The work model has changed radically in recent years. Following the pandemic, many companies have adopted hybrid schemes that combine office presence and remote work.
According to Eurostat data, approximately 23% of European workers perform their activities at least partially from home, while in countries such as Spain the percentage exceeds 15% in certain service and technology sectors.
This new scenario has transformed the way companies manage their corporate buildings. The irregular occupancy of offices, new work habits and the need to optimize resources have placed Facility Management at the center of business strategy.
Facility managers must adapt to much more dynamic environments, where physical space is no longer used in the same way as it was just five years ago.
Managing spaces with variable occupancy
One of the main challenges of Facility Management in hybrid environments is the efficient management of workspaces. Before the rise of remote work, offices were designed to accommodate all employees simultaneously. Today that logic has changed.
Various studies from the corporate real estate sector indicate that the average occupancy of many European offices is between 40% and 60% during the working week. This means that, at certain times, large areas remain underutilized.
Facility managers must analyze usage patterns to redesign spaces. In many cases, organizations are opting for desk reservation systems, collaborative zones, multifunctional rooms or flexible areas that can adapt to different needs. This transformation requires precise planning to avoid oversized infrastructures that increase operational costs.
Energy optimization in less predictable buildings
Variability in occupancy also directly affects energy consumption. Climate control, lighting or ventilation systems that previously operated under relatively stable schedules must now adapt to much more irregular flows of people.
According to the International Energy Agency, buildings represent approximately 30% of global energy consumption. In offices with intermittent presence, maintaining permanently active systems can generate a significant increase in energy costs.
For this reason, Facility Management increasingly relies on intelligent technologies. Presence sensors, energy management systems or centralized control platforms enable real-time adjustment of building operations. This type of solution not only improves efficiency, but also contributes to corporate sustainability objectives.
New employee expectations
The hybrid environment has also changed employee expectations regarding workspaces. If people come to the office fewer days, they expect that on-site time to add value.
This means that facilities must offer more comfortable, collaborative and well-equipped environments. Studies by the International Facility Management Association indicate that more than 70% of workers consider that the quality of space directly influences their productivity.
In this context, Facility Management must ensure optimal conditions of lighting, acoustics, temperature and ergonomics. The availability of technology that facilitates hybrid meetings, such as rooms with advanced audiovisual systems or high-quality connectivity, also becomes essential.
Safety and well-being in the work environment
Another important challenge is managing safety and well-being in spaces with fluctuating worker presence. Access control, visitor management or occupancy monitoring require more sophisticated solutions than in the past.
Furthermore, occupational health has gained greater relevance following the pandemic. Indoor air quality, ventilation systems or cleaning protocols are now priority factors in facility management.
Various sector reports indicate that companies are investing more in well-being and sustainability certifications for corporate buildings. Certifications such as WELL or LEED have become benchmarks for organizations seeking to improve the work environment and strengthen their environmental commitment.
Digitalization of building management
Digital transformation is another key element in addressing the challenges of hybrid work. Building management platforms, known as IWMS or CAFM, enable the integration of maintenance, occupancy, energy and service data into a single system.
Thanks to these tools, facility managers can make decisions based on real information. For example, identifying which areas are used most frequently, detecting incidents early or planning maintenance interventions with greater precision.
Digitalization also facilitates process automation. Workspace reservations, incident management or service coordination can be performed through mobile applications, which improves user experience and reduces administrative tasks.
The strategic role of Facility Management in the company
The evolution toward hybrid models has changed the perception of Facility Management within organizations. Traditionally it was considered a function focused on building operations, but today its role is much more strategic.
Decisions related to workspaces directly influence productivity, talent attraction and corporate sustainability. According to a Deloitte report, more than 60% of companies are reviewing their real estate strategy to adapt to the new work model.
In this context, facility managers increasingly participate in business planning. Their knowledge of the actual use of spaces and building efficiency is essential for designing work environments adapted to the future of work.
And at FAMASE we can help you with all of this, shall we talk?
