Written By: Marshal Sterio & Narrated By: Gayle Crew

More than three years after a novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China, the world has learned a lot more about indoor air quality (IAQ) than most people probably wanted to. In the early days of the pandemic – as the transmissibility patterns of COVID-19 became clearer – country by country, state by state, and city by city, populations by the millions were ordered to shelter in place. COVID, many soon learned, was easily spread between occupants of shared indoor spaces. Preventing transmission meant avoiding indoor gatherings, even with loved ones.

As people adjust to the post-pandemic world, companies are seeking creative ways to entice workers back to the office. One powerful yet often overlooked strategy is offering free or subsidized lunches. Not only does this perk boost morale, but it also supports local businesses and fosters a sense of community.

In the modern workplace, there is a constant need for fast, effective connectivity wherever cell phones, laptops, and other devices are used. Despite this need for connectivity, the aging technological infrastructure within buildings remains static and, year-by-year, it becomes less capable of handling the advancing technology. Just as cell phones seem to upgrade every year, infrastructure to feed devices with cellular and Wi-Fi signal require upgrades and updates, as well.

The concept of the workplace has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Business resilience is undeniably dependent on its people. No matter how robust the strategies are or advanced the technology, it is the employees who form the foundation of an organisation's ability to adapt and thrive. In today's ever-changing landscape, the purpose of the workplace has undergone a significant shift, and employees' needs have taken centre stage, with flexibility emerging as a top priority.

The latest building system technologies being adopted bring many benefits in terms of operational efficiencies, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced occupant experience. But these systems also introduce new vulnerabilities and present a much more tempting target for malicious actors seeking to launch cyberattacks. So do the benefits outweigh the risks, and how should potential vulnerabilities be addressed?

Listen as Erica Godun, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwell, Director of Sustainability, Ware Malcomb, discusses sustainable strategies for industrial buildings.

Embracing a 4-day work week is a strategic move for enhancing business operations through increased efficiency rather than extended hours. This approach emphasizes prioritizing the well-being of organizations' most vital business asset – their employees. 4 Day Week Global External Link champion the 100-80-100™ framework, advocating for full pay for 80% of the time while ensuring 100% productivity in return.

Stephen Brown and his esteemed colleagues, Dr. Whitney Austin Gray and Angela Spangler from the International WELL Building Institute join forces in an enlightening conversation about the latest updates in WELL standards. Gain valuable insights as they draw on real-world examples from companies that have embraced WELL principles.

Mark Arcari and Dr. Mark Forret of ISS delve into the key characteristics essential for multinational organizations purchasing integrated facilities, this discussion sheds light on the strategic considerations, challenges, and successful approaches in managing such complex, interconnected systems. Gain valuable insights from these experts as they navigate the intersection of organizational structures, facilities management, and the global landscape.

Stephanie Leontis of Accruent leads This discussion with Luis Morejon of Newmark about sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies as well as practical advice for facilities managers to adopt these practices.