It’s mind-boggling how many companies lose sight of the goldmine within their own Core Business functions. They get so caught up chasing the next big thing that they forget to nurture what made them successful in the first place.

Take Bausch & Lomb, for example. They veered off course, venturing into dental products, skincare, and even hearing aids, only to regret it later.

But let’s not dwell on their missteps alone. Even Polaroid, once the talk of the town, made the same mistake, sticking with a declining core for far too long. The result? Devastation.

As Facility managers, you must learn from these stories and ask yourself the tough questions; ‘How do we determine the right direction for change?’

This is where Facility Management steps in as a game-changer. By recognizing the integral role of facility management in supporting core business operations, you can unlock the hidden potential within your organization. It’s about leveraging the existing infrastructure and resources to create a thriving core.

This blog will explore how effective facility management can drive and support core business operations.

Anticipates and Delivers What Users Need:

“Facility management is all about going the extra mile to anticipate and deliver what our users need. It’s about being one step ahead, understanding their evolving demands, and creating an environment that exceeds their expectations, ” said the CEO of FieldCircle aptly.

Anticipating and fulfilling the needs of clients, customers, and users (CCUs) is a crucial way facility management supports core functions of business. By proactively identifying the requirements of CCUs, facility managers ensure that the facilities align seamlessly with their evolving needs.

Let’s say a software development firm noticed a growing trend among their employees: a desire for flexible workspaces and collaborative areas. The facility management team can take note and initiate a redesign of their office layout.

They can incorporate open-plan areas, breakout spaces, and state-of-the-art technology to foster collaboration and innovation. The result?

Increased employee satisfaction, improved productivity, and enhanced core business operations that heavily rely on teamwork and idea sharing.

But it’s not just about creating a trendy workspace.

Facility managers must stay attuned to the pulse of the CCUs. They gather feedback, conduct surveys, and analyze usage patterns to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach ensures that the facilities are tailored to meet the specific needs of the core business activities.

Rescues Your Budget:

Saving money without sacrificing quality? Sounds too good to be true, right? But let me tell you, facility management can work wonders for your budget.

One of the core business operations that facility management supports is rescuing your budget.

Facility managers can significantly impact your bottom line by implementing cost-saving measures, optimizing resource utilization, and exploring energy-efficient solutions.

Consider a medium-sized manufacturing firm, and their facility manager realized that their energy expenses were spiraling out of control. Conducting an energy audit and implementing energy-saving initiatives, such as installing LED lighting and optimizing HVAC systems.

Surprisingly, upgrading to LED light bulbs is a no-brainer when it comes to energy efficiency.

These highly efficient bulbs have been proven to use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. The impact of these bulbs on energy consumption is so significant that energy.gov states:

“Widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States. By 2027, widespread use of LEDs could save about 348 TWh (compared to no LED use) of electricity. This is equivalent to the annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants, each generating 1000 megawatts. It also translates to a total savings of over $30 billion at today’s electricity prices.”

The key is to embrace facility management as a strategic approach to budget optimization. With the right facility management strategies, you can achieve significant cost savings while maintaining the quality and functionality of your operations.

Keeps the Business Wheels Turning During Chaos:

It’s during these moments of crisis and disruptions that the true value of effective facility management shines through.

By ensuring seamless operations, facility managers play a critical role in keeping the business running smoothly, even in the face of adversity.

In Germany, a telecom company faced a potential disaster when a dangerous fire threatened a vital facility housing telecom wiring and equipment for millions of customers. Thanks to their state-of-the-art facility management system, staff were promptly alerted, incident response teams activated, and emergency alerts sent to employees.

Despite the fire causing extensive damage, the combination of effective facility management and a redundant network design allowed the company to restore service within six hours fully.

This real-life example highlights how robust facility management can be a game-changer, ensuring continuity despite critical incidents.

During challenging times, FM support core business activities by maintaining operational efficiency, safeguarding critical assets, and providing a safety net that allows the organization to overcome disruptions.

Makes Rules Become Your Allies:

Rules aren’t meant to be roadblocks; they can be your greatest allies.

This rings especially true regarding managing waste and ensuring compliance with employment and contract laws.

Managing waste is about meeting environmental regulations in facilities and creating a sustainable and efficient operation.

