their human resources departments, companies can identify skills gaps within their current workforce and provide relevant training and development opportunities. This approach addresses the current skills shortage while also creating a pipeline of workers for future company needs. An added benefit to this approach is employee retention, as employees are less likely to jump ship if opportunities for growth are available with their current employer.

Skills-Based vs. Credential-Focused Hiring

Skills-based hiring is another solution to the labor shortage. This hiring approach, which emphasizes a candidate’s competency versus a college degree or years of experience, is especially important in a tight labor market as it opens opportunities to a wider pool of candidates. Focusing on objective skills instead of educational pedigrees can also lead to a more diverse workforce. Candidates who have traditionally been overlooked through a more conventional hiring process are often identified through skills-based hiring.

More companies are embracing skills-based hiring to find qualified candidates. In a joint study, American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future found that 81% of employers now prioritize skills over degrees when hiring, and that 72% of employers feel that a degree is not a reliable indicator when assessing the quality of an applicant.

Recruiting from New Talent Pools

One way to address the skilled trades labor shortage is to look beyond traditional talent pools. For example, skilled trade jobs have traditionally been dominated by men, but many companies are now starting to realize that the best “man” for the job isn’t always a man. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that between 2016 and 2021, the number of women in skilled trades increased by 32%. Despite this increase, women represented only 3.9% of construction workers in 2021, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

Women are one demographic that has sometimes been overlooked by companies seeking to hire workers in skilled trades. But they are not the only one. Savvy companies are learning that there’s another potential labor pool that boasts high retention and low absenteeism—people with disabilities.

Advantages of Hiring People with Disabilities

According to The U.S. Department of Labor, a little over a tenth of the working-age population in the United States has a disability, yet only 35% of these people are employed. By comparison, the employment-to-population ratio for people without disabilities is 75%. This difference may be fueled by the many myths about employing people with disabilities. For example, many companies wrongly assume that the reasonable accommodations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be prohibitively expensive. However, a survey of employers by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) showed just the opposite. Almost half of surveyed businesses reported that accommodations “cost absolutely nothing,” with the median expenditure being a one-time cost of $300.

Furthermore, expenditures to accommodate a person with a disability can often be more than offset through government incentives. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal program that provides incentives for hiring individuals from certain target groups, such as those with disabilities. Under this program, an employer can generally claim up to $6,000 of an employee’s wages in the first year—provided qualifications are met and appropriate paperwork is completed.

Employers that hire people with disabilities gain a stellar workforce. Employees with disabilities consistently demonstrate low absenteeism and have a high retention rate, improving productivity and profitability for their employers. In fact, according to an Accenture study, businesses that proactively hire people with disabilities generate 30% higher profit margins and 28% more revenue than those who do not.

Companies that have not hired people with disabilities in the past may feel they lack the expertise to manage a diverse workforce. But there is a simple solution—contracting with a third party who employs a reliable, inclusive workforce. In addition to helping your bottom line, such a move can help you score points with customers and investors who are increasingly looking at a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Five Criteria to Consider When Outsourcing Skilled Trades Labor

Finding qualified workers in the skilled trades will be an ongoing problem for at least a few more years. And while facilities management partners can be a solution, not all providers are equally qualified. When searching for a facilities maintenance contractor, keep in mind these important factors:

Ability to Self-Perform: Does the contractor have its own in-house workforce for MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) tasks?
Established Relationships with Specialty Vendors: Does the contractor have relationships in place for those specialty tasks that fall outside the more traditional disciplines of day-to-day maintenance?
Certified Workers: Are the vendor’s workers certified in the relevant skills? It’s essential to ensure that your contractor’s workers are fully trained in the skills you need.
Same-Day Response: What are the vendor’s lead and response times? Is the contractor available 24/7 for emergencies?
Skills and Experience: Does the facilities maintenance provider have the experience to optimize outcomes? For example, in addition to keeping your energy systems operating efficiently, an experienced energy services partner should know how to work with your local utility company to provide a custom rebate program for additional savings.

