Touch-free plumbing features have increased in popularity in recent years. Bathrooms are notoriously germy, featuring up to about 20,000 pathogens per ten square centimeters. These germs may not lurk where you think, either -- sink handles alone can hold a staggering 600 times the germ load of a toilet handle. The fewer surfaces anyone needs to touch in there, the better. Touch-free fixtures protect users by giving them the ability to operate taps, soap, hand driers, and more without having to physically come in contact with them.

The Benefits of Touch-Free Fixtures

In addition to protecting users from getting bacteria, fungi, and viruses on their hands, touchless bathroom fixtures have some additional benefits. Sensors are smaller and less obtrusive than traditional fixtures. This might not be a big deal for a soap dispenser, for example, but can make a difference when you're talking about toilet handles or sink taps.

Less obtrusive fixtures mean fewer nooks and crannies where germs can hide. A small, flat sensor is much easier to clean around and properly disinfect than a bulky knob. Touch-free sensors also help cut down on waste. Infrared sink sensors only allow water to flow when hands are directly under the faucet, rather than wasting water for the time it takes to turn the faucet on and off manually. This might not seem like much, but a dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every month. Imagine how much gets wasted by conventional taps in high-traffic restrooms! Touchless fixtures also have an aesthetic benefit. They can make a bathroom look cleaner and more modern, which impacts the perception of the people using it.

If a bathroom looks cleaner, people generally feel more comfortable and confident about using it. Piggybacking on this, touchless faucets can also contribute to general occupant health. If people don't feel comfortable using a sink, they may choose to just use hand sanitizer or even skip cleaning up entirely. While hand sanitizer is fine in an emergency, it's not a substitute for soap and water. Touch-free fixtures encourage better hygiene, which leads to fewer germs spread by hands.

Retrofitting Older Restrooms

Say you're convinced of the benefits of touch-free fixtures but are working with a dated restroom. What do you do now? Will you have to gut the entire place and rebuild? The good news is, it's completely possible to retrofit an older bathroom with touchless tech. Here's how:

1. Come up with a goal.

What is the most appropriate solution for your facility? Do you want to go completely touch-free, or just install some sink sensors to cut down on water waste and encourage hand washing? Once you know what your ideal facility restroom looks like, you can start taking the steps to achieve it.

2. Get acquainted with your current plumbing.

What kind of fixtures do you already have? How do your faucets mount, on the wall or the counter? Do they need three holes, or one? It's time to get to know the specs of all of the fixtures you want to replace. This will make it a lot easier and less expensive to do so.

3. Determine your most used restrooms.

If cost is an issue, you may wish to avoid having to retrofit all of your restrooms at once. Figure out which one gets the most use since this is also the one likely to benefit the most from touchless fixtures. Focus your efforts there first.

4. Contact your manufacturers.

Plumbing fixtures can be finicky, and not just from a technical standpoint. Colors can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, disrupting the look of your restroom. You might want to start by contacting the manufacturer of your existing fixtures and see if they offer any touch-free options. If they do, these options will likely be easier to swap out for the ones you already have. They may even be able to help you retrofit your existing fixtures without having to replace them. If they don't, it's time to shop around.

Take the specs of your existing fixtures and see what's available. You'll also want to pay attention to things like the ease of installation -- if your fixtures take hours to put in, your facility's restrooms could be out of commission for a while. If you're using a facility management software platform that allows it, you may also want to ensure that your touchless fixtures are compatible and can be integrated into the interface you use for everything else. Beyond just detecting the presence of a user, some modern fixtures also allow you to control the water's flow rate, temperature, and more.

Restrooms with touch-free plumbing fixtures are cleaner, sleeker, more efficient, and easier to maintain than those without. If you're currently working with a facility with older plumbing, you don't have to miss out. You can easily retrofit your existing restrooms with infrared sensors or motion detectors as long as you follow a few simple steps.

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There's more to insulation than just fiberglass. While it's one of the most commonly used ways to insulate a building, there is a huge variety of methods and materials that may be more appropriate for your facility's needs. If you're building a new facility, overseeing an addition, or just re-insulating an older building, here's what you should know about your options:

1. Fiberglass batt

Fiberglass insulation comes in those familiar cotton-looking rolls, usually in pink or yellow. A lot of commercial and residential buildings in New York use this type of insulation.

Pros

Fiberglass batt is inexpensive, easy to install, and very safe as long as it's installed properly. It's also good at keeping out moisture, pests, drafts, and unwanted sounds, and doesn't require special ventilation. It's also hypoallergenic.

