With a growing number of job vacancies and a shrinking pool of qualified talent, applicants now have the upper hand. They no longer settle for less than the best job search experience, prompting companies to go the extra mile in attracting and retaining top talent. Facility managers—now evolving into "experience managers"—play a key role in this effort, tasked with creating a sustainable, welcoming workplace that feels like a second home.

THE POWER SHIFT: FROM EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOYEES

The balance of power has shifted. Today, employees hold the reins, shaping both the hiring and retention process. What is the work culture like? How is the office environment? What’s the management style? The right answer and the interview will be a success. 

This focus on experience continues once employees are hired. Employees seek a sense of belonging and comfort in the workplace. Employers must therefore foster this sense of inclusion to retain talent and bring employees back to the office.

THE CHANGING ROLE OF FACILITY MANAGERS

This increasing emphasis on employee experience has shifted the role of facility managers. Traditionally responsible for overseeing buildings and services like catering and cleaning, facility managers are now transforming into "experience managers." Their primary focus is to enhance the "office experience," recognizing the significant role the workplace plays in an employee's decision to ultimately stay with a company.

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE 'OFFICE EXPERIENCE'

Today's workplace must meet several critical needs: it should energize employees, promote teamwork, support individual focus, and contribute to overall health and well-being. For example, open-plan offices are being replaced by team zones and modular meeting spaces to better accommodate different work styles. Plants are becoming an integral part of office design, not only boosting creativity but also improving air quality.

Encouraging employees to return to the office after the remote work boom requires creating a space that competes with the comforts of home. While working from home has its perks, in-person collaboration is often more effective for tasks like brainstorming and meetings.

In parallel, sustainability has become a priority, with many applicants and employees expecting their employers to care for the environment. Studies show climate change is a top concern for younger professionals, with 67% favoring employers that implement sustainable practices. Many are even willing to accept lower pay to work for an eco-conscious company.