Volunteering: “You get out what you put in – and then some” 

News

Volunteering for IWFM is like joining a team of passionate friends who want to change the world - well, the workplace and facilities management (WFM) world. After two years of being a member and then a committee member of the Customer Experience SIG, I had the opportunity to become the Chair in January 2024. Following the path of my predecessor Jamie McDonald, and with my awesome committee, I set the SIG’s focus on a customer-centric approach for IWFM. After all, it’s not just about a building or a space; it’s about how people experience that space.  

 At its core, volunteering for IWFM is a way to give back to the sector, connect with peers and be part of something bigger. It’s not just about ticking boxes or organising events; it’s about having a voice in the future of WFM. You get to collaborate with bright minds, share ideas, get advice on daily challenges and help shape the profession, all while building your own skills and networks. 

Through workshops, discussions, guides, and events, we’re driving the conversation about how workplace design and services can directly impact productivity and employee satisfaction. The SIG has already produced magnificent and useful guides, and we continue to guide the IWFM towards an ‘experience" approach’ model.  

I am so proud of what we have achieved as a group, so honoured to be in the SIG with bright peers and feel always blessed to have the autonomy, the support and the advice from IWFM to pursue our SIG goal. It is also challenging - as any volunteering work - to keep going, finding support, fundraising and finding time but we do it together as a committee group which makes it a lot nicer.  

Volunteering at IWFM has been a blast. It’s fun, engaging and I get to make a real impact by helping others see that WFM isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the people inside them. And when the focus is on people, everyone wins. 

To find out more about volunteering opportunities and how to get involved, click here to get in touch. 

Maud Santamaria  
Chair of IWFM Customer Experience SIG  
Workspace Director, GWI