The considerations of a facility manager may be changing, but these 4 pillars remain just as important. Start taking your operations to the next level by understanding these core concepts.
What are the 4 pillars of facility management?
The 4 pillars of facility management are people, processes, building, and technology. If you wish to stay competitive with growing customer and employee expectations, understanding these focus points of a facility manager is essential. From technological upgrades to operational efficiency and sustainability, company-wide improvements can be made for future-proof transformations.
People
There is a clear reason why People are a pillar of facility management. Without people, the facility would become useless. Ensuring a safe space for workers is just the start. A welcoming atmosphere falls in the remit of facility managers. Seamless check in of employees and guests alike is another important consideration. Facility managers that are excelling are providing added value across their facilities that contribute to employee wellbeing on all fronts.
Processes
An essential pillar of building management is processes. This ensures control, structure and standards within the workplace. Admittedly, hybrid work has made this more challenging. Especially as facility managers are juggling productivity and departmental efficiency with working from home. Solving operations inefficiency can be tackled through processes. Automating to streamline is one such way. Utilising integrated and centralised facility management software solutions is another.
An important consideration is pre-planning your organisation out of difficulty. Spotting risks and areas where problems could arise and tackling these early on is your best bet.
Building
An integral pillar of facility management is the building itself. Ensuring upkeep of assets and adequate maintenance is the bare minimum. It’s safe to say that the work of a facility manager is never done. The considerations for facility managers are extensive and ever-growing. From developing a sustainability strategy regarding energy and resources to introducing a workable parking management system.
Employees will no longer settle for the 9-5 cubicle set up. They expect flexible working arrangements, breakout spaces and much more added value.
Technology
Technology can be a neglected pillar of facility management. However, this is where the real optimisations start to take shape. Leveraging the technology at your disposal means saving money, reducing workload and ultimately optimising operations. Facility managers on top of their game will not just explore new technology but implement to measure progress.
Detailed reporting, workplace analytics and custom dashboards are an important example of how to start. From Co2 monitors and heatmaps to office space sensors and visitor management, a lot is being utilised to stay competitive and relevant. Aim for a smart building to take your organisation to the next level.
Why are the 4 pillars of facility management important?
Covid-19 drastically changed employees expectations. Wellbeing, flexibility and sustainability become motivators, with employees willing to cut pay in exchange. The great resignation made the war for talent increasingly competitive. Seeing as the facility management role directly and indirectly affects the entire business, understanding the 4 pillars of facility management is essential.
Learn how your organisation can start tackling building management challenges.
