FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
New research has found that almost two-thirds of UK businesses’ senior decision-makers will increase the number of times employees must attend their workspace.
The findings come from digital infrastructure specialists, NCG, who commissioned an independent survey of 1,002 senior decision-makers within UK businesses. The results revealed that 59 per cent of respondents said their employees would be expected to be present at the office more frequently than they have over the last year.
Face-to-face interaction is clearly important; when asked what the most important factor is when selecting a new workspace, networking and event opportunities were at the top of the list with 31 per cent. In addition, 65 per cent of respondents said the technology they use in the workspace is essential for networking and collaboration.
Yet for a significant number, basic functions of their office technology are letting them down. A quarter (24 per cent) of those asked said that the mobile or online platform for booking meeting rooms and registering guests was poor, whilst 19 per cent stated that the platform for communicating with other members or learning about events taking place in the space was also poor.
Thomas Proctor, CEO of NCG, said: “After years of remote working following the pandemic, many businesses are now insisting that their employees return to the office at least some of the time. What’s clear is that business leaders believe in-person interactions and collaboration are vital to their growth.
“The technology on offer in workspaces must, therefore, be of the highest standard, allowing businesses the freedom to connect without limitations. The fact that our research highlights that the technology laid out across an office building is of the highest importance to senior decision-makers shows investing in industry-leading solutions that are efficient and easy to use is essential.
“Landlords and operators must make installing the best technology a non-negotiable if they are to meet the demands businesses now have for their office space. By using the best in class technology solutions, they can help landlords and operators set themselves apart in an already saturated market.”
The FM industry is evolving quicker than ever before, and so are the demands of the customers it serves.
To help shed light on some of the trends that are shaping the sector, Biological Preparations, a leading UK biotech company, is conducting a survey in collaboration with FMJ to identify the sustainability priorities and challenges amongst FM leaders.
This five-minute, anonymous FM-focused survey, offers FM professionals of all hierarchies with a platform to voice their perspectives and share their experiences.
As a thank you for taking part in the survey you will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 worth of Amazon vouchers.
To share your experiences, please click here.
