With every passing year, time spent by employees at work has increased, as companies move towards profitability, employees work towards more deliverability. It falls on the FM to ensure comfort and safety measures are adhered to, as these two emotions are critical to overall productivity of a workforce.

Facility Managers are directly/indirectly responsible for the health and safety of employees at the workplace. Their purview spans from the interior to exterior and from the boiler

With every passing year, time spent by employees at work has increased, as companies move towards profitability, employees work towards more deliverability. It falls on the FM to ensure comfort and safety measures are adhered to, as these two emotions are critical to overall productivity of a workforce.

Facility Managers are directly/indirectly responsible for the health and safety of employees at the workplace. Their purview spans from the interior to exterior and from the boiler to the basement.

Role of Facility Manager to Promote Workplace Safety

Facility Manager’s role in maintaining safety can be as simple as preventing slips and falls or as complex as ensuring safety during natural disasters like earthquakes. The role of facility managers in ensuring workplace safety and efficiency has come into sharp focus and prominence in the new normal that prevails worldwide.

1. Hold Safety Training Sessions

It is the responsibility of facility manager to hold regular meetings to inform employees about any policy changes or any new equipment that has been added to the office and to ensure that employees are educated about safety procedures. Mock Fire Drill training is conducted to sensitize the team and employees on the evacuation procedures and how to rescue themselves in case of fire.

2. Introduce Planned Preventive Maintenance

Having a Planned Preventive Maintenance plan helps in keeping the workplace safe. It helps in preventing the potential for breakdown and to ensure that operations are running smoothly. When a machine malfunctions, there is a risk of someone being injured. Conducting routine checks and investing time and resources in Planned Preventive Maintenance helps mitigating that risk.

Without having an ongoing maintenance procedure, the old and outdated equipment may cause injury. Even something as simple as ensuring all the office lights are working properly prevent employees falling down from a dimly lit staircase and checking fire extinguishers on a monthly basis ensures preparedness and safety in case of an unlikely event or fire.

3. Encourage Safety Certifications

As workplaces evolve, so do health and safety standards and hence it can be helpful for facility managers to obtain certain government safety certifications. These certifications can be beneficial in creating a working environment that’s more attractive to health-conscious workers.

4. Promote Health and Wellness

Keeping the workplace safe and healthy is one of the most effective ways to protect the most valuable asset – workers. A facility manager must ensure good air quality to preserve the health and wellness of facility occupants. This can be done by: –

5. Being Prepared for any Medical Emergency

A facility manager is required to develop and implement the emergency plan for any medical emergency and support. Tie up with hospitals, ambulances, having the liaison office number and keeping an SOP ready in this regard help facility managers to reduce risk and costs in case of medical emergency.

Conclusion

Health and Safety for facilities is one of the most important investments. Hence, creating a safe workplace is vital to ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of the workforce. A facility manager, by devoting time and money won’t just benefit the employees and workforce but can also encourage better productivity and efficiency.

Post pandemic, offices have become increasingly empty, more employees are working from home and collaboration is the norm of the day. This growing acceptance of hybrid workspaces has impacted all aspects of our professional/personal life but none more so than facility management. Workspaces are adapting many changes, some for the better and some to change the game altogether. It is still unclear whether these changes are here to stay or yet to change again but one thing facility

Post pandemic, offices have become increasingly empty, more employees are working from home and collaboration is the norm of the day. This growing acceptance of hybrid workspaces has impacted all aspects of our professional/personal life but none more so than facility management. Workspaces are adapting many changes, some for the better and some to change the game altogether. It is still unclear whether these changes are here to stay or yet to change again but one thing facility managers are certain about is that this is the ‘new normal’.

An organization relies on its facilities to efficiently support its people and processes. As the role of the workspace changes, so does the offering of Facility Manager. A Facility Manager’s responsibilities are likely to shift from the delivery of services to the creation of in-office experiences. A modern facility management company is responsible for creating an attractive working environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees.

Role of Facility Managers in Creating Hybrid Workspace

It is important to remember that office is no longer the place where employees have to be, but the place where they want to be. In the office, the emphasis is on face-to-face meetings and team building, more day-to-day and focus based tasks can be done elsewhere. Facility Managers play a vital role in creating this type of hybrid workspace by coordinating the services and hospitality and ensuring that employees can easily meet each other, effectively work together and receive business contracts.