Cons

If it isn't properly installed, the fiberglass dust can cause eye, skin, and airway irritation. It also needs to be properly sealed and, in some cases, vented. If it isn't fully enclosed, its ability to protect against drafts drops dramatically. This kind of insulation tends to sag over time, which leaves uninsulated gaps in walls and decreases its effectiveness.

2. Fiberglass board

Fiberglass board is similar to batt in many ways but comes as a rigid board instead of a flexible roll. It's made by compressing conventional fiberglass insulation until it's stiff.

Pros

The benefits of fiberglass board are similar to fiberglass batt insulation. It also doesn't sag as easily, so it tends to retain its efficiency for a longer period of time. You may also be able to find fiberglass board with a reflective coating, which helps further reduce heat transfer by reflecting it away from the building.

Cons

Installing fiberglass board is a bit more complicated, and therefore more expensive. You need to cut around pipes and wiring, then seal around these cuts.

3. Blown-in insulation

Loose-fill insulation is made of cellulose or recycled fiberglass material. It's called "blown-in" insulation because it doesn't come in boards or batts -- it needs to be blown into uninsulated spaces.

Pros

Since blown-in insulation is loose, it can be blown into all kinds of tiny nooks and crannies. Small gaps around pipes, for example, are easy to insulate with this method and provide better draft protection and reduction of airflow. You can also layer blown-in insulation over existing insulation, so you don't have to go through tearing out all of the old stuff to re-insulate your building. Blown-in insulation can also work through smaller access areas. If you're re-doing old insulation, you don't need the same size access area as you would with a whole fiberglass batt. A hole big enough to permit the blower's hose is good enough. Cellulose-based blown-in insulation is biodegradable.

Cons

Blown-in insulation requires special equipment to install. Since it's made up of small pieces, it can also shift or drift over time. This is especially true in attic spaces, where the airflow from HVAC systems can cause it to move. It's also possible to blow in too much insulation, which may cause ceilings to sag. Blown-in cellulose is also a potential substrate for mold.

4. Spray foam

Spray foam involves spraying a special expanding foam onto surfaces. It's often used under roofs.

Pros

Spray foam is very efficient. It expands to fill spaces, so there are virtually no gaps if it's properly applied. It's also water-resistant, and virtually mold-proof, and some compounds include a scent deterrent for pests. Spray foam also has the longest working life when compared to other types of insulation. Where fiberglass needs replacing every 15-20 years or so, spray foam can potentially last up to 80 without losing effectiveness over time.

Cons

Proper installation is key. If any gaps or spaces get missed, this creates a reservoir where water may potentially collect and damage support structures. Some types of spray foam may also shrink over time, lowering their effectiveness and creating new gaps and air spaces. Since spray foam has to expand and harden, it needs a few days to properly cure. It also off-gasses, so you may not be able to use areas of your facility while they're curing. Since spray foam requires special equipment and experience, you need to find a certified contractor to install it. This also makes it more expensive than other types of insulation, though this may be offset by its efficiency and longevity. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to insulating. Long Island experiences warm summers, but also regularly gets hit with very cold, snowy winters. If cost, ease of installation, and potential downtime are factors for your facility, it's worth weighing your options carefully before committing.

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If you've been keeping up with industry news, chances are you've heard about "flex spaces." What are they, and how can you make them work for your office?

What is a flex office space?

With more employees working from home, businesses have had to reimagine how they use their office spaces. Enter the flex space. Put simply, a flex space is an area without a set function. Since more and more offices are introducing hotdesking or desk hoteling, there isn't a need for a lot of dedicated floorspace for desks as there used to be. After removing extraneous desks and moving things around for more efficiency, there's often space left over. This space can become anything you desire. If it's well-designed, it can even transform into what you need at a moment's notice.

Tips for Designing the Perfect Flex Space

1. Create or keep some dedicated workspace.

Flex space is great, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater -- it can still help to maintain some boundaries within the flex space. Either keep some as a dedicated workspace or designate some. Make this a calming area where people can get their work done without distractions -- you may wish to invest in some soundproofing to help audially and visually separate this area from the remainder of the flex space.

2. Select versatile furnishings.

Part of the charm of many flex spaces is that they don't resemble traditional offices. Choose comfortable furnishings, like armchairs and sofas, designed to be moved and rearranged easily. That lets your flex space go from a conference room to an intimate gathering for small groups to brainstorm. It's also a good idea to invest in adjustable standing desks and other furniture that can adapt to the varying needs of its users.

3. Forget the panopticon.

Many traditional office spaces use rows of desks or even long tables that allows managers to keep a close eye on employees. While it used to be conventional wisdom that packing more employees into an area was a more efficient use of space, this is often untrue -- these types of seating arrangements lead to distractions, loss of focus, and irritation. When you're designing a space, forget what you know about efficiently packing a traditional office. While you might be able to fit a greater quantity of workers in a traditional seating arrangement, that doesn't automatically mean that they'll be putting out more or better-quality work.