Addressing the skilled trades labor shortage requires a multipronged approach that includes investing in workplace development and leveraging more inclusive hiring practices. Given that qualified tradespeople will likely remain scarce for several more years at least, partnering with a facilities management provider remains a practical solution for companies seeking to fill essential roles.

Your Skilled Labor Partner

Are you looking to fill vacancies, build a more inclusive workforce, and meet your ESG goals? PRIDE Industries can help you do all three. Our award-winning facilities management services have helped hundreds of companies tap into a reliable talent pipeline. We help recruit, hire, train, and support people with disabilities—free of charge to employers. Learn how we can help you solve your labor shortage.

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In January 1983, Hartford, Connecticut became the site of the world’s first “intelligent building”—a 36-story, 1.3-million-square-foot behemoth aptly named “Cityplace.” Though rudimentary when compared to today’s smart buildings, at the time Cityplace represented a new era in building construction.

A New York Times article from that time describes how the building’s services were managed by a computer system and linked by a fiber-optic network—a trademarked system called a ”Data Highway”—that ran through its core.

“Functions such as heating, ventilation, lighting, transportation, security, fire protection and, most important, telecommunications and electronic office services will be integrated, providing economies in construction and management,” the article stated.

The new concept had its skeptics. In the NYT article, BOMA’s executive vice president was quoted as saying, ”They are still in the testing stage.”

But four decades later, it’s clear that the builders had the right idea. Today’s smart buildings incorporate the core principles of that first prototype—but are far more sophisticated, thanks to massive advances in technology that allow faster and seamless controls. And these innovations are saving business owners millions by creating efficiencies across multiple systems.

While HVAC and lighting savings are the best-known advantages of smart buildings, the fact that all systems can be monitored in real time results in additional operational efficiencies that can be significant money-savers.

What Are Smart Buildings?

Key features of smart buildings include energy efficiency through networked HVAC and lighting systems; automated management systems; data analytics to gain insights into a building’s performance and occupant behavior; connectivity and interoperability; enhanced safety and security systems; predictive maintenance through monitoring equipment in real time; and sustainability by reducing a building’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

When Cityplace opened, the internet as we know it was still a decade off. Computer technology was much less robust. The sophisticated sensors, biometric devices, and other features commonly used today simply didn’t exist.

Now, of course, technology makes a wide array of functions possible that Cityplace designers could only dream of. Some commonly used technologies include:

Building Management Systems

These are the brains that make smart buildings possible. The building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage power consumption, HVAC performance, physical access into and within the building, and the status of fire safety systems, elevators, and lights.

A basic BMS consists of software, a server with a database, and smart sensors connected to a network. Sensors gather data and send it to the BMS, where it’s stored in a database. The data is analyzed and reported via dashboards; and if data falls outside the predefined conditions, the BMS will send notifications.

IoT Devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of devices with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet or other networks. The devices provide information to the BMS. Smart technology utilizing IoT and AI can increase energy efficiency by 30%, resulting in a payback period of fewer than 15 years.

Advanced HVAC Systems

These systems utilize energy-efficient components and intelligent controls to significantly reduce energy consumption. For example, sensors can detect which parts of the building are currently unoccupied and reduce heating and cooling to those areas. Conversely, the system can increase ventilation to areas where there are lots of people. By optimizing heating, ventilation, and cooling, these systems ensure that energy is used only when needed.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting saves money by optimizing the use of natural light and turning off lights in unoccupied areas. It utilizes IoT sensors and advanced analytics to control light sources, enabling healthy illumination that varies according to individual preferences, occupancy, availability of daylight, and other factors.

Security Systems

By implementing access control through biometrics, portable cards, and advanced reporting, access control systems allow facility managers to properly track everyone who enters or exits the building. These advanced systems record the time of entry and departure, and the length of stay, ensuring that all those coming in and out of a building—or section of a building—are authorized to do so.