There are many areas in which Facility Managers can do more than just comply with traditional employee requests and it starts right from the design stage. A Facility Manager, by using his/her knowledge and experience in facility management can work with the designers to create an office content with an innovative facility dimension. By working closely with the managers, employees, customers and suppliers, a facility manager can set up the most effective and efficient hybrid workspace.

Facility Manager’s Strategy in Creating Hybrid Workspace

1. Dynamic Planning of Flexible Office Occupancy: – Facility Managers need to manage dynamic office occupancy planning to not only prevent employees from being unable to find available workplaces but also avoid inefficient use of the workspace itself.

2. Tools to Shape Hybrid Workspace: – Facility Managers should integrate tools that ensure office occupancy is evenly dispersed throughout the week. It includes booking desks and shifts at the office, live localization of colleagues and office heat maps.

3. Optimizing Office Through Data: – Data is a vital foundation to tackle the uncertainties of hybrid workspace.It helps to ensure efficient HVAC usage, sufficient hot desking capacity, employee productivity, wellbeing, health and safety. With access to insightful data, facility managers can anticipate changing employee needs to make data driven decisions. It also helps in identifying unnecessary expenses and discovering good practices to be applied throughout the organization.

4. Creating a Healthy and Sustainable office: – Improving the productivity and work-life quality of an organization is one of the core tasks of a facility manager. With a more health conscious and sustainable building, employees feel happier, more productive and are less likely to suffer from the sick building syndrome.

Conclusion As the workspace increasingly shifts towards the hybrid model, Facility Managers must continuously monitor and adapt strategies to meet the evolving trends. Irrespective of the flexibility and freedom, hybrid workspace can present different challenges for each client. However, a facility manager, with an agile approach can help in driving the hybrid workspace revolution and ensure it a sustainable, successful and long-term future.

In their latest report on the climate crisis, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has mentioned that we can still hope to escape the worst consequences of climate change, but are currently placed in a “now or never” situation where we must act immediately. 

Responses to such findings as well as the changing nature of the climate crisis have been immense and proactive. These have not only come in the form of citizen demands and lifestyle changes but also, newer approaches to creating

In their latest report on the climate crisis, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has mentioned that we can still hope to escape the worst consequences of climate change, but are currently placed in a “now or never” situation where we must act immediately. 

Responses to such findings as well as the changing nature of the climate crisis have been immense and proactive. These have not only come in the form of citizen demands and lifestyle changes but also, newer approaches to creating plans for more sustainable buildings.

What are sustainable or ‘green’ buildings? 

Green buildings are those which try to improve or simply maintain the quality of life and harmonize within the local climate, culture, and tradition of the surrounding environment. Creating such structures has been possible thanks to changes in the approach toward design, construction and offerings. 

A green building is also built with the aim to conserve resources and energy, and with the help of recycled materials. Additionally, it also looks at reducing human exposure to hazardous substances. 

So, how can facility management leverage sustainable buildings in a way that the environment receives its share of returns too?  Let’s have a look –

1.Leveraging Sustainability Analytics

One of the most accurate ways to get an in-depth understanding of any facilities’ performance is by conducting sustainability analytics. As a process, it gives you an overview of your building’s sustainability status. 

An audit can give you a glimpse of where there’s room for improvement within your facility. An energy audit, for instance, looks at the building’s current energy usage. The report from this audit can help facility managers chart out an economical strategy for saving power and costs in the future. 

Similarly, an EHS (Environment, Health, Safety) audit can help identify potential risks which might threaten the environment, safety and overall health of the tenants. A plan of action to minimise such risks can be charted out, based on the findings from the audit. 

Facility managers also encounter certain challenges which are specific to green buildings. Some of these include having minimum energy efficiency standard-compliant HVAC systems and other equipment, holding a LEED certification and keeping systems 30% more efficient in comparison to other buildings. To keep a check on these, integrated facility management companies carry out facility management audits. 

2.Update Your Facility Assets

The golden rule when it comes to any progress is that change is inevitable, but also necessary. Most old buildings are not carbon friendly by build or by design since they were conceptualised when concerns about the environment were not actively acknowledged. In other words, older structures are very likely to be equipped with assets that are not energy efficient. Updating one’s facility assets is perhaps one of the simplest ways to tackle this problem. 

So what exactly should a facility manager look at when taking stock of what all needs a definite upgrade? To begin with, switching to modern insulation and opting for new roofing can help reduce energy loss. A switch to renewable energy sources like geothermal or solar energy can significantly boost the facility’s sustainability score. It is also important to promptly replace HVAC units, legacy boilers and windows to ensure that energy is saved. 