4. Establish an area for calls.

Piggybacking on the topic of distraction, few things are as annoying as having to overhear someone else's loud phone call. With this in mind, it's a good idea to set up designated call areas with soundproofing to absorb the worst of the noise. Employees who need to take calls will be able to do so, and neither they nor their co-workers will have to worry about distracting noises.

5. Explore your natural lighting options.

Using as much natural light as possible will help your facility save power, which means saving money. Natural light is also better for employee productivity positively contributes to mood, and is less likely to cause headaches and eye strain than fluorescent lighting. Open the shades in the morning and at sunset, and opt for light-filtering curtains when the sunlight is at its strongest.

6. Don't forget the green.

The color green is important for humans. Research has shown that people who suffer from chronic pain (including migraineurs) can benefit from exposure to green light. This includes the light bouncing off of green objects. Plants also help filter the air, improve mood, and absorb some sound. Choose low-maintenance plants that will thrive in the lighting and humidity conditions that already exist in your flex space.

7. Provide indicators.

Flex spaces allow employees to work comfortably, collaborate easily, and get their work done without distraction. One big way to help this is to incorporate status indicators into your flex space design. These can be simple -- a little flippable sign or desktop flag that says "Do Not Disturb" can go a long way toward letting workers work without interruption.

8. Incorporate some outdoor space.

During the height of the pandemic, many facility managers who were able to do so moved some of their facility operations outside. The outdoors has all of the benefits of the best office spaces: It's beautiful, mood-boosting, full of plants, full of fresh air, and naturally lit, all without costing any money to power. Set yours up with attractive, comfortable outdoor furniture and a rug. It can end up increasing productivity in the long run by giving workers a physical and mental refresh. A flex space is a space that's free from traditional rules of what an office should look like. Instead, it's able to adapt to the needs of the people who use it, allowing them to put out their best work. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a flexible, efficient, enjoyable space for your office.

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Nobody likes feeling spied on, but the benefits of setting up video surveillance can definitely outweigh the bad. From safety to savings, here are some of the reasons why you may want to consider setting up cameras for the sake of your employees and your facility:

1. They deter vandals and petty criminals.

Placing visible security cameras can serve as a visual deterrent for criminal activity. Nobody wants to commit a crime when they know they'll be caught, and video footage drastically increases the odds against them. Even if you aren't able to set up an actual functioning video camera in a specific location, a simple battery-operated "dummy camera" outfitted with a red light and a basic servo motor can be convincing enough to a potential criminal.

2. They can protect you from liability.

Security cameras have come a long way from the grainy, silent, black-and-white footage of a few decades ago. Today, even basic models are good at capturing high-quality video and audio. If you need to gather evidence in a liability case, video surveillance footage can protect you by providing a clear record of what happened. Video can be the difference between a successful defense and an expensive penalty.

3. They can provide a thorough incident record.

Modern surveillance cameras can automatically upload their recordings to a local hard drive or network server. This lets facility managers quickly search through and access the recordings from a specific day, time, and location. If there's ever a situation in which it's necessary to have a visual record of what happened that day, it's available with just a few clicks. Some camera software has meta tagging enabled. This means that you can search for something specific -- like a blue car -- and the algorithm will automatically narrow down the list of videos to those that only contain blue objects roughly the size or shape of a car.

4. They can reduce the need for security personnel.

If you currently have security personnel to patrol your facility, you probably know that their abilities are limited -- they can keep an eye on things, but they're not able to be everywhere at once and often still have to call law enforcement or emergency services to deal with problems anyway. Video surveillance effectively gives you the ability to have your entire facility under constant observation, without the need for actual security personnel. This means that facility managers can save some money by hiring fewer security guards and make their operations safer by only assigning physical guards to the highest priority areas.

5. They can let you access video streams remotely.

Video surveillance cameras can provide footage that's accessible through phones, tablets, laptops, or other devices. Even if you aren't physically in the facility, you can still keep an eye on things, look through old videos, or search for important data. If you manage multiple facilities, the ability to remotely view any of them with the tap of a button can be very helpful.

6. They can provide data.

There are a lot of ways for facility managers to collect things like traffic flow and usage data, and video surveillance can add an important dimension to that. The data provided by surveillance cameras can let facility managers know how many people are using their facility, and how. They show aspects of foot traffic patterns that other technology may miss, like bottlenecks. As more facilities have settled into remote work options like desk hoteling, cameras also provide valuable facility usage data. Facility managers can use this to optimize their spaces more effectively than relying on other metrics alone.

