A Q&A with Kayla Oliver, head of product, partnerships, and innovation at ABM.
As companies continue navigating return-to-office strategies, it's essential to consider how the in-office experience can make a critical difference. That experience includes the cleanliness, air quality, temperature, and more that previously were behind-the-scenes and are now front-and-center. This conversation with Kayla Oliver, Head of Product, Partnerships, and Innovation at ABM, discusses how companies can use sensor data and smart tech to make the return-to-office smoother and more comfortable for employees.
As companies continue to develop their return-to-office strategies, what should they prioritize to improve the in-office experience?
The in-office experience plays a crucial role in a successful return-to-office strategy. It’s not just about showing up—it’s about the environment employees return to. That includes factors like cleanliness, air quality, and temperature—elements that used to be behind the scenes but are now front and center. These are the new standards for workplace comfort and safety, and getting them right is essential.
We’ve seen a shift with more companies mandating office attendance. How can organizations make this transition smooth and engaging for employees?
You're right. According to WTW, 61% of U.S. companies now require employees to be in the office a certain number of days each week. To support this shift, companies need a strategy that focuses on three key areas: location, logistics, and trust. This means making the office a place people want to be, and this can be accomplished through transparency, thoughtful design, and amenities that prioritize well-being.
What are some specific steps that companies can take to create a more welcoming and productive environment?
There are a few simple, but impactful, things companies can do. Upgrading air quality systems, creating flexible and collaborative layouts, and embracing sustainable design all make a big difference. It’s also about culture. Leaders need to communicate clearly, show appreciation, and genuinely engage with employees. The right mix of operational improvements and human touch can go a long way.
How can technology—and particularly sensor data—support these efforts?
Technology is a game-changer, especially when it comes to optimizing operations and building trust. Sensor data can tell you when and where spaces need attention, help track occupancy, and ensure health protocols, such as those for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), are followed. It gives companies visibility and control, while providing peace of mind to employees.
Do you have an example of this in action?
Yes, absolutely. One of our clients, a company in an owner-occupied space, wanted to encourage its employees to return to the office. We implemented a sensor-based solution that made their building operations more transparent. Displays outside conference rooms, desk clusters, and restrooms showed the last time the space was cleaned. We also used occupancy data to guide day-porter schedules, so cleaning happened before spaces looked dirty.
What kind of impact did that have?
It made a big difference. Employees who visited the office infrequently were quick to notice the upgrades and valued the added visibility and communication. Overall, the spaces stayed cleaner, and employees felt more comfortable using restrooms and shared areas. It helped rebuild confidence in the workplace and reinforced a sense of care and consideration from leadership.
What’s your overall message to companies right now when it comes to return-to-office planning?
The return-to-office push doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right approach, it can become an opportunity to enhance culture, improve collaboration, and boost morale. It’s about balancing business goals with employee expectations. With smart planning and the right tools, any organization can make this transition a positive and productive one.