Benefits of Smart Buildings

While the biggest driver behind the rise of smart buildings is a desire for greater energy efficiency, there are numerous other benefits. These include improving the tenant and visitor experience, providing safer workplaces, and streamlining and optimizing maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

The biggest bang for the buck offered by smart buildings is saving money on heating and air conditioning. In traditional buildings, HVAC systems account for about 40% of total energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that simply by adjusting temperatures as needed, a smart HVAC system can lower a building’s energy consumption by 5% to 35%, producing significant financial savings. And companies have indeed found this to be the case: Within 30 days of implementing a building automation system at one of its campuses, Microsoft realized $240,000 in energy savings.

Smart HVAC systems proactively manage energy consumption, reducing unnecessary cooling and heating and therefore significantly lowering energy costs. This intelligent approach not only enhances the efficiency of the system but also extends the lifespan of the HVAC equipment by preventing overuse.

Lighting uses the second-highest amount of energy in a commercial building, accounting for 15% to 20% of energy consumption. By utilizing sensors, the BMS can automatically adjust the amount of lighting in a room based on how much sunlight is available. And like a parent telling a kid to turn out the lights when leaving a room, the system automatically dims or shuts off the lights when a room is unoccupied.

Improved Occupant Comfort

Besides cost savings, a key benefit of smart buildings is enhanced occupant comfort and productivity. As companies work to meet return-to-office (RTO) goals, it’s become important to make places of work as pleasant as possible for staff when they’re onsite, so that the time they spend in the office is a positive experience.

Smart buildings make that possible because the building’s systems can adapt to individual preferences, providing customized lighting, temperature, and other settings for a personalized work environment. Smart building technology also allows desk space and meeting rooms to be booked efficiently, so that office space is maximized, and companies can realize operational savings from their hybrid work schedules.

Operational Efficiency

While HVAC and lighting savings are the best-known advantages of smart buildings, the fact that all systems can be monitored in real time results in additional operational efficiencies that can be significant money-savers. For example, Microsoft found that before the adoption of smart building technologies, their engineers were spending 80% of their time resolving acute management issues, and just 20% in their true capacity as engineers. That changed after the implementation of new monitoring and remote-control technologies—subsequent analysis showed that 48% of the issues identified could be resolved within 60 seconds, a major saving of staff time.

Safety and Security

Having a security guard and a surveillance camera at a building’s main entrance is no longer enough. Today, building security measures include automated visitor check-ins and access control, motion sensors, smart locks, cameras with live monitoring, and AI facial recognition. Building managers can also receive real-time updates on the status of fire alarms, suppression systems, and emergency lighting, enabling swift responses when needed. Cybersecurity protections have also become more common, as the increased connectivity of the IoT has made buildings more vulnerable to attack.

Maintenance Optimization

An important benefit of IoT is that it makes predictive maintenance possible. This prevents malfunctions, keeps small issues from becoming big problems, and significantly reduces the cost of managing real estate assets—while improving the tenant experience. A 2017 study found that predictive maintenance reduced downtime by 35%, unplanned outages by 70%, and costs by 25%. This innovative data-driven approach can transform the upkeep of buildings.

Smart building technology also makes it easier to fix problems as they occur. For instance, if a leak is detected or an HVAC unit has been running for an abnormal amount of time, management is notified, and maintenance personnel can be dispatched quickly to take corrective measures before problems escalate. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and reduces the need for reactive repairs, which can lead to exponentially higher costs.

Moreover, smart building solutions facilitate remote monitoring and control, which gives maintenance teams the ability to manage and troubleshoot systems from a centralized location. Through web-based platforms or mobile applications, technicians can diagnose problems, adjust device settings, and perform routine maintenance tasks without the need to be onsite. Not only does this remote accessibility save time, resources, and labor costs, it also enables teams to respond quickly to emergencies and ensures minimal disruption to building occupants.