7. They can help troubleshoot problems.

Consider this scenario: You have automatic smoke detectors and fire suppression technology. Your facility management software tells you that a fire started in a storage area at 12:00 PM and was quickly dealt with. While this is helpful, it doesn't give you much to go on. How did the fire start? How could it be prevented in the future? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but that only matters when you're in a position to prevent a problem in the first place. That's where video surveillance comes in. You can check the logs to see exactly where and how the flames originated and determine how to keep a fire from starting again.

8. They can gather evidence outside of your facility.

One of the ways that video surveillance can help doesn't actually have much to do with the facility itself. If a serious crime, like an assault or kidnapping, happens where your cameras can catch it, your video feed may be able to identify the perpetrator or their vehicle and provide a record of the incident. Modern video cameras can capture images clear enough to identify faces, license plate numbers, and other important details. Video surveillance is a controversial topic. Overall, it carries more benefits than detriments. A few video cameras can make your facilities safer, save money, and provide important data for liability suits, criminal cases, and even facility optimization. If you're still on the fence, cameras are easy to set up and use.

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After COVID, preparing for cold and flu season may seem almost quaint by comparison. Don't be fooled, however -- influenza is still potentially deadly, and colds are highly transmissible. The common cold alone is estimated to cost the US economy roughly $40 billion every year, and that doesn't even account for the danger and additional costs faced by people who are immunocompromised, elderly, or who have underlying health conditions that place them at risk of serious illness. As a facility manager, you want to keep your employees, tenants, and guests healthy. Here's how you can prep for cold and flu season:

1. Encourage your employees to get vaccinated.

There's no vaccine for the common cold, but there's one for influenza. A flu shot is the best way to make sure that your workers stay healthy. Even when the flu shot doesn't prevent the flu, it can still keep it from becoming a serious illness. You may even want to contract with a healthcare facility to have a "flu vaccine" day at your facility. That way, you can ensure that all of your employees that are able to receive a vaccine do so.

2. Create signage.

Even without a vaccine, there are some behaviors that can help curb the spread of respiratory viruses. You may want to make signs reminding employees, tenants, or guests to:

• Always cover sneezes with a tissue.
• Cover coughs by coughing into their elbows, not their hands.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Wash every part of their hands, including the palms, nails, and between their fingers. Lather for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching their (or anyone else's) faces.

3. Set up sanitizer and masking stations.

All of the proper handwashing instructions in the world won't help if there's no soap and water available. That's why it's important to have hand sanitizer stations set up as a backup. Fill them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, preferably in a touch-free container equipped with a motion sensor. You may also wish to include disinfectant wipes and disposable masks. In other countries, it's common courtesy to wear a mask when you have a cold. They help by blocking the respiratory droplets that get coughed, sneezed, or even simply breathed out.

4. Sanitize common areas regularly.

Lobbies, break rooms, restrooms, and office areas should all be disinfected periodically throughout the day. Prioritize high-traffic areas, since these are more likely to accumulate germs. Set up a plan to sanitize these areas in a way that's as thorough, often, and non-disruptive as possible. Make sure you have disinfectants that are effective against cold, flu, and COVID-19, so you can cover the whole gamut of respiratory viruses.

5. Teach employees to spot colds and flu.

Make sure your workers know the flu when they have it. The flu shows up abruptly, and often comes with:

• Fever and chills.
• Body aches.
• Fatigue.
• Coughing.
• Sore throat.
• Headaches.
• Congestion.
• Sometimes sneezing.
  
  

On the other hand, colds are generally more gradual and cause:

• Sneezing.
• Coughing.
• Stuffy nose.
• Sore throat.
  
  

Fevers, chills, and body aches are uncommon with colds. Remember, no matter whether your employees have colds or the flu, the best place for them is at home. Resting and drinking lots of fluids can help them recover and keep them from getting guests, tenants, or other employees sick. Encourage your workers to stay home when they are ill.

6. Revisit social distancing.

If you haven't kept up your social distancing protocols, now might be a good time to go back to them. While social distancing isn't perfect, keeping a bit of distance and barriers between people can curb the spread of respiratory viruses. You might want to create a one-directional traffic flow down corridors or mark socially distant spaces on the floor where people stand in line. Whatever your social distancing policies were at the height of COVID, consider re-implementing them. The number of influenza infections dropped sharply during COVID, which shows that the same measures that prevent COVID can prevent the flu.

