Industry Roundup

摘要

While companies are continuing to reduce employee workspace, many are adding amenities such as fitness centers and multipurpose spaces, according to a recent study by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The study shows that the average office space for a middle manager, for example, has decreased by nearly 20% from 1994 to 2007. Headquarters and educational facilities are the most likely to offer workplace amenities. The value of new nonresiden-tial construction starts tracked by Reed Construction Data climbed 9% in May compared to May 2007. Year-to-date starts for the first five months of 2008 combined were down 6% compared to the same months in 2007. Nonresidential building starts were down 5% in dollar terms and 12% in square feet, reflecting what Reed estimated was a "spike in construction materials prices, up at a 15% annual pace in the first part of the year. The increase in construction material prices is likely to continue at a double-digit pace at least into the summer," Chief Economist Jim Haughey opined. "But unlike the last cost surge in 2004, this time wage rate gains and contractor margins are ebbing as total construction activity continues to decline."