Occupier priorities are shifting, according to new facilities management trends report

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) has published the 2019 edition of their Top Trends in Facilities Management report. The latest version of this annual report claims to highlight how changes in occupier needs are impacting FM strategies. The latest trends are broken down into four broad categories: client relationships; contracts; an increasing focus on people and technology.

The report suggests that there is a shift in occupier priorities from cutting costs, to finding a provider who can add value through innovation, sustainability and diversity initiatives and priorities. This change in onus naturally leads to relationships between occupiers, facilities management providers and their supply chains becoming longer-lasting and more sustainable.

These longer-term contracts are increasingly focused on helping occupiers to attract and retain talent and showcase their brand both internally and externally. The report also identifies a growing demand for simplified contracts, which supports providers offering a holistic solution whereby they manage all real estate elements for an occupier, maximising effectiveness.

The report claims that a focus on people will continue to drive the occupier agenda, impacting what is demanded from facilities managers. Companies engaged in the war for talent are increasingly focused on how their workplace experience can be used to attract and retain top employees. While it may not be possible to create a five-star experience across an entire portfolio, companies are segmenting and prioritising sites to focus on those which will see the greatest benefit.

The new report explores ten key trends, with a focus on four key areas;

• Relationship foundations,
• Evolving contract models,
• Technology – threats and opportunities
• Focus on people

In terms of technology, security management is being given an ever more significant focus, with companies looking for FM experts with experience in both physical and cyber security. This demand is intensified by the changing way in which we are working, with flexible space options necessitating a new strategy in security management.