7. Improve your air quality.

Chances are your facility invested in high-quality air purifiers and efficient HVAC filters when COVID was at its peak. If not, or if you've reduced your air filtration since then, now is a good time to step it up again. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters help by trapping particles that contain viruses, reducing the number of viruses in the air. With more people seeking to return back to "normal" post-COVID, we're likely to see cold and flu numbers on the rise. If you're still diligently protecting your facility against COVID, you likely don't have much to worry about -- the same measures that thwart coronavirus also work for rhinovirus and influenza. If not, it's a good idea to follow these tips to make sure your tenants, guests, and employees stay as healthy as possible this cold and flu season.

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The facility management industry is forever evolving, and that means that trends come and go. The entire world has changed in the wake of COVID, too, which has heavily influenced everything from HVAC systems to interior decorating. What new trends should facility and property managers keep an eye on for 2023?

1. An increase in multi-family developments.

Lockdowns and an increase in work-from-home programs saw people moving out of densely populated areas and into single-family or detached residences. Real estate prices also rose dramatically. Some forecasts say that prices will decrease over the next year, which is likely to dry up a lot of the inventory on the market. Others say that sellers are likely to add more inventory to the market but increasing inflation and rising interest rates mean that buyers will be reluctant to apply for a mortgage.

Both scenarios mean that you can expect to see an increase in demand for multi-family housing. This also means that renters are going to seek out homes that provide better amenities. To remain competitive, managers of rental properties will have to look into providing in-unit washers and dryers, HVAC systems, and high-speed internet. The vast majority of renters are willing to pay a premium for these since that would still be less expensive and more convenient than having to fill these needs themselves. For facilities that are able to provide them, walk-in closets and good soundproofing are also very attractive to potential tenants.

2. Increasing issues retaining or attracting employees.

This trend has been pretty persistent and doesn't look like it's going to change any time soon. Skilled facility management professionals are reaching the age of retirement, and there aren't enough new potential employees to replace them. Today's labor force knows what they want and are very willing to pass up opportunities that they feel don't fairly compensate them. This means that managers should focus on strategies for retaining existing employees, paying competitive wages, and offering benefits to draw new hires.

3. An emphasis on flexible office spaces.

Companies and employees alike have seen the financial and environmental benefits of working from home. Many have adopted a hybrid strategy that allows employees to come and go from the office as it suits them. This has created a demand for more flexible office spaces. Managers of office facilities will likely have to redesign spaces to accommodate features like "desk hoteling."

Due to a decreased need for large offices, many employers are also downsizing to smaller ones. This means that managers will have less space to work with, so learning how to efficiently use every square foot is a must. New planning software can help simulate different floorplans and foot traffic patterns to make this process as quick and painless as possible.

4. A delicate balance between climate and health.

Pre-COVID, there was a growing trend of climate awareness and energy efficiency. Once COVID hit, facility managers realized they needed to find a way to balance energy efficiency with adequate ventilation. Sometimes, occupant well-being increases energy consumption. This is a balance that managers will have to continue to strike.

Smart sensors can help automate part of this process by only lighting, heating, or air conditioning rooms that are currently in use. Energy audits can also help determine where a facility's biggest "energy sinks" are, which is the first step to creating more efficient buildings. Good sanitation practices are also just as important as they were a few years ago, as is social distancing. Natural sunlight and good ventilation also help improve employee health and well-being.

5. The increasing use of smart technology.

Automation is touted as one of the best ways to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and generally make things better and easier. This can come at a cost -- not only does smart technology cost money to deploy, it can also create challenges when it comes to integrating it into an existing digital ecosystem. This can result in vulnerabilities than open a facility up to cyber-attack. It's highly unlikely that smart technology will be going away any time soon.

Facility managers who've been resistant to the idea of automation should consider how tech-like sensors and management software can benefit them. Consulting with a cybersecurity expert can help make the transition safe and smooth. No matter whether you manage a residential or commercial property, you're still subjected to industry trends.

Many of the factors that drive these trends overlap with each other. People work from home more, so they want flexible workspaces and better amenities at home. Concerns about the climate also overlap with health and safety, and the desire for automation comes with concerns about security. Navigating these trends will involve a lot of research and compromise, and the best thing that managers can do is observe their own facilities and properties to see which strategies work best for them and their occupants.

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In an office facility, space is money. It's also efficiency, creativity, and collaboration. That's why good space management strategies are important for facility managers. Unfortunately, now that more employees are comfortable with a hybrid work environment, knowing how to manage a space well has become a bit more complicated.

What is space management?

Space management is pretty much just what it sounds like: managing space. If you think of physical space as an asset, it's working out the best ways to use it. This means planning for the flow of foot traffic, figuring out the best places to put resources like conference rooms, and allocating workspaces. This often isn't as easy as it sounds. When you get into managing a facility with multiple different departments, floors, or even buildings, getting all of those elements to work in concert in a way that's effective and intuitive can get complicated very quickly.

