Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Chicago-based law firm Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) announce that its newly built-out office achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The firm relocated to The Bell, a renovated Chicago landmark at 225 W. Randolph St., in May 2025 and said its […]
In a dramatic swing that signals evolving corporate real estate (CRE) priorities, JLL’s 2025 Occupancy Planning Benchmark Report reveals portfolio optimization has surpassed cost-cutting as the primary focus for CRE leaders and office utilization has increased as organizations tighten policies on hybrid work. Improving space data accuracy and reporting; increasing employee presence on-site; and growing the use […]
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 […]
Office amenities take on wear and tear throughout the day, and over time, they can experience significant aesthetic breakdowns. This is true of workspaces, but it’s equally true of kitchens and breakrooms—areas that tend to see a lot of foot traffic from employees as they brew coffee, prepare their lunches, or simply seek a quick […]
More office space will be removed from the U.S. market this year than added to it for the first time since at least 2018 and likely longer, providing another indicator of the market’s stabilization and nascent recovery, according to a new report from CBRE. CBRE’s analysis of office-market activity across the largest 58 U.S. markets […]
In an era when hygiene expectations are higher than ever, well-maintained commercial restrooms are no longer just a courtesy—they’re essential to public trust, operational efficiency, and brand image. According to Bradley’s 2025 Healthy Handwashing Survey, 71% of Americans say they are more likely to return and even spend more money at a business with a […]
Commercial office building owners are racing to make their properties smarter, more resilient, and more adaptive. The drive for greater energy efficiency and occupant comfort is intensifying, fueled by the need to deliver rapid returns on investment while navigating rising electricity and operational costs. Supporting Net-Zero Goals Occupancy setbacks have been identified as a powerful […]
Office vacancy rates have climbed sharply in the wake of the pandemic as many firms downsized office space due to remote work. Nationally, the United States office vacancy rate hovered around the high teens by late 2023 (nearly 17%–20%, up from roughly 9% pre-pandemic). Major city centers have been hit especially hard. These elevated vacancies […]
There’s no denying that improving the employee experience is complex and even challenging for many organizations—further complicated by the surge in return-to-office (RTO) mandates. As we’ve seen in various news reports, mandates don’t operate in a vacuum. While employers continue to push for in-office presence, team members across all geographies and industries have their own […]
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. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the modern office. It is an ongoing journey to define today’s workplace, and many companies navigating this path have turned to hot desking, a practice where employees are […]