Bilt adds project collaboration feature to help train technicians

The interactive instruction firm aims to bridge the skilled labor gap through upskilling and on-the-job training based on interactive 3D guidance.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 8, 2023

Could apprenticeships help address the skilled worker shortage?

Janitors and other high-churn, low-wage U.S. workers could benefit from a proposed apprenticeship system to become electricians, construction managers and other skilled professionals, a new report says.

By Kathryn Moody • Nov. 17, 2023

DOE grants aim to expand building energy workforce training

The $40 million-plus funding will add new building training and assessment centers and industrial assessment centers, which provide technical assistance to commercial and institutional buildings and some manufacturers. 

By Joe Burns • Nov. 17, 2023

DOL’s proposed overtime rule change faces pushback

Commenters on the rule suggested the agency reduce the minimum increase threshold, delay the rule’s enactment or abandon it altogether.

By Emilie Shumway • Nov. 13, 2023

ASHRAE releases new guide on how grid interactivity can accelerate decarbonization

The guide offers best practices and considerations for carbon emissions reduction, energy usage optimization and operational cost savings, the organization says.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 2, 2023

Higher prices for hard services contracts expected to linger: CBRE

Competition for labor will keep electric, plumbing and HVAC service contract costs elevated compared with those for soft services, the report states.    

By Joe Burns • Oct. 31, 2023

1 in 7 US workers want to leave their current job within the next year, Yoh report says

Workers are most likely looking for a higher salary or better benefits, according to the survey.

By Carolyn Crist • Oct. 16, 2023

Facilities management conferences ahead in 2024

Improving building management processes, streamlining operations and meeting sustainability goals are key focal points at events across the U.S. 

By Joe Burns • Updated June 7, 2024

Solatube appoints new CEO, president amid aggressive growth plan

The daylight device manufacturer, acquired by Kingspan Light + Air in 2021, aims to expand into industrial businesses with an LED lighting fixture that promises new features.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 12, 2023

Clean energy could create up to 4.7 jobs for every commercial building

Solar PV, heat pumps and battery storage installation and maintenance could generate more than 2 million new jobs in the U.S. and Europe, according to a study by Schneider Electric and Boston University.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 11, 2023

Megaproject boom squeezes supplies for life sciences construction

Labor and material shortages are causing cost increases and continued delays as lead times for generators, electrical switchgears and elevators stretch to two years, said Cushman & Wakefield exec Jason D’Orlando.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 6, 2023

Insurance execs are prioritizing workplace dynamics, carbon reporting

Leaders at a recent JLL forum said space planning, net-zero goals and labor woes have led to real estate portfolio adjustments and AI investments.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 5, 2023

Office utilization rates on climb to pre-pandemic levels

Culture, collaboration and communication are bringing employees back into the office on their own terms, said participants in a recent webinar by FM:Systems.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 4, 2023

Canada Green Building Council introduces low-carbon training program for building operators, owners

The initiative seeks to meet a growing demand for skills in retrofits and construction as the country races to meet climate targets. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 28, 2023

Return-to-office mandates can have DEI implications. One nontraditional office aims to be more inclusive.

The Coven's emphasis on designing an office with a sense of community in mind echoes the sentiment of other workplace experts.

By Caroline Colvin • Sept. 27, 2023

Rethinking office spaces: Employee preferences and the future of work

Along with future workflow and hybrid dynamics, conversations about how RTO is “going to impact different staff disproportionately” should also take place, an expert says.

By Caroline Colvin • Sept. 22, 2023

Demand for life sciences lab space expected to bounce back as supply mediates: JLL

Recruiting and retaining a highly trained facility-service workforce is crucial for serving post-incubator life sciences companies, the firm says. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 19, 2023

Over half of workers prioritize DEI in job choice

In the past six months, only 29% of employees surveyed by Eagle Hill Consulting say their current employer has implemented additional initiatives to visibly express a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

By Carolyn Crist • Sept. 14, 2023

CBRE’s Smart FM Solutions implemented across more than 20K client sites

The AI-powered software can reduce client maintenance costs and energy consumption by as much as 20%, the company says. 

By Joe Burns • Updated Sept. 11, 2023

Overtime rule comment period opens; employers can weigh in through Nov. 7

The Labor Department proposed a salary threshold of about $55,000 per year but suggested in a footnote that the final level could be more than $60,000.

By Kate Tornone • Sept. 11, 2023

SPX Flow’s beehives and compost programs highlight sustainability benefits

The firm’s facility manager says tenant engagement has led to numerous sustainable initiatives and processes, which benefit employees and attract new organizations to the site.

By Joe Burns • Sept. 1, 2023

FM:Systems’ acquisition by Johnson Controls marries occupancy data with controls, former CEO says

Kurt von Koch, who is now an executive at Johnson Controls, discusses the software’s office insights, the acquisition and the future of building management controls.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 31, 2023

DOL proposes $55K overtime rule threshold, automatic 3-year updates

An estimated 3.6 million U.S. workers would become eligible for overtime pay under the proposed rule, the agency said Wednesday.

By Ryan Golden • Aug. 31, 2023

Technology, sustainability and benchmarking are key to optimizing healthcare facility performance

Focusing on efforts in those three areas can help managers meet demands for greater operational and cost efficiencies, healthcare facilities experts say. 

By Nish Amarnath • Aug. 28, 2023

Soft skills key to the evolving workplace, survey finds

Amid tech advances, human skills like communication, problem solving and time management remain valuable, according to various reports.

By Ginger Christ • Aug. 28, 2023