Why do facility managers need to know this?

Space is an asset just like any other. Real estate costs money, so wasted space is wasted money. Using it efficiently means having only what's necessary, which reduces unnecessary expenditures for furniture and electricity. Good space management can also improve employee productivity by creating areas that are conducive to working, as well as naturally stimulating conversations, creativity, and brainstorming. Well-managed spaces can even improve employees' mental and physical well-being. With all of that said, here are five strategies to help you get the most out of your office space:

1. Get employees involved.

You'll definitely want to get input from people who have experience with space management, but that's not all -- some of the people most qualified to help you allocate space are the ones who have to use it. Talk to workers, consult with human resources, and gather as much information as you can about the needs of the people who are actually going to occupy the space. Don't neglect people with disabilities, either, even if those disabilities aren't visible. They may have particular needs that should be factored in.

2. Track usage.

Just because an employee has a desk doesn't mean that that's where they'll spend their entire day. As more and more workplaces switch to hoteling or hotdesking, that's even more true. Tracking how a space is currently being used will provide you with useful metrics to determine what changes should be made, and a means of gauging how helpful those changes are. A combination of historic data and real-time usage tracking will provide the most detailed picture of how people use a space. You'll be able to see what kind of trends emerge so you can factor them in.

3. Create a set of goals.

Do you want to balance the supply of space with demand? Are you looking to optimize the usage of space? Your office's particular situation will dictate what kind of goals you should have for your space management strategy. If your organization has a lot of room to work with, then figuring out supply and demand may be your biggest challenge. If you're dealing with limited space instead, you might just be looking for ways to use what you have more effectively. The only way to find out is through tracking, observation, and getting employees involved.

4. Automate what you can.

Keeping track of how employees use a space can become overwhelming. That's where software and automation can come in handy. For desk hoteling, booking software can handle reservations, reminders, and other low-priority tasks so you don't have to. Space planning software can also help you visualize your office in a way that lets you allocate it more easily. It can help you generate floor plans based on your office's needs. If it's feasible for your specific office, you may also want to use motion sensors to gauge foot traffic and room occupancy. Software can also help you standardize the data you collect, so you can compare how floorplans perform across departments, floors, or buildings.

5. Keep monitoring.

You can have all of the data, top-of-the-line space management software, and a solid plan, and still find that your space management strategy underperforms in the real world. If you don't keep an eye on how your spaces are performing, you won't know if the changes you make are helping or hindering things. Keeping tabs on how spaces perform can also help you diagnose specific problems. Are the changes you've implemented underperforming in one specific building or department, or across the board? Are things improving, just not as quickly as you'd hoped? The only way you'll be able to make these distinctions is by continuing to collect data. Managing space isn't a one-and-done kind of thing. It's a continually evolving process. This is why data collection and automation are so important -- they can ensure that your decisions have a sound basis, as well as give you a way of judging how well your management strategy is helping you meet your goals.

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From acorns to onion skins, people have always had ways of determining when the coming winter was going to be colder or harsher than usual. There's a good reason for this -- when winter's shaping up to be rough, you need to be prepared. Long Island weather forecasts predict that this is going to be a tough one. How ready is your facility? If you're not sure, here are seven things you can do right now to help make sure your facility makes it through the snow and ice unscathed:

1. Go over your emergency supplies.

Electrical power isn't the only thing likely to be disrupted during harsh winter weather. It's highly likely that there will be significant travel delays, too. Long Islanders are pretty accustomed to heavy snows now and then, but it's still possible for the roads to become impassable. In this case, there are two things you need to worry about: Employees and guests may not be able to leave, and deliveries or repair crews may not be able to come. It's a good idea to go over your emergency supplies of things like flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food, and bottled water. You may also want to have extra parts and repair supplies on hand, in case an asset goes down and a repair technician isn't able to come. Be ready to take care of your people and assets yourself in a pinch.

2. Double-check your building envelope.

If your walls, windows, or roof are experiencing any problems now, they're only going to get worse during winter. Don't wait -- look for drafts, cracks, aging seals, or signs of leaks, and make a plan to address them now. This will help protect your facility from water damage once the ice and snow start to melt, and will also help you save money on your heating bill. The better your building envelope is, the less heat you'll lose to the outdoors. Make sure your roof flashings are secure and your drains are clear. You may want to perform a routine roof check every week or two leading up to winter, so you can take care of any sudden problems promptly.

3. Take care of your pavement.

Winter, even a mild one, is murder on concrete and asphalt. It snows, snow melts, and water infiltrates into tiny cracks and crevices. When that water inevitably re-freezes, the resulting ice expands and forces those cracks to grow. Eventually, you end up with gaping potholes and other hazards. Even if cracks or gaps seem minor during summer and autumn, it's best to limit the number of places that water can sneak in. A little patch job now can save you big trouble later on.

