10 Jan Top Facilities Management Trends in 2022

2020 and 2021 were rocky years for commercial real estate—specifically facility upkeep and maintenance. The COVID-19 pandemic threw all sorts of curveballs, and it was up to facilities maintenance managers to adapt to them accordingly.

Now, looking ahead, 2022 will be a pivotal year for facilities management to rebound. Here are the top trends for 2022 in building maintenance to keep an eye on in this rapidly-changing arena.

Shrinking commercial real estate footprints

With more companies requiring less space, many businesses are choosing smaller office spaces or even leasing shared spaces. Many large corporations that had sprawling campuses only a few years ago are downsizing their real estate footprints. This requires a more concerted approach to facilities upkeep.

Companies need the ability to service more frequently-used spaces more often, and quicker. Demand for robust maintenance solutions is on the rise, paving the way for some of the other trends on this list, including integrated facilities management.

Integrated facilities management (IFM)

When different processes and systems used by various physical departments are integrated or streamlined, this is called integrated facilities management (IFM). Facilities managers who can successfully implement such integrations will be able to work more efficiently and get a better handle on their data. This includes working with vendors to consolidate facilities services, or bringing facilities services back in-house through the power of automation.

Emphasis on IFM is growing as companies see it as a way to reduce maintenance costs without compromising on the caliber of results.

CMMS and CAFM software

More and more, facility management is going digital. This means relying heavily on software investments in the way of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) platforms.

Facility management (FM) software that integrates with building information modeling (BIM) allows users to view and maintain the physical space of their facilities in real time. Pervasive connectivity technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), will also help facility managers track, manage and improve the performance of facilities.

Continuing COVID-19 concerns

Of course, we can’t just assume COVID-19 will magically disappear from the world in 2022. Nevertheless, we’ve now had two years of practice in preparing for the “new norm.” Facility maintenance tips for 2022 will continue to swirl around how to keep employees safe and facilities sanitized.

Stay the course with engrained processes, and don’t be afraid to try new products and materials that help maintain sanitary facility operations—everything from HEPA HVAC filters to hydrostatic disinfection for workplaces, and beyond.

Pay attention to the changing industry

There are many other trends to watch out for in 2022. For instance, more organizations are starting to utilize facilities management software that has automated workflows. More companies are also implementing “reverse outsourcing,” which is where equipment used by third-party companies is managed by an internal facility management team instead.

In order to stay ahead of the trends, facility managers need to keep their eyes open and be aware of the latest industry developments. While technology in this field is rapidly advancing, a human touch is still a valuable asset when it comes to managing facilities efficiently.

Want to get ahead of these trends for 2022 in the building maintenance field? Contact Knauss Property Services, LLC today and let us help you keep your property in prime condition.