Workplace redesign could help with return to office, VergeSense says

Employees claim there’s not enough productive space even though office utilization remains below pre-pandemic levels, the firm says.

By S.L. Fuller • March 15, 2024

Biden administration announces expansion of registered apprenticeships

The administration previously announced $200 million in grant funding to support apprenticeship programs in high-demand areas, such as the clean energy, hospitality and supply chain sectors.

By Carolyn Crist • March 14, 2024

HVAC pre-apprenticeship program aims to improve skilled worker pipeline

The Pryor High School Innovation Center in Oklahoma is using Interplay Learning’s platform to provide hands-on training that includes repairing and maintaining the school’s HVAC systems.

By Nish Amarnath • March 13, 2024

Independent contractor rule takes effect

In a statement, the Society for Human Resource Management said the rule “fosters ambiguity” and deters businesses from extending essential training to independent workers.

By Emilie Shumway • March 11, 2024

Sodexo’s new US workplace experience head talks data, decisions, employee preferences

“Sodexo has the DNA and the legacy as a food business to legitimately be in the workplace experience business,” said Amy O’Neil.  

By Joe Burns • Feb. 26, 2024

Proactive maintenance gaining momentum in facilities management: Limble

Seventy-two percent of manufacturing and FM professionals Limble surveyed reported implementing proactive maintenance to combat aging infrastructure, with 69% investing in new equipment.

By Joe Burns • Feb. 21, 2024

Multiple lawsuits target Johnson Controls across the US

A suit filed filed in a New York City federal court alleges that the company is refusing to pay sales representatives commissions they are due.

By Joe Burns • Feb. 15, 2024

Building workers’ union members approve New York City contract with Realty Advisory Board

More than 99% of bargaining committee members who voted on the package approved the deal, which secures wage hikes, bonuses and improved retirement benefits.

By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 13, 2024

Return-to-office traffic is fueling a catering boom in 2024

Office catering is on the rise as employers use food to incentivize employees to come into the workplace, said Alison Quinn, Dinova CEO.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 29, 2024

How facilities managers will navigate the return-to-office landscape in 2024

While hard data on occupancy can inform office right-sizing, soft data like employee preferences are becoming key to improving workplace occupancy and tenant satisfaction.

By Joe Burns • Jan. 29, 2024

DOL’s independent contractor rule faces legal roadblocks ahead of effective date

At least two lawsuits seek to block implementation of the final rule, which takes effect in less than two months.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 24, 2024

Career and technical education faces obstacles to meeting demand

"The college-for-all mentality has limited student options and created stigma around trades careers,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of a nonprofit that supports skilled trade education in high schools.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 22, 2024

OSHA region launches multiyear safety program for tree, landscaping workers

The program will involve targeted safety and health inspections to assess employers’ compliance and reduce workers’ exposure to hazards, the U.S. Labor Department says.

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 19, 2024

Healthcare facilities managers must adapt to outpatient focus, AI integration: JLL

Optimizing real estate portfolios and tackling workforce challenges are other priorities, according to the firm’s 2024 healthcare sector outlook.

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 17, 2024

6 facilities management trends to watch in 2024

Facilities managers are turning to technology and automation to help address commercial real estate challenges, including decarbonization, office space optimization and skilled labor shortages.

By Nish Amarnath , Joe Burns • Jan. 10, 2024

DOL independent contractor final rule announced, will take effect March 11

The rule largely tracks the agency’s October 2022 proposed rule, adopting a six-factor, “totality-of-the-circumstances” framework for analyzing worker-employer relationships.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 9, 2024

Trends that will define facilities management in 2024: 12 predictions

Net-zero goals, AI-driven automation, predictive maintenance and office right-sizing are some of what industry participants expect in the new year.

By the Facilities Dive Team • Jan. 2, 2024

NYC building service workers, RAB reach tentative contract agreement, averting strike

The proposal continues existing healthcare premium coverage, sets a 3% average annual wage increase over four years and creates an early retirement incentive. 

By Joe Burns • Dec. 28, 2023

NYC building service workers strike threat could affect 1,300 buildings

The 32BJ affiliate of SEIU is negotiating with the Realty Advisory Board for wage increases, fully employer-paid health insurance and job security in a contract that expires Dec. 31.

By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 22, 2023

Organizations plan to cut, optimize space to accommodate hybrid work

Sensor and network connectivity data is informing decisions on office space and collaborative work needs, according to CBRE.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 21, 2023

GAO: Federal agencies need to coordinate data on independent contractors, temp workers

Millions of U.S. workers are in nonstandard work arrangements, but data on those workers is scattered and unorganized, GAO said.

By Laurel Kalser • Dec. 21, 2023

DOE allocates $40M for energy audit training

The funds aim to help states upskill a workforce that will evaluate energy efficiency to help building owners save money and combat climate change.

By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 21, 2023

DOL rule would promote apprenticeships, tighten program labor standards

Apprenticeships have received much attention of late as a way to funnel badly needed talent into key industries.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 19, 2023

A lack of collaborative space tops list of in-office concerns

As 58% of North American companies are mandating or encouraging more time in the office than they did six months ago, challenges remain, according to a workplace report by VTS.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 15, 2023

Nearly half of companies say they plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements in 2024

Many employers are dropping degree requirements to create a more diverse workforce and increase job candidate numbers, survey results show.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 14, 2023