4. Get your vendors and service contracts sorted out.

Vendor selection and service agreements are usually handled well before winter hits. If you wait too long, you may find that your facility is last in line when it comes to service. Don't get stuck waiting -- sort out your contracts for services like snow removal now, before you need them.

5. Buy some extra parts and repair supplies.

Imagine: A crucial asset goes down at the wrong time. The roads are covered in snow, and it's going to be a long time before a repair technician can come help you. If you're not able to perform an emergency repair yourself, you're going to be stuck for a while. Even if they're able to show up, they may not have all of the spare parts that your asset needs. Winter often means shipping delays, so it can be ages before your facility is fully up and running again. That's why it's a good idea to have a stash of spare parts and important repair supplies on hand. Along with extra cleaning supplies, emergency kits, and other essentials, you'll want to have the things you need in order to perform quick emergency repairs.

6. Do a deep clean.

While there's nothing winter-specific about giving your facility a thorough cleaning, there are a couple of reasons why you'll want to. For starters, it's highly likely that your employees will be too busy handling higher-priority tasks once winter is in full swing, so your facility may not be able to get deep cleaned until spring. Secondly, a deep cleaning now will probably uncover hidden issues that you'll want to fix before the cold weather hits.

7. Formulate a plan.

If a blizzard hits and the power goes out, what do you do? Who passes out emergency supplies? How do you keep your employees, tenants, and guests calm and comfortable until the danger passes? Don't wait for a disaster to strike before you have this all figured out. Have a plan in place, and clearly communicate that plan to your employees. Make sure everyone understands their role in an emergency situation. Dealing with a harsh winter is a matter of readiness. If you follow these tips, you can ensure that your facility and everyone in it is able to stay safe all season long.

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They say that "the eyes are the windows to the soul." What's true for humans is also true for buildings -- windows speak volumes about the structure they occupy. A building with shiny, spotless, scratchless windows looks happier, cleaner, and more inviting than one with dirty, beat-up ones.

Clean windows are also vital for giving a good first impression to guests, allowing mood-boosting natural light in, and giving security personnel a clear view of the walk up to the building. It stands to reason that you want to keep your windows clean, but it's also an easy task to forget. If you haven't cleaned your facility's windows yet this year, now is the time to do it. You'll want to make sure they're in good shape before winter weather sets in, so here are some tips to help you make your buildings' windows pristine:

1. Clean entryway windows more often than other windows.

Entry windows are the most visible to your guests. As a rule, commercial windows should be washed at least once a year. For entry windows, however, you'll probably want to do it at least once a week.

2. Know the best window-cleaning time for your climate and facility type.

Your windows may need to be washed more or less often depending on where your building is located and the purpose it serves. In cold climates, it's best to wash in late spring and early fall. This will let you wash off accumulations of pollen, and make sure that you aren't applying soap and water to freezing cold windows. In some cases, the temperature difference between warm water and cold windows can cause glass to crack.

In warm climates, it may be better to wash windows at least quarterly, if not monthly. Your specific type of facility can impact your washing schedule, as well. Office buildings should have their windows washed at least once or twice a year. Retail stores and other high-traffic buildings should be washed every two to eight weeks or so since they receive more guests. Your building's location can also impact its window-washing schedule. Buildings located near busy roads may need more frequent washing to combat the powdery gray stains of automotive pollution.

3. Use a simple window-cleaning solution.

Cleaning windows shouldn't be complicated. It doesn't require a lot of chemistry, either. All you need is some distilled water and a very tiny bit of dish soap. The dish soap will cut through grease (like fingerprints), while using distilled water will prevent spots and streaks caused by minerals in tap water. Some ethanol or isopropanol will help the solution dry faster. If your windows have water spots caused by sprinkler systems, a bit of vinegar added to the washing solution will help dissolve them. For best results, try redirecting sprinklers so they don't spray your windows.

4. Invest in a high-quality squeegee.

A lot of people assume that window streaks are caused by their cleaning solution but getting a streak-free clean has much more to do with what tools you use. Use a quality squeegee to remove all of the cleaning solutions, and you'll never have to worry about streaks.

5. Wait for a cloudy day.

In addition to a good squeegee, the right weather is your best ally when it comes to getting a streak-free shine. On a sunny day, your window washing solution may dry before it can be completely squeegeed off, leaving streaks and spots. Wait for a cloudier, more humid day so that this doesn't happen, especially if you have a lot of south-facing windows. (If you find that your solution takes too long to dry in humid weather, add a little extra alcohol to help it evaporate faster.)