As technology continues to advance, the role of smart building solutions in optimizing efficiency for onsite maintenance teams will only grow. By leveraging real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and data-driven decision-making, owners can ensure their buildings are operating at peak performance.

The Future of Smart Buildings

Of course, smart building design is evolving along with the technology that drives it. As more devices become connected, and AI capabilities improve, smart building architecture will offer even more innovative solutions for sustainable, efficient, and comfortable working spaces. For example, keycards could be replaced with apps on smartphones and smartwatches or by biometrics. Other key technologies that will shape the office building of the future could include:

IoT-Connected Heat Pumps

These systems can both cool and heat buildings, moving around liquid refrigerants to remove or add heat in a process that can reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to standard heating and cooling systems. Coupled with IoT sensors, these high-tech pumps also enable customized temperature control, allowing rooms to be heated or cooled on demand.

IoT sensors can further improve efficiency by leveraging AI models that actively predict where and when heating or cooling is needed, based on historical trends. AI offers the opportunity to turn HVAC systems from a reactive technology into a proactive one, reducing equipment upkeep.

Virtual Power Plants

Heat pumps with IoT sensors, coupled with local energy-generating resources like rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, could supply electricity back to the power grid during periods of peak demand. As a result, buildings themselves can act as “virtual power plants,” generating revenue by capitalizing on control of energy usage.

Smart Glass

Soon, more than a quarter of heating and cooling for buildings may go out the window—literally. Smart glass makes this possible by changing the level of tint, or how much light can pass through a window. There are two methods for doing so.

Active smart glass uses a film placed on top of the window to react to the presence of electrical voltage. This enables the glass to change the polarization of the film, resulting in the blocking of more or less sunlight. The glass is hooked up to a power source and can be switched on or off as well as dimmed.

Passive smart glass has a film that reacts to heat or UV/visible light to change polarization. This technology, which is also used for transition lenses, has the benefit of not requiring an external power source. And soon, more advanced smart windows could generate electricity while delivering 30% more energy savings than the smart windows now on the market.

AI-Assisted Occupancy and Security Tech

Advances in AI and computing power have improved security by better detecting and classifying images. Known as computer vision, this technology identifies and analyzes visual data the same way humans do, and can be paired with conventional security technologies, such as metal detectors and thermal screening, to help security personnel identify objects faster.

Digital Twins

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real object or set of objects, constructed with real-world data collected from IoT sensors. After an initial model is created, digital twins undergo simulations to provide performance feedback under various scenarios without having to test the actual system that’s being modeled.

For example, a manager overseeing an office building’s HVAC system may want to know how much energy savings they’ll see by upgrading to a new heat pump. Using data from IoT sensors that measure temperature and humidity, as well as energy consumption data for the current HVAC system, the building manager can construct a digital twin and run heat pump simulations that compare the current and potential HVAC systems, and so determine if it’s worth the cost to upgrade.

Will these advances all come to pass? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Smart buildings are poised to revolutionize how we live and work.

Optimizing Smart Buildings

PRIDE Industries has over 35 years of experience in facilities management, energy systems maintenance, engineering services, and preventive and predictive maintenance. We can help you optimize your facility’s systems to lower both energy and maintenance costs. Contact us today to see what our award-winning facilities management services can do for you.

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It may be gradual, but it is happening. Organizations are implementing return to office (RTO) policies that ask employees to be in the office at least a few days a week.

After the COVID-19 era of fully remote work led to downsizing and vacancies in the commercial office space, emerging RTO policies are now causing work schedules to shift again. While it’s true that many businesses have embraced remote work schedules, most companies now require employees to be in the office for at least part of the week. Only 4% of companies say they expect to remain fully remote in the future.

But while workers are coming into the office more often than before, it’s not like companies have rolled back the clock to the pre-pandemic era. Heightened employee expectations, along with a labor shortage that makes hiring and retention a priority, mean that facilities management teams need to be more flexible than ever before.

