TOP 10 TRENDING TOPICS FOR PROPERTY AND PEOPLE PROFESSIONALS IN 2024

Balancing cost constraints while maintaining top-notch services is a perennial challenge. The economic recession and cost of living crises have exacerbated these pressures. 

Professionals across all sectors must find innovative ways to optimize operational costs without compromising quality. Maintaining compliance and safety standards, managing costs related to equipment and training, and justifying investments in new technologies are critical. 

Sessions like Rising costs and tight budgets – how do we manage effectively? provide insights on managing increasing costs for materials, labour, and utilities while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.

Staying compliant with evolving regulations is essential. The Building Safety Act, introduced following the Grenfell tragedy, imposes stricter requirements on building safety and management. 

All sectors must collaborate to ensure buildings meet new standards, stay updated on compliance requirements, avoid penalties, and ensure the safety of occupants. 

The act brings significant reforms to the way tall buildings are built and maintained, as well as new protections for leaseholders. 

As well as across industry, crucial regulations and standards such as the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Facilities Management Standard 001: Management and Services continue to lead discussions for protecting and maintaining safe and secure environments. 

Dive into sessions such as Building Safety Act – Gateway 1, 2 and 3 explained and Is your hearing protection fit for purpose? to understand current regulations and their practical implications.

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern property management. 

Facilities managers must implement carbon reduction programs and embrace sustainable building practices, such as using renewable energy sources, incorporating green roofs, and improving insulation to reduce energy consumption. 

Security managers can contribute by adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices. Health & safety professionals need to ensure their programs support overall sustainability goals. 

Sessions like Sustainability - Spotlight on suppliers and Built for Life: The Human Factors of Sustainability in Building Design provide valuable insights into how sustainability intersects with various aspects of property management. 

Understanding and addressing labour challenges and evolving skill set requirements are essential for building a resilient and future-ready workforce. 

Traditionally siloed roles are now encompassing safety, security, and broader risk management. This convergence helps organizations manage the complex responsibilities of property, safety, and security more effectively.

As roles change, training, development, recruitment, and retention strategies must evolve. Addressing skills shortages requires recruitment strategies focused on candidates with versatile skills and attracting talent from younger, and more diverse demographics. Promoting diversity and inclusion is critical, creating supportive cultures and opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Retention efforts should emphasize continuous professional development and clear career progression. Training programs need to cover a broader range of topics to prepare professionals for integrated roles. 

Sessions like Recruiting for Innovation, Competency – how do we fill the gap? and Upskilling and the untapped workforce explore these themes, helping organizations build a future-ready workforce.