Bruce MarsCBRE Group explains how the rise of hybrid work has reshaped how organizations utilize office space, presenting both challenges and opportunities for facilities management (FM).
A paradigmatic shift in the workplace requires FM teams to adopt AI-driven solutions, predictive analytics, and smart automation to manage fluctuating occupancy patterns and ensure an engaging, efficient workplace experience.
Hybrid Work: The New Normal for Facilities Management
Hybrid work is not just a temporary trend—it’s a long-term reality. CBRE’s Occupier Sentiment Survey confirms that while return to office initiatives are ongoing, few organizations are mandating a full five-day workweek on-site. The extent of hybrid work varies:
- Office workers generally have more flexibility than those in industrial settings.
- Geographical differences impact attendance, with employees in Asia more likely to be on-site than their U.S. counterparts.
- Many professional roles had some remote component before the pandemic, and hybrid work has only accelerated this trend.
As organizations right-size their portfolios to align with hybrid models, FM teams must rethink their operational strategies. AI-powered occupancy analytics are playing a crucial role in this transformation.
Traditional FM strategies relied on static occupancy assumptions—but hybrid work introduces fluctuating attendance patterns that require real-time adaptability.
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How AI and Advanced Analytics Optimize Hybrid Workplaces
With fewer FM professionals available, organizations must do more with less. Advanced AI-driven technologies and automation are helping teams optimize time and resources, allowing employees to focus on high-value activities.
1. Smart Space Utilization and Predictive Maintenance
Traditional FM strategies relied on static occupancy assumptions—but hybrid work introduces fluctuating attendance patterns that require real-time adaptability. AI-driven occupancy monitoring enables FM teams to:
- Track in-office attendance trends (e.g., most U.S. markets see peak attendance Tuesday—Thursday).
- Adjust cleaning and maintenance schedules dynamically, reducing unnecessary servicing on low-occupancy days.
- Optimize energy usage by adjusting HVAC, lighting, and other systems based on real-time office activity.
By leveraging machine learning algorithms, FM teams can proactively anticipate space needs, ensuring that work environments remain cost-effective and energy efficient.
A key challenge in the hybrid era is making in-office days valuable for employees.
2. Enhancing Workplace Experience with AI-Powered Services
A key challenge in the hybrid era is making in-office days valuable for employees. AI-powered FM solutions are helping organizations create engaging, dynamic workplaces by:
- Personalizing workplace services, from smart temperature controls to digital room booking.
- Analyzing behavioral trends to identify the most-used spaces and enhance their functionality.
- Implementing on-demand amenities, such as AI-assisted food and beverage stocking based on historical consumption patterns.
Connected technologies deliver enhanced workplace experiences
Performance metrics may vary based on portfolio size, location, and partnership model with CBRE services.
3. AI-Powered Workplace Analytics: A Strategic Advantage
FM leaders are now turning to advanced analytics platforms to future-proof their workplace strategies. These solutions provide:
- Real-time occupancy insights to help organizations right-size their portfolios without compromising employee experience.
- Predictive data models to forecast space needs and reduce underutilized areas.
- Automated workplace recommendations that adjust office layouts to accommodate evolving work patterns.
By integrating CBRE’s connected workplace solutions, organizations can bridge the gap between physical space and digital work environments, ensuring that facilities remain relevant, functional, and employee friendly.
Shifting workplace norms demand a new approach to facilities management, one that blends technology, human experience, and strategic planning.
The Future of Facilities Management in a Hybrid World
Shifting workplace norms demand a new approach to facilities management, one that blends technology, human experience, and strategic planning. AI, advanced analytics, and IoT-driven automation will continue to play a central role in helping FM teams:
- Adapt to dynamic occupancy patterns.
- Enhance workplace engagement.
- Optimize real estate footprints for long-term efficiency.
The hybrid era presents both challenges and opportunities—and those who embrace AI-driven FM solutions will be best positioned to lead the future of work.
CBRE’s connected technologies deliver enhanced workplace experiences
Performance metrics may vary based on portfolio size, location, and partnership model with CBRE services.
3. AI-Powered Workplace Analytics: A Strategic Advantage
FM leaders are now turning to advanced analytics platforms to future-proof their workplace strategies. These solutions provide:
- Real-time occupancy insights to help organizations right-size their portfolios without compromising employee experience.
- Predictive data models to forecast space needs and reduce underutilized areas.
- Automated workplace recommendations that adjust office layouts to accommodate evolving work patterns.
By integrating CBRE’s connected workplace solutions, organizations can bridge the gap between physical space and digital work environments, ensuring that facilities remain relevant, functional, and employee friendly.
The Future of Facilities Management in a Hybrid World
Shifting workplace norms demand a new approach to facilities management, one that blends technology, human experience, and strategic planning. AI, advanced analytics, and IoT-driven automation will continue to play a central role in helping FM teams:
- Adapt to dynamic occupancy patterns.
- Enhance workplace engagement.
- Optimize real estate footprints for long-term efficiency.
The hybrid era presents both challenges and opportunities—and those who embrace AI-driven FM solutions will be best positioned to lead the future of work.
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