Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambition Magazine

FEATURE

The Future of Workplaces: Hybrid, Sustainable, and Human

By Peter Smyth, Director of Technology, Bidvest Noonan

T he way we work has continued to evolve over the past few years, and big questions remain about what comes next. Will we return to the o ce full time? Will remote working endure? How will AI reshape jobs and workflows? As Northern Ireland’s largest FM company, we see workplaces across every sector every day, giving us a clear view of what’s changing and what’s working. Here’s our perspective. REMOTE WORKING IS HERE TO STAY, BUT SO IS THE OFFICE Many people ask if the office is still relevant. The answer is yes. Working from home has real benefits, but the office is where culture, creativity, and collaboration thrive.

about the workplace, from the way we build and fit out spaces, to the energy we use, to the partners we choose. At Bidvest Noonan, we are proud to support our customers on their sustainability journeys. Last year, 93% of the vehicles we added to our fleet were electric. Today, half of our procurement spend is with small and medium-sized businesses. We are committed to reducing emissions, cutting waste, and supporting the move to a circular economy. These are not small steps; they are part of a bigger effort to create a more sustainable future. Today, sustainability is a business essential. By working with forward-looking facilities partners, organisations can reduce their carbon footprint, meet their net-zero goals, and show that they care about the communities they serve.

Across Northern Ireland and beyond, businesses are reshaping their workplaces. Offices are moving away from rows of desks. Instead, we see more open layouts, shared areas, and spaces designed for teamwork. Breakout zones and technology-enabled meeting rooms are replacing old models. The goal is simple: give people the best of both worlds, the quiet focus of home, and the energy of face-to-face collaboration. Facilities managers are leading this change. We design and manage spaces that encourage connection, improve productivity, and make the workplace a place where people want to be. SUSTAINABILITY IS DRIVING DECISIONS Sustainability now shapes every decision

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