Introduction
World Facilities Management Day is observed annually on Wednesday of the second whole week of May, This year it falls on the 10th of May 2023. This day is celebrated to pay tribute to all the hard work and dedication of facility managers who keep our buildings, offices, and homes in good shape. Without their contributions, we cannot imagine what our homes, buildings, offices, and hospitals would look like. We often get into a place and feel how smoothly everything is managed, we see that the staff is perfect, the check-in checkout is perfect, and the service was excelled but did you wonder who is behind this? Yes, facility managers/ professionals make it possible for you to have a first-class experience. Facility managers or Facility management professionals are behind the scenes to ensure the task they are appointed with is done perfectly leaving you with zero complaints.
History of Facilities Management Day
World Facilities Management Day, initiated by Global F.M., was first observed on August 28, 2009. The exact date of the day has been reportedly changed over the years. It was celebrated on the fourth Thursday of June 2010 to 2013; on Wednesday of the first full week of June 2014 to 2015; on July 13, 2016; and on Wednesday of the second full week of May from 2017 to present. Although the date has been very dynamic the aim of World Facilities Management Day has always been constant. This is the day to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions of essential workers working tirelessly in facilities management.
If a facility manager is doing his job perfectly then a company/building/workplace or any organization has already solved its half of the problem. Facility managers look after a lot of tasks such as looking over the switches and boards if they are working properly, making sure that the hotel rooms are cleaned and ready to accept guests making sure the traffic flow is smooth near the office gate, making sure the security is strong enough to let intruder break-in and many more. There are a bunch of people who are working behind this day and night tirelessly. Hence, to appreciate their work and to let them know that we care about them we celebrate Worl Facilities Management Day.
What is Facility Management and Why it is important?
When asked with Google about what is facility management it simply defines it as ” the maintenance of an organization’s buildings and equipment”. Well, let’s discuss more about this.
Do you know who manages the security of a building? Do you know who looks after the cleanliness of the building? Do you know who is responsible to fix the water, electricity, or technical issues work? Yes, A technician who helps you with your technical issues, a plumber who fixes your water pipes, an electrician who looks after your electrical wires issues, a cleaner who makes sure your building or workplace is clean, these people are all who are designated as Essential Workers. They are the base of facility management. They look after every task they are appointed with and Facility Managers are the ones who ensure these tasks are done. The role of a facility manager is to ensure that a building or facility or workplace is running smoothly and efficiently. They also ensure that the visitors or occupants inside the building are safe and comfortable.
Facility Management is an essential function for any organization since it ensures that the physical infrastructure is in good condition. They also ensure that all the operations that are being performed can continue without interruption.
Learnings from COVID-19 For Facilities Management
The Role of Facilities Management in Fighting the COVID-19 Outbreak.
COVID-19 was something that shook facilities management. But kudos to all the essential workers and facility managers for standing strong and not giving up. COVID-19 was something that facility management didn’t expect and this created chaos and panic in the initial. But facility managers and essential workers came back stronger, created strategies, fought the pandemic, gave their lives, and set themselves as an example for the upcoming people. This was a tough job for especially facility managers and essential workers in the sector of healthcare since hospitals were flooded with COVID-19 patients. The pandemic required a holistic perspective in order to find feasible solutions in facilities management. Eventually, facility management learned a lot from covid-19 pandemic and faced the challenges with their chin up. Study more
Key Challenges of Facilities Management in 2023
A sign of a good facility manager is they take up facilities management challenges to efficiently maintain their office building/ organization and infrastructure in good condition. Growing and adjusting to new changes are difficult, especially for firmly established industries that have been providing the same services for decades. But, to survive one must adapt to the changes and does facilities management does. Below we will discuss briefly a few key challenges of facilities management in 2023 along with solutions to tackle them.
1. Lack of information availability
One of the key challenges facing by facility management in 2023 is the lack of information availability. Facility managers require access to a wide range of information. The access to information will help facility managers make informed decisions about building maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. However, with the increasing complexity in building systems, the sheer volume of data is being generated. The need to integrate data from multiple sources makes it difficult for facility managers to access the information they require.
The traditional way of storing information which is paperwork procedures makes it difficult to access reliable facility information which eventually slows down the operations and requires unnecessary efforts. Due to a lack of information, field teams are unable to get the required facility data, and facility managers or leadership teams are unable to see operations clearly.
