Author: Ali Hickerson, Contributing Writer

Balancing Budget Constraints with Facility Needs in Schools

Across the United States, aging schools are in dire need of repair, and for many, patchwork maintenance is the only way to keep facilities operational as administrators and facilities managers balance limited budgets with pressing needs. School budgets are complex, and disparities in funding have become a topic of dispute in the state courts. The […]

Building Loyalty with Gen Z: The Engaged, Always-On Workforce

As scores of skilled trade workers age out of their careers and settle into retirement, the industry is taking a tumultuous turn. Even though the demand for construction and other skilled trade projects is steadily increasing, 41% of the current workforce is expected to retire in the next six years. These projections aren’t just trends, […]

Homeland Security Issues Terrorism Advisory Amid Iran Conflict

The conflict in the Middle East is cause for law enforcement, security professionals, and the general public to be on alert and remain vigilant about suspicious activity here in the U.S., according to national security officials. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding a “heightened threat environment” […]

Why Water Sustainability Is Important and How Facilities Managers Can Help

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. The world is increasingly focused on water sustainability, recognizing its urgent and vital role in protecting human well-being, ecosystems, and economic development. This increased focus must, as we will discuss below, also apply to […]

Carbon Data Management: Reducing Emissions for More Efficient Facilities

Carbon data management is an enterprise-wide effort, requiring the tracking of resources including energy, waste, and more. Facilities managers (FMs) play a crucial role in supporting an organization’s sustainability efforts. Working closely with carbon and sustainability teams within their organization and incorporating data-driven decarbonization strategies into day-to-day facility operations can simultaneously drive sustainability goals and operational […]

The Evolution of Workplace Experience: Balancing Tech, Flexibility, and Human Needs

As organizations navigate post-pandemic work arrangements, the conversation has evolved beyond simple location preferences to deeper questions about how workplace experiences shape productivity, collaboration, and talent retention. Modern workplace strategists are rethinking fundamental assumptions about space utilization, technology integration, and generational preferences. As a result, the modern workplace is undergoing a profound transformation, and facilities […]

Back to Basics: Protecting Workers from Heat Stress and Illness

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. With temperatures set to rise this summer, employers and managers must protect their workers from the dangers of heat stress and illness. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of workers get sick or even die […]

Innovations in Campus Access Control: The Mobile-First Approach

Until recently, physical keys and plastic ID cards were the backbone of campus access control and services, often tied to disjointed systems. Today, students expect seamless integration of campus services, including building access, dining, vending, laundry, copy and print, transportation, and more—all accessible on their phones. Much like concert tickets, debit and credit cards, airline […]

Adidas and OSHA Reach Settlement Over Warehouse Hazards

Athletic apparel and shoemaker Adidas America Inc. and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have reached a settlement agreement that requires the company to pay $235,000 in fines and implement enhanced safety measures at multiple facilities. The agreement comes after OSHA conducted a 2024 follow-up inspection at an Adidas warehouse in upstate New York. […]

Can Replacing Battery-Powered IoT with RF Technology Help Boost ESG Goals?

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. As the U.S. smart building market reached $24.66 billion in 2024, the demand for Internet of Things (IoT)-driven automation continues to rise. From environmental sensors to access control systems, smart buildings rely heavily on […]