Issue #74: Design for Belonging: Creating Workspaces That Work for Everyone
FM:Systems
Empowering organizations to reimagine and transform their workplace experience for employees.
This issue highlights how inclusive, data-driven design can transform workplaces into environments where every employee feels supported, empowered, and able to thrive—regardless of role, work style, or physical needs.
As organizations navigate hybrid work and shifting employee expectations, designing for belonging has emerged as a strategic priority. It’s not just about accessibility—it’s about creating spaces that reflect the values of empathy, flexibility, and inclusion. By leveraging workplace analytics and employee feedback, leaders can build environments that foster connection, reduce friction, and support the diverse needs of today’s workforce.
What to Read
Blog: 5 Reasons AI Will Shape the Future of Workplace Management: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s rapidly transforming how organizations operate, especially in the realm of workplace management. As businesses expand across multiple sites and regions, the complexity of managing facilities, optimizing resources, and ensuring seamless operations grows exponentially. AI is emerging as a powerful ally, offering innovative solutions that streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.
Blog: Facilities Management Trends to Watch in 2025: Explore how facility managers are using smart building technology and inclusive design to support evolving workplace needs and employee wellbeing.
Blog: FM:Systems Workplace Technology & Collaboration: Discover how FM:Systems empowers organizations to align space planning with DEI goals, enabling environments that foster belonging and adaptability.
Research Report: Forrester TEI Study: Businesses are under pressure to reduce costs as a means of profit generation, while at the same time maintaining a high level of employee occupant experience. OpenBlue provides businesses with a better understanding of their expenses, climate impact, and employee experience, enabling them to respond to the demands of their many stakeholders in an integrated and cost-effective manner.
What to Watch
As organizations continue to adapt to hybrid work and evolving employee expectations, the need for inclusive, accessible, and human-centered workplace design has never been greater. This webinar explores how facility managers, HR leaders, and IT professionals can use data-driven insights to create environments where every employee feels supported, empowered, and able to thrive—regardless of their role, work style, or physical needs.
What to Listen to
In this episode of the Hybrid Hangout podcast, Jennifer Heath and Brian Haines delve into the evolving landscape of workplace experience in the context of return-to-office (RTO) mandates. They explore how the expectations of employees have shifted post-remote work era and the critical role technology plays in meeting these new demands. From wayfinding solutions to seamless integration of workplace technologies, Jennifer and Brian discuss the various facets that contribute to a superior workplace experience.
Listeners will gain insights into how organizations can leverage technology to create a more efficient and enjoyable work environment. The conversation covers practical examples such as the use of mobile apps for wayfinding within office buildings, the importance of real-time information for enhancing employee productivity, and the integration of comfort controls to personalize workspaces. Whether you’re a facilities manager, an HR professional, or an IT specialist, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to improve the workplace experience and foster a more connected and satisfied workforce.
What to Attend
September 24th | 12:00 PM EDT
In today’s fast-paced business environment, facility operations teams are under increasing pressure to do more with less—optimize performance, reduce costs, and improve occupant experience. Traditional reactive maintenance models are no longer sufficient. This webinar explores how forward-thinking organizations are shifting to predictive operations using smart building technologies, real-time data, and AI-powered insights. Learn how this evolution is transforming facility management from a cost center into a strategic driver of business value.
Join Jessica Boquist of Johnson Controls OpenBlue as she shares how predictive analytics, IoT integration, and intelligent automation are enabling proactive decision-making and operational resilience. Discover how Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) play a critical role in this transformation by centralizing data, streamlining workflows, and enabling continuous improvement. Whether you’re just beginning your digital journey or looking to scale your smart building strategy, this session will provide actionable insights to help you lead the next phase of operational excellence.
Did You Know?
Discover how workplace technology can deliver up to 155% ROI and streamlined the building management processes for the composite organization.
To better understand the benefits, costs, and risks associated with this investment, Forrester interviewed five decision-makers with experience using OpenBlue and FM:Systems solutions in this study.