After almost five years of volatility and uncertainty, organizations are finally starting to feel like they’re on firmer ground. In fact, 81% of respondents to our soon to be released 2025 Inside the Workplace survey said they have either achieved, or are close to reaching, a “new normal” that balances the needs of their organization with those of its employees.
This period of relative stability and predictability is enabling companies with real estate to usher their assets into the future, rather than having to react to issues like high inflation, changing work models and supply chain constraints. It’s also coinciding with a falling Fed Funds rate, which should thaw capital markets and spur substantial investments in buildings and portfolios, and a clearer governance and regulatory outlook.
If your organization is one of the many preparing to spend money on essential upgrades, here’s why workplace management and building automation solutions should be a top priority in your renovation and modernization plans.
Embracing Workplace Management and Building Automation Solutions
According to the 2025 FM:Systems Inside the Workplace survey, 85% of organizations are using a workplace management solution, up from 69% a year ago. This widespread adoption of workplace management and building automation technology has largely been driven by necessity; companies trying to navigate choppy conditions have looked to these systems to help them reduce costs, increase efficiency, optimize assets, and attract and retain talent. But it doesn’t take long for organizations that deploy these systems to recognize the value they bring to the whole company and make them an integral part of how they run their business and make strategic decisions. This has given these companies a distinct competitive edge. If your organization is one of the 15% that hasn’t embraced these solutions, this is a perfect opportunity to catch up. FM:Systems’ trusted experts and advisors can help you figure out where to get started and work with you to ensure a smooth installation and integration into your business.
Expanding and Enhancing Building Automation for Ongoing Success
Companies that have been able to leverage workplace management and building automation solutions for a competitive advantage can’t afford to rest on their laurels, either. The rest of the field has gotten wise to the many benefits these systems deliver. FM:Systems solutions are infinitely scalable, expandable and able to be integrated with a wide range of other systems. If you’ve been using your workplace management or building automation solution for just a handful of use cases, this is a prime time to explore the benefits of adding capabilities and expanding your deployment to additional properties – or even across your entire portfolio.
Potential for More Autonomy and Navigating Uncertainty with Building Automation
Throughout his campaign, President Trump promised to focus on eliminating regulations if voters returned him to the White House. Now that that’s happened, his picks for cabinet and advisor positions signal that he intends to follow through on that commitment. Organizations will need data and insights to understand how the lifting of impediments and restrictions will impact their business, and how to maximize the potential benefits of any increased “room to maneuver.” FMS:Insights, our dynamic workplace analytics platform, automates data gathering, aggregation, analysis and reporting to provide business leaders with that crucial information.
Companies should also keep in mind that even decisions intended to be favorable to the real estate industry can destabilize markets near-term and have unintended consequences long-term. FM:Systems solutions give organizations the tools and insights they need to adapt quickly and effectively to changing conditions.
Laying the Groundwork for an AI-Enabled Future with Building Automation
According to the 2025 FM:Systems Inside the Workplace survey, 76% of organizations are planning to deploy generative AI (GenAI) to assist with the operations and maintenance of workplaces over the next year. Businesses that have already embraced workplace management and building automation solutions are better positioned to harness the power of GenAI, automation, machine learning and robotics, and take decisive steps into the autonomous building era. On the other hand, companies that make the mistake of deprioritizing investments in technology will find themselves at a disadvantage when competing against these organizations.
If you’re not sure where you sit on that spectrum, FM:Systems workplace management and building automation experts can provide a roadmap to follow so that your organization is well-positioned to effectively deploy and maximize the value of GenAI and other game-changing innovations.
Building Automation as a Pillar for Business Growth
As interest rates come down, capital starts flowing again, and the direction of governance and regulations takes a pro-business turn, organizations should be in a prime position to invest in essential upgrades for their real estate assets. While business leaders have a wide range of projects they could tackle, workplace management and building automation solutions are unique in their ability to positively impact not just spaces and occupants, but the entire business.
Register for the Inside the Workplace Webinar. Attendees will be the first to receive the FM:Systems 2025 Inside the Workplace Survey Report during the event!