The 2024 Transdisciplinary Workplace Research (TWR) Conference in Edinburgh brought together experts from around the globe to explore the latest in workplace strategy. This recap from Anton Maes, IFMA Belgium board member, highlights the event’s insightful presentations, including those from renowned researcher Matt Tucker. Attendees delved into global trends, the circular economy, and the evolving role of facility management, leaving inspired by fresh research and innovative ideas shaping the future of work environments.

Why invest in a workplace when many prefer working from home? In early 2023, ISS transformed its restaurant, reception, and meeting areas into the Himalaya Lounge, an all-day hospitality hub. This welcoming space promotes creativity, connection, and well-being, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.

Last month, with Anthony Huygen from Transact, we examined why office tenants overpay on rent and how to address it. Here are our top five takeaways to help you negotiate better lease terms.

We are thrilled to announce that our recent event on digital nomads was a resounding success! Held on 19 March, it brought together a diverse audience eager to explore the evolving landscape of remote work and the rise of digital nomadism within organizations. Among our esteemed attendees was Eduard Coddé, from Profacility. Below, he delves into the highlights and key takeaways from our engaging discussion.

Join us for an engaging 40-minute webinar where we delve into the wealth of opportunities awaiting you as a member of IFMA Belgium. With your membership, you gain automatic access to the vibrant International IFMA Community, offering a plethora of benefits waiting to be explored.

We often start from the “people, planet, profit” model when thinking about sustainability. The so-called "triple bottom line." Whereas success used to be measured mainly through financial profit, a healthy organization is now measured not only on financial performance (“Profit”), but also on social commitment (“People”) and environmental awareness (“Planet”). A successful company not only avoids pollution and saves energy, but also shows concern for employees and the broader society.

How to optimally fulfil the needs and wishes of a high-profile and multi-site customer such as ING. How to build up an innovative Facility Agent Service model? What impact will it have in the Facility Management Landscape? How do you guarantee efficient property management that also prioritises a first-rate user experience? And how can you agilely respond to new facility management opportunities and challenges?

Our very own Tom Ryckaert attended THE event for FM professionals in Denver (Colorado, United States) and shares his insights and experience.

On Thursday, September 28th, IFMA Belgium Chapter hosted its first autumn event at the ‘Green Energy Park’ in Zellik, focusing on building technologies and how they can contribute to achieving facility management objectives. ‘Green Energy Park’ was established in 2019 with the aim of promoting the development of knowledge about green energy, gathering and consolidating it, and making it available to various organizations through advisory services and training. “Our areas of focus include energy and mobility, biotechnology, smart regions, and hospitals for the future,” explained Inne Peersman, the director of ‘Green Energy Park.’ “Our Research Park serves as a living laboratory and showroom.”

For the second consecutive year, IFMA Belgium Chapter hosted its ‘Summer Vibes’ event under a brilliant blue sky and nearly tropical temperatures. The chosen venue this time was the Sport Vlaanderen domain in Hofstade, one of the 14 sports centers operated by this organization. During his welcoming remarks, Kris Cloots, Vice President of IFMA Belgium Chapter and CEO & Country Manager of ISS Facility Services Belgium & Luxembourg, reflected on a year and a half of effective operation for the IFMA Belgium Chapter. The Belgian branch of the global professional association for Facility Managers now boasts over 120 members and is supported by more than 20 partners. Compared to other young IFMA chapters, Belgium is rapidly establishing itself as a well-rooted organization for and by FM professionals.