By implementing recycling programs, optimizing waste disposal methods, and promoting sustainability initiatives, facility managers can minimize environmental impact while simultaneously enhancing the bottom line.

This proactive approach aligns with corporate social responsibility and supports the core business function of cost management and resource optimization.

Adherence to employment and contract laws is another area where facility management plays a vital role. By ensuring compliance with labor regulations, workplace safety standards, and contract obligations, facility managers create a secure and legally sound environment for employees and stakeholders.

For instance, maintaining accurate records of employee work hours and providing a safe working environment reduces the risk of legal disputes and fosters a positive workplace culture. This focus on compliance directly supports the core business activity of maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce.

Say goodbye to the old-fashioned linear approach:

Gone are the days when facility management was solely about fixing things when they broke.

Today, it’s about embracing sustainability practices and environmental responsibility, engaging responsible suppliers and contractors, and fostering employee well-being and community engagement.

“Sustainability is increasingly recognized as crucial for long-term business success. As per Forbes, with over 90% of CEOs acknowledging its importance, companies, including retailers and consumer brands, are investing more in sustainable operations, including their facilities.”

Facility management is critical in supporting core business activities by managing day-to-day operations and contributing to sustainability goals.

As businesses recognize the importance of sustainability for long-term success, facility management becomes a strategic partner in achieving these objectives.

By actively engaging responsible suppliers and contractors, businesses ensure ethical practices throughout their supply chain, leading to improved brand reputation and increased customer loyalty.

Furthermore, engaging responsible suppliers and contractors ensures ethical business practices and strengthens the supply chain. Research shows that companies that prioritize responsible sourcing experience improve brand reputation and increased customer loyalty.

In addition, facility management can actively participate in community engagement initiatives, such as volunteering programs or partnerships with local nonprofits. This strengthens the company’s reputation and builds strong ties with the community.

As a facility manager, it’s time to bid farewell to the old ways and embrace these forward-thinking approaches

Adds Zen Vibes At Workplace!

It’s no secret that workplace stress can significantly impact productivity.

Employee stress levels have risen 20 percent in just three decades, as per Kornferry. More than 90 percent of workers experience stress at work, and almost a third say their stress is either high or unsustainably high, as per CDN.

As facility managers, you have the power to create a work environment that alleviates stress and promotes well-being.

Here’s how facility team leadership can practically implement strategies to alleviate stress and enhance productivity:

• Implement Ergonomic Solutions: By providing ergonomic furniture, adjustable workstations, and proper lighting, you can create a comfortable and conducive work environment. This supports employees’ physical health and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues, allowing them to focus on their core tasks.
• Maintain Cleanliness and Organization: A clean and organized workspace reduces distractions and fosters a sense of pride and professionalism. Regular cleaning, decluttering, and efficient storage systems help employees stay focused and maintain a clear mind.
• Promote Employee Engagement: Engaged employees are more productive. By investing in facility management practices that prioritize employee engagement, such as providing comfortable and well-designed break areas or organizing team-building activities, you create an environment that fosters positive relationships and enhances collaboration.

Companies prioritizing employee engagement and investing in facility management practices witness impressive results. Highly engaged employees are proven to be highly productive, with 38% higher productivity rates, as per Haiilo. Furthermore, job satisfaction, influenced by facility management efforts, boosts productivity by more than 6.6%.

As facility managers, you can create a work environment that supports and enhances core business activities.

Guards Your Facility from Security Threats:

Security isn’t just about keeping intruders out; it’s about safeguarding the core of your business.

Did you know that in 2020, there were over 6.4 million reported cases of property crimes in the United States alone, as per Statista? These include theft, vandalism, and burglary, which can significantly impact businesses. Facility management is the frontline defense, identifying and mitigating risks to protect your people, assets, and operations.

By implementing robust security measures, facility management is crucial in protecting your facility from potential threats.

Consider the example of a corporate office building. Facility managers implement access control systems, surveillance cameras, and security protocols to safeguard the premises. Doing so ensures the safety and well-being of employees, visitors, and valuable company assets. This, in turn, supports the core business activity of providing a secure and conducive environment for work.