3.Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

A building itself may be sustainable by design, but our commitment to being green shouldn’t stop there. Maintaining good sanitation within shared spaces is a key responsibility of facility managers. However, most of the cleaning products used often contain unsafe ingredients, which can become an occupational hazard for cleaners and residents as well. 

In this case, a simple switch to eco-friendly cleaning agents can significantly reduce the number of toxic chemicals that a building releases into the environment. Naturally, it also reduces the likelihood of residents being exposed to hazardous chemicals. The key to finding greener cleaning products is to search for those which do not use volatile organic compounds (VOC) like phosphorus and nitrogen.

4.Employ Sustainable Contractors

A sustainable attitude can manifest itself in many different ways. While your building itself may have been built green, the smallest of processes can boost its status. Employing sustainable contractors is one easy change to make. They make use of energy-efficient tools and clean products in their work and are also likely to have prior experience with low-energy assets which are most likely installed in green facilities. 

Trusting contractors who actively inculcate sustainability in their work is one of the best methods of providing mindful employment while extending your larger commitment to environmental protection.

5.Adopt Planned Preventive Maintenance

Sustainable facilities require a strong system of checks and balances to be in place, with regard to the equipment being utilised. This creates the perfect conditions for employing planned preventive maintenance.

Not only does this type of maintenance keep a strict check on equipment functionality but it also identifies potential issues before they negatively impact any machinery. Thereafter, regularly scheduled repair work keeps most equipment inside buildings functioning at its best. It is essential to be more proactive when it comes to carrying out maintenance on older equipment. 

Ultimately, adopting planned preventive maintenance helps boost cost-efficiency, extend equipment lifespans and, of course, boost sustainability. 

Conclusion

Despite the serious nature of global warming and the resulting climate crisis, it’s rewarding to see active efforts being made to build for the future. Some changes are minor and can be implemented in a matter of days. This is how we can start preparing for tomorrow- one green building at a time.

Electric Vehicles, often times referred to as EVs are the new talk of the town! Their USP being no carbon emissions and in turn being an efficient alternative to their petrol and diesel counterparts, that cause an irreversible amount of pollution. Acknowledging this paradigm change in the customers’ buying behavior and the benefits to the …

The post 7 Biggest Myths around EV: Now Busted! first appeared on

Electric Vehicles, often times referred to as EVs are the new talk of the town! Their USP being no carbon emissions and in turn being an efficient alternative to their petrol and diesel counterparts, that cause an irreversible amount of pollution. Acknowledging this paradigm change in the customers’ buying behavior and the benefits to the …

The post 7 Biggest Myths around EV: Now Busted! first appeared on Facility Management Company.

A routinely audit can timely detect any possible malfunctions and also suggest recommendations that would help in maintenance. The audit gives a detailed assessment of the wear and tear that has occurred over time and due to other conditions, such as, weather, chemical spillage etc. One of the major disasters that man has been fighting …

The post Fire Safety Audit: The First Step To Prevent A Fire

A routinely audit can timely detect any possible malfunctions and also suggest recommendations that would help in maintenance. The audit gives a detailed assessment of the wear and tear that has occurred over time and due to other conditions, such as, weather, chemical spillage etc. One of the major disasters that man has been fighting …

The post Fire Safety Audit: The First Step To Prevent A Fire first appeared on Facility Management Company.

Given the uncertain and insecure times we live in, while deciding where to stay, the first question often is “How safe is it?”, “Are the people I am engaging with really trustworthy?” Also, one of the main reasons why many people prefer to stay in a gated society vis-a-vis an independent house on a plot, …

The post How Do Security Services Complement FMS? first appeared on Facility

Given the uncertain and insecure times we live in, while deciding where to stay, the first question often is “How safe is it?”, “Are the people I am engaging with really trustworthy?” Also, one of the main reasons why many people prefer to stay in a gated society vis-a-vis an independent house on a plot, …

The post How Do Security Services Complement FMS? first appeared on Facility Management Company.

Isn’t it miraculous how a flying object, the size of a big bird goes on clicking a million pictures or take aerial shots from the tallest of mountains or a disk-shaped machine go on tirelessly cleaning the entire house without bumping into things, as though with a mind of its own. The advancement in technology …

The post Disruptive Technological Trends in Facility Management 2022 first

Isn’t it miraculous how a flying object, the size of a big bird goes on clicking a million pictures or take aerial shots from the tallest of mountains or a disk-shaped machine go on tirelessly cleaning the entire house without bumping into things, as though with a mind of its own. The advancement in technology …

The post Disruptive Technological Trends in Facility Management 2022 first appeared on Facility Management Company.