6. Use washing day as an opportunity for a window inspection.

While washing windows, take a moment to look at the glass, frame, and seals. Make a note of any damage that you see, and schedule a repair promptly. Chips and cracks don't just reduce the appeal of your building, they also tend to spread. More severe cracks can let rainwater in, which can damage walls and encourage mold growth. Keep an eye on drafts, as well. If you have a drafty window here and there, you can probably use a quick fix for the time being.

If several of your windows are drafty, it's highly likely that your windows are aging out. It may be time to call a professional to have them replaced with more efficient, modern windows. Cloudy or scratched glass, warped frames, shrunken seals or gaskets, and increasing difficulty with finding replacement parts also indicate that it might be time for a replacement. Your windows contribute a lot to the way guests perceive your facility, as well as how good your employees and tenants feel when they're in it.

Buildings with clean windows that are in good repair are safer, healthier, and better at improving morale. With these tips, you can ensure that your facility's windows get a spotless, streak-free clean every time you wash them.

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The U.S. is facing an aging population. This means that a significant number of people are going to be in need of healthcare in the near future to help them manage age-related conditions. That's not all, either -- all around the world, the healthcare facility management market is expected to continue to grow for a wide range of reasons. What does this mean for the future of healthcare facility managers?

Factors Driving the Growth of Healthcare Facilities Management

In addition to the developed nations facing an aging populace in need of care, healthcare facilities management is being boosted by outsourcing. The healthcare industry is hiring facility managers to take care of things, and that's propelling growth in this sector. The high cost of medical care in countries like the U.S. is also increasing medical tourism, which has destination countries scrambling to meet this increased demand.

Not only must they find a way to take care of their own population, but they now also have to provide care for tourists seeking medical procedures. In addition to medical tourism, chronic disease is on the rise, which means more people are in need of specialized, long-term care. All told, the global healthcare facilities management industry is expected to grow to over $513 billion by 2028.

Challenges Facing Healthcare Facility Managers

Of course, all this growth doesn't come without a cost. There are some significant challenges that facility managers in the healthcare sector will face, including:

1. Supply chain issues.

If you thought global supply chain problems were a thing of the past, think again. These are going to continue to pose a challenge to facility managers in general, but those who manage healthcare facilities may be hit even harder. One of the factors driving the growth of this industry is an increased investment in sanitization and hygiene, which also increases the demand for items like disinfectants. If you remember what that was like at the beginning of the pandemic, you can probably imagine how the growth of the healthcare facility management industry can stress an already-burdened supply chain.

2. Company restructuring and acquisitions.

In the past few years, many local healthcare networks have been acquired by larger ones. As a result, big conglomerates are displacing smaller companies. Healthcare facility managers may find fewer hospitals in their portfolios, but an increase in small clinics and emergency facilities. Each of these has its own specific needs and assets, which means that facility managers are going to have a lot more to keep track of.

3. An uptick in nosocomial infections.

Nosocomial infections are those that are acquired from or in a hospital. As healthcare improves, infections related to treatment dropping. Unfortunately, the number of healthcare-associated infections tied to the care setting is actually increasing. This means that healthcare facility managers don't just have to keep track of assets, inventory, and utilities -- they also have to stay on top of all of the factors that can contribute to these infections. This can range from upgrading HVAC systems with items like UV-C duct light, to replacing old room decor with easy-to-sanitize furnishings.

4. A drop in experienced managers.

The general U.S. population isn't the only one that's aging. About 40% of facility management professionals are slated to retire within the next decade, which is a huge blow to the industry's talent pool. Facility management software platforms can help newer talent by recording and analyzing data, freeing them up to focus on high-priority tasks. This can also keep assets and data organized, which will greatly simplify the transition from experienced managers to newer ones.

5. Outdated and inefficient compliance procedures.

Compliance can often feel like a lot of unnecessary work, but it's important. Unfortunately, if it's too complicated and time-consuming, two things can happen: It'll either take you away from more important things, or it'll get sidelined and forgotten about. While more and more facilities are modernizing and automating, this isn't true for everyone. Some places still require manual compliance procedures, and ensuring compliance is vitally important in an industry where patients' lives can hang in the balance.

For healthcare facility managers that already have a lot on their plates, complicated compliance measures can be a big stumbling block. This is another area where automation can help. Growth comes with growing pains. The same factors that are driving the expansion of the healthcare facilities management field are also creating challenges within it. As small healthcare networks get rolled into larger ones and supply chains continue to struggle, facility managers will also run up against retiring talent, outdated compliance procedures, and an increase in healthcare-associated infections. While everyone is likely to feel the pinch from these issues, an agile, local supply chain and judicious automation can help facility managers overcome them.

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