Statistics reveal that businesses that invest in effective facility management and security measures experience a significant reduction in incidents and losses. In fact, according to IBM’s 2020 study, teams with a well-prepared response plan and a dedicated team saved an average of $2 million, which is a whopping 51.8% savings on the cost of an average data breach

By prioritizing security as part of facility management, you not only protect your facility but also bolster the core business functions.

Leverages Technology as a Catalyst for Growth

It’s amazing how the right tools and systems, like facilities management software, can amplify the efforts and elevate the impact. They can be the bridge that helps in connecting core business operations with strategic initiatives.

One crucial core business activity that benefits from technology is energy management. Implementing smart building solutions empowers facility managers to optimize energy consumption and reduce wastage.

Businesses have achieved impressive energy savings by integrating sensors, automated lighting systems, and smart HVAC controls. In fact, the potential cost reduction can reach around 25-30% per year compared to traditional HVAC systems or conventional approaches, as per a study by ResearchSquare. This translates into substantial savings that directly impact the bottom line.

In addition to energy management, integrated workplace management systems (IWMS) have transformed facility management operations. These comprehensive platforms centralize data, streamline processes, and provide real-time insights.

For example, facility managers can efficiently manage space allocation, track maintenance schedules, and optimize resource allocation. With IWMS, facility managers have a command center at their fingertips, enabling data-driven decisions and efficient operations.

A Little TLC For Assets Goes a Long Way!

Taking care of your assets is like investing in their longevity and reliability. It’s about laying a solid foundation for your core business activities to flourish.

Preventive maintenance programs are the key to achieving this. Think of it as giving your assets regular check-ups to catch any issues before they become major headaches.

According to SafetyNow statistics, 78% of companies implementing preventive maintenance with a CMMS saw improved equipment life. It’s like giving your assets a new lease on life, maximizing their value and productivity.

On the other hand, reactive maintenance, where assets are fixed only after they break down, comes with a hefty price tag. It’s a 40% higher cost expectancy compared to preventive maintenance. You’re paying for repairs, losing valuable production time, and incurring high engineer call-out costs.

So, as a facility manager, developing preventive maintenance programs becomes your superpower. It’s an investment that maximizes the longevity and reliability of your assets, directly supporting core business activities.

Puts the “Wow” Factor into Your Stakeholder Interactions:

You can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression by prioritizing excellent customer service and effective communication.

As per Daniel Newman’s 2020 Forbes article, 86% of consumers are willing to invest more for an enhanced customer experience.

When it comes to stakeholders, whether they are clients, employees, or partners, their satisfaction and perception of your organization are crucial to its success. Facility management is vital in supporting core business activities by ensuring exceptional stakeholder interactions.

Imagine a scenario where a client visits your office for a meeting. The reception area is immaculate, with comfortable seating and a warm welcome. The meeting room is well-equipped, technologically advanced, and designed to impress.

The client leaves the meeting feeling valued and impressed by the attention to detail. This positive experience contributes to a stronger business relationship and potential future collaborations.

Addressing feedback and concerns promptly and effectively is another aspect of putting the “wow” factor into stakeholder interactions. When stakeholders feel heard and see their concerns addressed on time, it fosters trust and demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction.

Establishing effective communication channels internally and externally is essential for seamless stakeholder interactions. Clear and open lines of communication allow for efficient collaboration, smooth operations, and the ability to address issues proactively.

Whether through regular updates, personalized emails, or a user-friendly online portal, facility management ensures stakeholders feel engaged, informed, and valued.

Conclusion:

Facility management is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses a wide range of responsibilities and tasks. In this article, we have explored three key ways FM supports core business activities.

By guarding your facility against threats, leveraging technology and innovation, maximizing the longevity and reliability of your assets, and prioritizing stakeholder interactions, facility managers play a critical role in driving efficiency, cost savings, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Recognizing the significance of aligning facilities with the organization’s goals and objectives is essential to ensure long-term success. As facility managers, you are the driving force behind creating conducive work environments, optimizing operations, and fostering positive stakeholder experiences. Embrace your role as a strategic partner and get in touch to unlock the full potential of your organization through effective facility management practices.

The post The FM Advantage: 10 Ways it Drives Core Business Activities appeared first on FieldCircle.