How IWFM worked for you in 2023

News

With immense demand on our sector coupled with global disruption, it’s tempting to look back on 2023 as another chapter of difficulty. However, in a landmark year for IWFM – our 30^th anniversary – I instead reflect on how workplace and facilities management (WFM) has consistently risen to the challenge and continually delivered organisational value.  

From frontline staff to senior leaders our members and their needs have been our core. Time after time, WFM has strengthened organisations as they look to get ahead; as a new year dawns, it’s fitting to ask, ‘what’s to come?’  

In our new research, '30 years back, 3 trends for the future', we articulated the foundations on which to build the profession’s future, guided by our community’s expert insight. We identified three “megatrends” affecting professionals, the sector and the wider business world: embedding workplace strategy as a service; putting people, planet and profits on the same footing; and the relationship between smart buildings and WFMs.

By publishing this research, we want to give every workplace and facilities professional the tools and learnings they need to build the best career possible, to enhance the sector and to act as a key organisational lynchpin. I encourage everyone to download, read and share the report widely. In the time ahead we’re looking forward to releasing even more resources, from courses to webinars to blogs - and beyond. 

In a highly productive year, with member value our north star, we’ve introduced a range of positive changes, here are the highlights.

Virtually every aspect of our organisation has improved, including creating and promoting a range of mentoring opportunities, optimising the e-learning experience and hosting our most sustainable IWFM Impact Awards yet. We’re proud of the changes we’ve made to provide more value. None of this would have been possible without our diligent team, partners, contributors and, most importantly, our global membership community.

Our membership community is our heart, and one of our proudest moments was acting to welcome and integrate the Armed Forces community into IWFM. We continue to look for ways to bring even more motivated, talented and hardworking professionals into our sector and ensuring that they make the most of a career of choice. To better serve you, our community in 2024, we are amending our fees to ensure we can continue to deliver the quality of materials that you expect.  

Despite a likely general election and challenges to come, we end our anniversary year on a high note. As has been consistent over the last 30 years (and more), the workplace and facilities profession has positively delivered for organisations; IWFM has continued to serve our members and remains dedicated to creating resources that benefit the sector. And we commit to that for the coming year, decade and beyond.

Thank you for being a member. We look forward to working with you, and for you, throughout 2024. 

With kindness, 

Linda Hausmanis

IWFM Chief Executive