By Sanjoy Biswas
In today’s world where change is the only constant and people need to be always ready for new challenges, we need someone to ensure that the systems and processes are always running smooth and the workplace is safe, hygienic and enjoyable. A facility manager fulfils these responsibilities and their role can be broadly divided on four rigid pillars.
The four pillars of facility management are people, processes, the building and technology.
People
A facility manager is responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment for employees and clients. A facility manager is the go-to person whenever there are any issues or crisis situations of accommodation and safety.
Processes
A facility manager is responsible for establishing processes to run the workplace. Processes brings discipline and create a standard SOP, which comes handy for optimum utilization of the workplace. Whenever a new challenge comes, it is the responsibility of the facility manager to manage the crisis and take steps to avoid such situations in the future. While developing new processes, a facility manager needs to work in coordination with different departments, employees, assets, fixtures and spaces. Retaining clients and making them happy are some other challenges that facility managers deal with.
Building
Facilities upkeep and improvement of the physical building are some of the key responsibilities of a facility manager. Their role further extends to asset management, planning for the future and creating partnerships. A facility manager’s real test is to turn the building and workplace into a competitive advantage for the organization. They need to be proactive and ensure the facilities meet the needs of the people using them.
Technology
There is an urgent need for facility managers to understand and use technology. Identifying and implementing the right technology is of paramount importance. They need to be good with data for taking crucial decisions to shape the workplace. It is the responsibility of facility managers to understand and leverage technology for optimal ROI.
Facility managers support all works directly and indirectly. They establish processes for order and systems. They are responsible for upkeep and improvement of the facilities themselves. They create complex integrations to leverage data for success. When we put these four functions together, we get an overview of what facility managers really do. They are responsible for giving the company a steady foundation for success.
Sanjoy Biswas is Head of Administration, Apeejay House Private Limited