Solution
To overcome the challenge of the lack of information, facility managers must adopt new strategies for data management and analysis. This may include investing in new technologies such as maintenance software. It may also require developing new partnerships with vendors and suppliers to ensure that data is being collected and shared effectively.
Another key strategy for overcoming this challenge is to invest in training and development for facility management teams. Providing the staff of the organization with the skills and knowledge will enhance their performance and also allow them to make informed decisions.
2. Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the critical issues for facility management in 2023. The changing demographics of the workplace, technological advancement, and evolving work styles all are driving the need for a more flexible work environment.
The demand for flexibility in the workplace is increasing since COVID-19 brought the concept of remote work. Facility managers must be able to accommodate these changing workstyles along with this they must ensure that buildings and facilities are safe & secure. This will require a more agile and adaptable approach towards facility management.
Solution
Facility managers can overcome this challenge by leveraging technology. Such as sensors, building automation systems, Visitor management systems, and other mobile apps to manage the building and its operations efficiently. Incorporating flexible workplaces such as hotdesks and shared workplaces into their facility design can also be a good move.
3. Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are also critical issues for facility management in 2023. The changing demographics of the workplace, cultural norms, and evolving work styles all are driving the need for a more diverse and inclusive work environment. This requires a more inclusive approach to facility management, that takes into account the needs of different groups of people.
Solution
Facility managers can overcome this challenge by designing buildings that are accessible and can accommodate a wide range of needs. This can include incorporating features such as ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other necessary demands.
4. Sustainability
Another key challenge for facilities management in 2023 is Sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly focused on reducing its carbon footprint and preserving natural resources, facility managers must adopt new strategies. The strategies for managing buildings and facilities shall be both efficient and environmentally responsible.
Solution
- Energy Efficiency: Facility managers must take a proactive approach toward reducing energy consumption. Such as adopting strategies such as using energy-efficient appliances, and installing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Also using IoT technology in converting buildings to smart buildings will optimize energy use.
- Water conservation: Facility managers must find ways to reduce water consumption and waste. Strategies such as installing low-flow faucets and toilets, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, etc. These strategies can help to conserve water and reduce costs.
- Waste Reduction: Buildings generate huge amounts of waste including hazardous waste, municipal waste, and construction waste. Facility managers can reduce waste by implementing recycling programs, implementing Reuse and reducing, and designing buildings with a focus on waste reduction.
- Renewable energy: The use of renewable energy is becoming very popular in every sector. Facility management has also started implementing renewable energy in buildings and organizations. Facility managers can reduce their reliance on traditional sources of energy by installing solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems. This will help to reduce greenhouse gases emission and conserve energy which leads to reduced energy costs.
Top Trends in Facilities Management 2023
Smart buildings Technology(Iot)
Smart building technologies are a continued trend in 2023. The use of technologies such as sensors etc to optimize building operations and productivity is on the rise. Smart building technology (IoT) can help facility managers to identify and address issues quickly. This also helps them to make informed decisions. This thereby improves building operations, reduces energy consumption, and improves maintenance.
Focus on sustainability
Sustainability is another trend in 2023 in facilities management. As the world becomes increasingly focused on reducing its carbon footprint and preserving natural resources, facility managers must adopt new strategies. The strategies for managing buildings and facilities shall be both efficient and environmentally responsible. Some of the strategies could be:
- Installing renewable energy systems.
- Implementing waste reduction.
- Using energy-efficient equipment.
- Acknowledge people about sustainability.
Increase the Use of Automation
The use of automation is expected to increase in facilities management in 2023. With the rise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, automation is a constant trend. Automation technologies such as robotics, drones, and automatic vehicles/self-driving vehicles can play a huge role in facilities management. Facility managers can use them to perform tasks more efficiently, reduce labor costs and improve safety.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, World Facilities Management Day 2023 parents a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of facility management. It also emphasizes the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Facility managers. By embracing new technology, focusing on sustainability, and adapting inclusion, diversity & flexibility, Managers can overcome the challenges of 2023. This way they can build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future. Let us take a moment to appreciate and thank the hardworking professionals of Facilities Management.
Hey, your building/organization might need visitor management. Know why?