Most integrated facility management companies today try their best to push for a planned preventive maintenance system across the different areas they manage. This is often a tricky line to walk when it comes to residential complexes, especially since it involves the well-being of hundreds of families. Here are some popular myths residents believe about …

The post Popular Myths About PPM in Residences:

Most integrated facility management companies today try their best to push for a planned preventive maintenance system across the different areas they manage. This is often a tricky line to walk when it comes to residential complexes, especially since it involves the well-being of hundreds of families. Here are some popular myths residents believe about …

The post Popular Myths About PPM in Residences: Now Busted! first appeared on Facility Management Company.

According to a study, it is said that Planned Preventive Maintenance results in a whopping ROI of 545%(on an average) vis-à-vis Reactive Maintenance which is said to eat into your company’s Operational and Maintenance budget by 40%. Not only this, in case of an emergency breakdown of the equipment your facility production targets can be …

The post Did You Know Planned Preventive Maintenance

According to a study, it is said that Planned Preventive Maintenance results in a whopping ROI of 545%(on an average) vis-à-vis Reactive Maintenance which is said to eat into your company’s Operational and Maintenance budget by 40%. Not only this, in case of an emergency breakdown of the equipment your facility production targets can be …

The post Did You Know Planned Preventive Maintenance Can Save LAKHS? first appeared on Facility Management Company.

Schools and universities are much much more than passive structures which provide education. Rather, they are important elements of the learning process for students. The quality of the physical environment within which a child studies is of paramount importance and dictates so much of their experience, along with the teaching staff and other community members. …

The post Facility Management

Schools and universities are much much more than passive structures which provide education. Rather, they are important elements of the learning process for students. The quality of the physical environment within which a child studies is of paramount importance and dictates so much of their experience, along with the teaching staff and other community members. …

The post Facility Management and The Education Sector: Collaborative Partners first appeared on Facility Management Company.

The festive season brings with it countless joy, family events and their preparation. A festival as significant as Diwali, is accompanied by events, parties and family visits- all of which are events which take place in the home. This naturally makes it a necessity to ensure that our living spaces look clean and attractive. This …

The post A Brighter And Cleaner Diwali For Everyone first appeared on Facility

The festive season brings with it countless joy, family events and their preparation. A festival as significant as Diwali, is accompanied by events, parties and family visits- all of which are events which take place in the home. This naturally makes it a necessity to ensure that our living spaces look clean and attractive. This …

The post A Brighter And Cleaner Diwali For Everyone first appeared on Facility Management Company.

A whopping 850 acres of green cover across different spaces is managed by Enviro India. This area happens to be double the size of the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. It’s incredibly important to preserve such green areas since most areas with buildings tend to be very unsustainable. You’d be surprised to know that buildings actually contribute …

The post 5 Effective Practices for Sustainable

A whopping 850 acres of green cover across different spaces is managed by Enviro India. This area happens to be double the size of the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. It’s incredibly important to preserve such green areas since most areas with buildings tend to be very unsustainable. You’d be surprised to know that buildings actually contribute …

The post 5 Effective Practices for Sustainable Facility Management first appeared on Facility Management Company.

Facility management is a fairly multi-dimensional process and companies often do not realize the amount of cost-cutting that is feasible within it. The possibility of task automation and the entry of newer technologies in this field have made room for efficient workplaces and smarter budget allocation. Here are a few small, but impactful changes your …

The post How Does Facility Management Lead To Cost

Facility management is a fairly multi-dimensional process and companies often do not realize the amount of cost-cutting that is feasible within it. The possibility of task automation and the entry of newer technologies in this field have made room for efficient workplaces and smarter budget allocation. Here are a few small, but impactful changes your …

The post How Does Facility Management Lead To Cost Reduction? first appeared on Facility Management Company.

It is often said that ‘one stitch in time, saves nine’!  So to say, in order to avoid something that can be disastrous at a later stage one needs to take action now. The need for power and electricity is growing by the minute. Be it a residential or a commercial space, every unit requires …

The post Is Energy Saving Important In Commercial Buildings? first appeared on Facility

It is often said that ‘one stitch in time, saves nine’!  So to say, in order to avoid something that can be disastrous at a later stage one needs to take action now. The need for power and electricity is growing by the minute. Be it a residential or a commercial space, every unit requires …

The post Is Energy Saving Important In Commercial Buildings? first appeared on Facility Management Company.