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Interior design is facing a talent shortage, and it’s going to get…
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesAs anyone trying to hire in today’s job market knows, it’s getting harder and harder to find qualified candidates. From what we’re seeing in my firm, there currently is a talent shortage throughout the industry, in all positions. More troubling, it appears fewer younger people are entering the profession. That could create big problems for firms in the coming years. A number of factors are contributing to the current shortage.
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An employer’s guide to COVID-19: Top 5 strategies for keeping your…
Candice Gottlieb-Clark Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementBusiness owners and leaders, there is no doubt that these are challenging times. COVID-19 has required you to change business practices overnight. Teams that normally buzz with momentum are now separated, and you must hope are still able to work effectively to get things done. Technology that was once optional for getting things done is now essential, whether your employees feel ready or not. While fear and stagnancy may be unavoidable in the first few days of change, this process is not going to be a short one.
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Downsizing comes to senior living
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesMore is more has been the trend in senior living for many years — more variety, more choice, more activities, more open spaces, more gathering places. That trend is poised to reverse itself in the coming decade, believe some industry experts. Developments in technology and construction will make smaller spaces more attractive to aging baby boomers looking for a place to spend their later years.
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How COVID-19 is affecting the world’s airports
Matt Falcus Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented attack on air travel around the world, leaving airports, airlines and travelers exposed to a period of uncertainty that is difficult to prepare for. The outbreak began in China and spread throughout the countries of Asia, affecting many of the world’s biggest hub airports. Now, a few months down the line, the effect is already being felt. Passengers at Singapore Changi Airport in February were down 32.8% on last year.
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Accepting the new virtual reality
Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementAs the coronavirus crisis escalates, more and more restrictions are being put in place: no large gatherings, no in-person classes at school, no sporting events, avoid air travel, cancel unnecessary meetings, etc. Many employers have closed their campuses and required employees to work from home — when they can. Many industries, like retail, hospitality, and personal services, can't just be packaged up and run remotely. But there are many others that could provide remote services — but have just never made it part of their offerings.
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Escaping the coronavirus through camping
Cindy Belt Recreation & LeisurePeople are worried about vacationing this year. For those of us over 60 years old, we've been warned to stay away from cruises, international travel, most airplane flights, and crowds. Other than staying at home for months, it turns out that camping may be a great way to enjoy travel while still keeping risks low. While traveling on a plane or cruise ship means potential exposure to viruses from other travelers, driving in a car, truck, or RV just means exposure with your normal companions.
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As organizations close, tips for facility managers to clear out the coronavirus
Scott E. Rupp Facilities & GroundsThe Clean Buildings Expo (CBE) and National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT) Conference and Expo that was to be held this week in Baltimore has been postponed because of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). There's likely no better time for the information that was slated for the clean-building conference than now. But that's the current state of the world given the pandemic. As governments develop strategies to lead their citizens through these developments, there's an important role to be played by facility managers.
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Serving the preliminary notice: 3 pitfalls contractors must avoid
Patrick Hogan Construction & Building MaterialsThe biggest challenge that the construction industry is experiencing right now is getting paid on time and in full. The persistence of payment issues has led many contractors, subcontractors, and other industry professionals to consider them the norm rather than the exception. The root cause of this problem can be traced back to the nature of construction projects. Even just a single construction project can have multiple contracts signed by different parties.
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New remodeling forecasts revised upward
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsDemand for remodeling services maintained momentum in the fourth quarter of 2019, with remodelers reporting average revenue gains a few notches above industry projections. That momentum is expected to carry over into the first half of this year, fueled by the recent uptick in activity in the housing market. Although industry experts still foresee mainly moderate growth for 2020, they have revised their long-range forecasts slightly higher than those of the previous quarter.
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A facility management guide to virus protection
Scott E. Rupp Facilities & GroundsThe National Safety Council has updated its original statement from Jan. 31 on the coronavirus (COVID-19). The organization works to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes, in communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education, and advocacy, so its standing in the facility management world has a strong foundation. In its statement regarding the virus, it is urging employers to assess their risk of exposure and ensure procedures are in place to control transmission effectively. Likewise, workplace illness prevention training is imperative for all employees, the NSC adds.
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