Facilities Management – the difference between Soft FM and Hard FM (2024)

Every business employs several different services to run efficiently. What is needed will depend largely on the size, stature and location of the business however there are a few facilities which are required by law.

The role of a Facilities Manager / Facilities Management team is to assess what is requires and ensure that all legal requirements are adhered to as well as ensuring a regular maintenance check plan is in place.

As mentioned, there are some facilities that are required by law under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 act which are in place to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of employees are covered daily. These regulations call for Facilities Managers to make sure that satisfactory provisions have been made for:

  • Humidity
  • Lighting
  • Cleanliness
  • Toilet and washing facilities
  • Rest and eating facilities
  • Temperature
  • Ventilation
  • Workspace dimensions

A Facilities Needs Assessment will highlight what is needed by the business and which things are not necessary.

These facilities can be sorted further into two groups; soft and hard.

Soft Facilities Management / Soft Services

Soft services can be categories as services and facilities that make the workplace a better place to be in – either by making it more secure, pleasant working environment or more efficient.

Examples of Soft Facilities Management are:

  • Landscaping
  • Window cleaning
  • Cleaning
  • Security
  • Post management
  • Waste management
  • Catering
  • Car parking

Hard Facilities Management / Hard Services

Unlike soft services, hard services are ones that cannot be removed from the premises and directly related to the fabric of the building. These services ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees are adhered to and most are required by law.

Examples of Hard Facilities Management are:

  • Lighting
  • Plumbing
  • Heating
  • Air Conditioning
  • Building maintenance
  • Fire safety systems

You can read more about our hard and soft services offering here.

Get in touch for further information:

enquiries@bellrockgroup.co.uk
T: 0116 464 0800

Facilities Management – the difference between Soft FM and Hard FM (2024)

FAQs

Facilities Management – the difference between Soft FM and Hard FM? ›

Facilities management services come in two categories: hard and soft. The primary difference between the two is that hard services are non-negotiable, whereas soft services depend on your situation.

What is the difference between hard FM and soft FM? ›

Soft FM Services: FM services relating to the usage of a facility such as cleaning and catering. Hard FM Services: FM services relating to managing the physical aspect of a facility such as building maintenance and plumbing.

What are the 2 major types of facilities management? ›

Hard FM deals with physical assets such as plumbing, wiring, elevators and heating and cooling. Soft FM focuses on tasks performed by people such as custodial services, lease accounting, catering, security and groundskeeping.

What is a soft facility management? ›

Soft services are the facilities and services that tend to make the workplace a better place to be in, whether making it safer and more secure, a more pleasant working environment or of growing importance, more efficient. Examples of soft facilities management include: Landscaping. Window cleaning. Cleaning.

What is the hard FM industry? ›

Hard Facility Management (Hard FM) encompasses the physical and structural aspects of facility management. It focuses on maintaining and managing the tangible elements of a facility, such as building systems, equipment, and infrastructure.

What is the difference between hard and soft services? ›

Soft Services are people-oriented and involve tasks related to aesthetics, comfort, and occupant experience. On the other hand, hard services are technical and infrastructure-focused, dealing with the physical and mechanical aspects of a facility.

What is hard facility management? ›

Unlike soft services, hard services are ones that cannot be removed from the premises and directly related to the fabric of the building. These services ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees are adhered to and most are required by law. Examples of Hard Facilities Management are: Lighting. Plumbing.

What are the 4 main functions of a facility manager? ›

Ultimately, an FMs primary duties are to:
  • Provide a safe and secure working environment for occupants and staff.
  • Keep property-led operations running as smoothly as possible.
  • Ensure buildings operate within a set budget.
  • Hire the right contractors to carry out hard and soft facilities management services.

What is a hard services manager job description? ›

Oversee facilities management and ensure contract obligations are met. Consult with technical experts and senior leaders as needed to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations. Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

What are the three 3 types of facilities? ›

Key Terms
  • manufacturing facility: also known as the industrial facility, is the facility where the business builds its products.
  • retail facility: facility that sells products to the general public.
  • service facility: facility where repairs and other services are offered.

What does soft FM mean? ›

Soft facilities management (also known as soft FM and SFM) are the services that a building or business relies on to maintain a pleasant, healthy and safe working environment. They are services managed by people, like waste management, cleaning and reception services.

What is included in hard FM? ›

What exactly is hard FM? The services that are related to the physical materials and structures of a building, such as heating, ventilation plumbing, air conditioning and fire safety services, are considered hard FM.

Why is soft facilities management important? ›

Soft FM services don't just provide a clean, tidy, and safe workspace, but it ensures your employees have a pleasant and comfortable environment to operate in.

What does the FM industry stand for? ›

Facility or facilities management (FM) is a profession dedicated to supporting people. It ensures the functionality, comfort, safety, sustainability and efficiency of the built environment - the buildings we live and work in and their surrounding infrastructure.

What is FM in industry? ›

Facility management or facilities management (FM) is a professional management discipline focused on the efficient and effective delivery of logistics and other support services related to real property and buildings.

What is the FM business strategy? ›

A facilities management strategy focuses on improving the wellbeing and performance of staff within a company. The right strategy will go beyond daily services and support, and prioritise the development of long term initiatives. These are best supported with the right combination of property maintenance services.

What is hard FM music? ›

Hard FM spins hardstyle sounds from all around the world, focusing on nu-style, euphoric, raw, happy hardcore and ethnic hardbeats from every corner.

What is a hard FM service? ›

What exactly is hard FM? The services that are related to the physical materials and structures of a building, such as heating, ventilation plumbing, air conditioning and fire safety services, are considered hard FM.

What is soft FM services? ›

Soft FM are the services that buildings and companies rely on to maintain a healthy and safe environment. They are crucial to the day to day operations and are often the unsung heroes of how a building is able to be maintained and looked after. Below is a list of soft facilities management services: Cleaning. Security.

What is the meaning of FM in maintenance? ›

Facility or facilities management (FM) is a profession dedicated to supporting people. It ensures the functionality, comfort, safety, sustainability and efficiency of the built environment - the buildings we live and work in and their surrounding infrastructure.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5923

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.