Smart facility executives and property managers are taking note of changed expectations and are working with company leadership to ensure building services and amenities are conducive to an office environment that “earns the commute”—whether employees are in the office two days a week or five.

Heightened employee expectations, along with a labor shortage that makes hiring and retention a priority, mean that facilities management teams need to be more flexible than ever before.

With that in mind, we look at three ways that facility managers and property owners can keep employees and tenants happy as companies implement or expand their RTO policies.

Hoteling, Hot Desking, and the Hybrid Schedule

Most companies understand that return to office policies will be most successful when a carrot and not a stick is used to get valued employees back in the office. And the carrot for many employees these days is a hybrid work schedule. This is why, according to CBRE Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights, less than 10% of organizations require employees to be in the office five days a week.

While some companies have tried to mandate that their employees return to the office five days a week, this policy has mostly backfired. Businesses that offer hybrid office schedules are able to fill jobs twice as fast as those who require full-time attendance, according to Fortune magazine, making it clear that the hybrid workplace is here to stay. That explains why the CBRE study found that 90% of RTO policies offer a hybrid option.

And while some CEOs grumble about hybrid work schedules, the fact is that companies can realize significant savings by embracing this model. It costs about $8,000 to maintain an office desk. If adopting a hybrid schedule enables a company to move from a one-to-one worker-to-desk ratio to a two-to-one ratio, that can translate into significant savings. For this reason, savvy organizations are introducing desk hoteling, a system in which workers reserve a desk ahead of time through desk booking software or a mobile app. Another popular option is hot desking, where employees grab a desk on a first-come, first-serve basis when they arrive in the office.

To accommodate desk-sharing workspaces and create an efficient hybrid return to office transition, facility leaders need to consider changes on several fronts.

Create Equal Spaces

Is hot desking revealing that certain desks in your office are constantly occupied, while others are consistently empty? To ensure that workers aren’t battling for the same few desks while others are left underutilized, facility managers should investigate the reasons some workstations are shunned. Is the desk in a Wi-Fi dead spot? Is there insufficient light? A lack of electrical outlets?

And there’s another consideration that has nothing to do with the workstation itself. The real estate maxim—“location, location, location”—applies to desks as much as houses. A third of workers report that their incentive to come into the office is to be around coworkers. Given that preference, it’s clear that outlying desks are going to be ignored in favor of workstations that are located in the center of the action. Facilities managers can respond to this preference by placing workstations in grouped configurations.

Leverage IoT

To reduce energy consumption, use IoT-enabled building automation systems to monitor and control energy use. This smart technology can optimize energy consumption by adjusting cooling systems, turning off lights, or automatically closing blinds against direct sunlight. As the fixed workday disappears, take advantage of the data gathering and analytical capabilities of automated systems to optimize how space is used. Statistics from desk booking apps can show desk occupancy, and occupancy sensors can reveal room utilization in communal areas. This data can then be used to make decisions about space allocation, improve occupant comfort, and control building costs as work schedules fluctuate.

Optimize Wireless Technology

Seamless wireless connections are vital for productive in-office work. Remote work has increased the use of technology for meetings and presentations, and this will remain as workers return to offices. Having excellent wireless presentation capabilities, interactive whiteboards in meeting rooms, and similar productivity-enhancing technology will make it easy for those workers who are in the office to collaborate with those who aren’t—a necessity with hybrid work. And for those workers who are in the office on any given day, smart switches and fixtures that control lighting intensity and color can facilitate greater productivity, and go a long way in keeping employees and tenants happy.

Updating Spaces for the Hybrid Worker

Organizations are reevaluating the quality of office environments, and many are finding that improved amenities and more welcoming spaces are a good way to entice employees to make the commute to the office. Now may be time for the tiny chair-less kitchen or drab windowless lunchroom to be transformed into a more inviting space. In addition to rearranging office spaces and creating flexible seating arrangements that align with hybrid work schedules, adding or upgrading amenities is another way to keep employees happy and productive.

