In the near future, major changes are coming to what workers will demand of their organizations and how they are able to interact with their work environments. These changes are being fueled by demographics, use of technology and social changes, which are shifting people's expectations of the workplace, a new report issued by real estate adviser CBRE says.

The report, which identifies the major trends in facility management, says that people want to “choose where and when” they work. They look to the workplace — wherever that may be — to deliver more services and amenities. In other words, they want their work environments to be comfortable and engaging and met the personal needs of the professional.

Nearly 75 percent of 2018 EMEA Occupier Survey’s respondents expect companies to provide collaboration and social spaces as there also is a growing interest in managed workspace and co-working, with use expected to increase in the next three years. "Companies can create advantage by using serviced workplaces for ‘swing space’ and overflow while managing capital spend, as well as fostering innovation by placing people in collaborative spaces," the report says.

Smart buildings with lights, sensors, windows, HVAC units, doors and CCTV integrated into a network are common. There is greater opportunity to enhance the end-user experience with convenient, tailored services. Occupiers also expect to be able to provide more for their employees, who work in the buildings.

Data-driven decision-making is going to increase, too. By 2025 data analytics will be critical for addressing costs and performance. Nearly half of occupier companies expect to hire data scientists in the coming years. They must be able to accommodate these additions to their organizations within their facilities.

Ian Entwisle, CEO of Global Workplace Solutions for EMEA, said in a statement: "The facilities management delivery model we see today goes far beyond simply delivering building efficiencies and cost savings. Clients increasingly choose their supplier with the intention of building a partnership, and platform for collaboration and innovation; the focus is long-term. Rather than the outdated RFP and presentation process, we are increasingly co-solutioning alongside our prospects and clients."

Likewise, the report says that personalization technology is changing the way people shop for facilities, and this approach could impact retail portfolios; online channels will play a major role in the customer journey and property directors must look at their future portfolios to consider how the balance will shift between physical and virtual space.

For example, four out of five building occupiers have unveiled or plan to introduce a wellness program, and an even higher proportion are interested in wellness-capable buildings, adds the report. Yes, they need facilities that can meet this need for their organizations. In this specific example, this will add pressure on FMs to provide for the ability of a wellness program so that occupiers can create such a program to boost productivity, attract talent and reduce sickness and absenteeism.

Ultimately, what this means, CBRE says, is that more collaboration will be required between FM, human resources and IT to deliver successful buildings and programs.

By integrating property and FM, organizations are bringing advisory and transaction services, FM and project services under one supplier and point of control.