FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
NEW TECH
Another change in the workplace has been the introduction of novel technology. Hand-held temperature measures are becoming commonplace at the entrance to buildings. Sensors are also being used to aid in cleaning and occupancy level management. The coming months will certainly see the number of voice-activated and touchless devices in the workplace continue to skyrocket. This will be yet another change that FoH teams will need to adapt to. Some of this technology, such as the temperature measures, will be used primarily by FoH professionals, who will need to quickly become proficient in its use. Other pieces will be used by a broader range of building users but, in many cases, FoH teams will be responsible for introducing users to the new technology.
Technological skills have not necessarily been a core part of the FoH skillset in the past. Now, though, they will be vital to smooth the transition to the post-COVID era. Like the organisations they work for, FoH teams need to show greater flexibility and resilience in the new era. Traditionally, technological skills have been seen as antithetical to people skills. Old stereotypes need to be discarded when training the workforce. Facilities personnel of all description will need to be prepared to 
broaden their remit. In doing so, we will develop a more resilient and agile workforce.
However, personal resilience must not be forgotten. FoH teams have a huge role in quelling the fears of building users but their own mental wellness must not be forgotten. This sector has been on the frontline of the pandemic and the strains they have been through must be recognised. When preparing FoH teams for the post-COVID era, employers must include mental wellness and resilience training.
While the pandemic is truly a global tragedy, we cannot pretend that things will return to normal. The best we can do to adapt to the ‘new normal’ is to take inspiration from the strength and innovation shown by many throughout the pandemic and apply what we have learned to build a stronger and more resilient workforce.
