FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Real estate decision-making and people-centric strategies are becoming more integrated, according to CBRE’s 2023 European Occupier Survey. The data showed that 68 per cent of organisations have partnered across multiple business functions including HR, IT and Communications when implementing workplace change strategies, suggesting the importance of real estate decisions at a corporate level.
This was further demonstrated at an employee level, with more than half of respondents (55 per cent) stating that they engage employees via surveys and focus groups when making major decisions relating to the workplace.
Respondents were also asked what actions they had taken to implement these change strategies. Re-allocating space to support new ways of working was the most common response (53 per cent), followed by a focus on the collaboration space offered (46 per cent).
This evolving work style has directly influenced the design of the office, resulting in a significant shift in the mix of working environments. The research showed that 72 per cent of occupiers have reduced the number of dedicated or assigned seating, whilst 73 per cent have increased the amount of space for activity-based work, placing greater emphasis on collaborative working. Employee preferences have also impacted building-selection criteria. When selecting locations, 80 per cent of respondents identified access to public transport as the top priority, reflecting the desire for a straightforward commute.
The research also showed that sustainability features have become the most important building consideration, with 55 per cent of those surveyed stating that it influences their office choice, followed by the availability of on-site food & beverage (54 per cent). Access to various amenities including shared meeting space, fitness and wellness facilities and flexible space were also identified as important considerations.
When asked about portfolio optimisation strategies, 58 per cent of occupiers said that they have reduced their portfolio size in the past three years, primarily due to the evolution of hybrid working. However, almost half (45 per cent) of the companies surveyed are relocating into better quality space, with a further 23 per cent exploring this as a possibility, signalling the flight to prime.
Said Richard Holberton, Senior Director, Research, Europe, CBRE:
“The acceleration of hybrid working has highlighted the need to establish resilient and adaptable workplace strategies, and robust decision-making processes. The benefits of partnering real estate decision makers with other corporate functions is increasingly recognised and likely to produce the most positive results.”
Are you confident that your contractors and suppliers meet ethical labour standards and human rights obligations?
For many FM services, managing multiple third parties in the supply chain can be a complex challenge. And, in a sector that relies heavily on migrant workers and 65 per cent of FM services facing difficulties in sourcing workers (Q4 2022 RICS survey), exposure to exploitation and modern slavery is a very real risk. With the UK one of the biggest destinations in Europe for trafficking of workers, you need full visibility of the people you work with, so you can minimise your risks and identify which part of your supply chain is most vulnerable.
FMJ, in partnership with Alcumus, is pleased to bring together a panel of experts to discuss how to create an ethical supply chain in FM.
Taking place at 11am on Wednesday 21st of June, the webinar will discuss:
- The regulations to be aware of that are aimed at preventing human right abuses.
- How to gain greater visibility of modern slavery compliance in the supply chain by having a robust verification process in place.
- Steps to creating a compliant, ethical supply chain.
To register for the webinar click here.
