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Facilities management expert Tom Ryckaert speaks to REM TIMES about his latest book and the need to create joyful work environments
October 30, 2024 | Deepa Natarajan Lobo | Belgium | Facilities Management
Meet Tom Ryckaert, a passionate leader in the facilities and real estate management sector, with over two decades of experience dedicated to reshaping workplace environments. As a board member of IFMA Belgium, Tom is a staunch advocate for innovation, seamlessly integrating technology and design into the fabric of facilities management. His mission to enhance employee well-being and create joyful, productive workspaces led him to co-found 2nRich in March 2023 and more recently, pen a book called ‘Disruptive Workplaces: Create Your Sustainable & Future Proof Workenvironment’ – a practical and insightful guide that focuses on equipping facilities managers and leaders with tools necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work.
In an engaging interview with REM TIMES, Tom speaks about the book sharing his vision for the future of work. He also highlights the significance of understanding people and their environments, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to shaping brighter, more inclusive workplaces for all.
Q. What inspired you to write ‘Disruptive Workplaces…’, and what message do you hope the readers will take away from it?
I wrote this book on facilities management (FM) to address the gaps I found in existing resources, which often felt too theoretical, region-specific, or one-sided. And not to forget, the pandemic changed how we work and how we look at FM.
My goal was to create a practical, relatable guide that provided universal insights and examples from across Europe and the Middle East. This book is for anyone involved in FM, not just facilities managers, and offers real-world use cases and expert advice on navigating the rapidly changing workplace. By focusing on hybrid work, technology, sustainability, and strategic FM, I hope to inspire readers to create sustainable, future-proof work environments.
Q. How has writing this book changed your thought process regarding facilities management and workplace design?
Writing this book has shifted my perspective on these areas by highlighting how rapidly changes in society affect both fields. I now focus on the 4P’s: people, places, performance, and planet, which all need to be addressed. While technology plays an increasingly prominent role, we must remember that FM is ultimately for the benefit of people, which is why they remain central in the 4P’s.
The rise of hybrid working has challenged traditional facility models, with issues like resource availability and skill gaps becoming critical. We are in a challenging yet educational time, learning from the past while embracing the future. Start thinking about how to incorporate AI into your daily facilities management!
Q. What are some of the most surprising insights you discovered during your research for the book?
One of the most surprising insights I discovered during my research was the significance of the ‘iceberg principle’. The visible part of the iceberg represents the tangible, practical aspects — like planning, KPIs, resources, and budgets—that FM professionals excel at. However, the unseen part of the iceberg, such as motivation, internal politics, resistance, company culture, and values, is equally important for the success of projects. This realisation made me understand that focusing solely on practicalities isn’t enough. Effective change management and a strong communication strategy are crucial to successfully implementing workplace strategies, design changes, and technological projects.
Q. Based on your findings, what do you foresee as the biggest trends shaping the future of facilities management?
As a tech enthusiast, I closely follow the trends shaping the future of FM. In the coming years, AI will play an increasingly important role, particularly in automating FM processes. The platform approach to software and technology will become crucial.
Augmented Reality (AR) will also advance, allowing workers to access real-time knowledge during tasks, with wearables improving significantly—think of wearables now as the early Nokia phones, and imagine their evolution to the smartphones we rely on today. Additionally, professional FM associations will have a vital role in bringing the FM community together and fostering continued learning. It's all about learning from one another!
Q. Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote that occurred while you were writing the book?
I have many anecdotes, but one stands out. Last year, I attended the IFMA World Workplace, one of the largest FM events, held in Denver. During the opening reception at the Denver Broncos' stadium, I met ‘Panos’, who works at the European Space Agency.
After mentioning my book, he connected me with his colleague Laurent, who was responsible for renovating their headquarters in Paris. They transformed the workplace from a traditional to a modern, forward-thinking environment. As a sci-fi fan fascinated by space, I was thrilled to include this use case in my book. It was a perfect blend of my personal interests and professional work!
Q. Looking ahead, what are your future plans as a writer and entrepreneur?
I’m constantly planning and thinking of ways to further develop the FM community. In the coming months, I’ll focus on keynotes and workshops based on my book to help shift FM from an operational to a strategic level. Having spent most of my career with an FM service provider, I’ll also work on coaching their sales and business development teams, using a consultative selling approach for the evolving market.
I'll continue supporting companies with workplace and FM strategies, especially where technology and software are involved. Additionally, I’ll focus on the growing connection between FM and HR in various countries, emphasising employee well-being, workplace happiness, and the entire employee journey. It is indeed an exciting time ahead!
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