Provide Options

Comfortable communal spaces with soft furnishings are great as collaboration hubs for impromptu meetings or brainstorming sessions, and can even lead to better teamwork and morale. At the same time, many employees report the need for quiet in order to focus, which is why it’s equally important to provide rooms or booths that are at least partially soundproofed.

Use Natural Light

Natural light has been shown to improve well-being among employees. It’s also a great way to reduce energy consumption. If your facility doesn’t already have daylight sensors, consider installing them. Reducing or eliminating artificial lighting whenever natural light is available can introduce significant cost savings—and make the workplace ambiance more inviting. In areas where less natural light is available, consider alternative lighting options such as focused task lighting or softer ambient lighting, instead of banks of unforgiving fluorescent lights as the sole source of illumination.

Cosmetic improvements

Just because an upgrade is easy or inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s not effective. A coat of paint, plenty of plants, and new decor in dull areas can make a big difference to the office ambience. This goes for hallways and bathrooms too.

Service Amenities

Employee surveys show that workers appreciate amenities like gyms, cafés, outdoor trails, and roof gardens. But not every company can afford a café on the roof or a fully outfitted gym. In that case, consider smaller, less expensive improvements, like upgrading the seating in an outdoor patio. Even little changes can make a difference.

Customer Service for the Return to Office Naysayers

While many executives want to bring employees back to the office five days a week, a high percentage of employees do not share that sentiment. In fact, according to Forbes Advisor, 98% of workers want to work remotely for at least part of the week.

The reasons for this preference vary. Some employees do not want to return to the office because their WFH (work-from-home) setup is better. Many have caregiving responsibilities that require flexible schedules. Some employees are simply more productive, and more likely to work longer hours, when at home. Others have concerns about viral exposure.

These are all valid concerns, and they can be addressed by providing excellent facility management services.

Responsiveness

Workers are not willing to make the commute to a building where the thermostat is broken or there are unresolved plumbing issues in one of the bathrooms. Here’s where CMMS software can make a real difference, enabling you to stay on top of these inevitable issues in a timely manner. These software systems also make it possible to engage in predictive maintenance, so that you catch issues before they happen.

Show Off Your Cleaning

Buildings with efficient and timely janitorial protocols will make employees feel less stressed. Consider scheduling some janitorial services during work hours. This will not only save on labor costs, but will also reassure building occupants that high standards of cleanliness are being met. Making janitorial staff visible during the workday has been shown to reduce employee complaints, perhaps because it provides visual proof that the building is being properly maintained.

Even though the pandemic is over, COVID-19 and other viruses are still circulating. Letting employees know that sanitation protocols are still in effect, and letting them see for themselves that these protocols are being carried out by the janitorial staff, can go a long way in providing peace of mind.

Facilitate Communication and Community

Incorporating digital signage to show who is in the office and where they are working can be a great way to increase community among employees. And always be sure to communicate to occupants when significant maintenance is being performed, so that they know what to expect in advance. For significant projects, communicate well in advance—through email and physical signage—so that building occupants can plan for any disruptions to their routines.

Facility Managers Can Ease the Return to Office

Office schedules and leasing may have been upturned due to the pandemic, but the RTO trend is continuing to bring workers back to the office—albeit a different kind of workplace.

New office configurations and technology will be crucial for meeting the demands of hybrid work schedules, as will agile facility services that emphasize excellent customer service. By working cross-functionally with company leadership, facility managers can play a key role in creating a workplace that runs smoothly and makes employees happy to be back in the office.

Your Return to Office Facilities Partner

Optimize your office operations for RTO success with our award-winning facility management services. With more than 140 million square feet of facilities under management, and over 35 years of experience, PRIDE Industries can help you create an office environment that’s both efficient and welcoming.

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