3 Facilities Management Trends for 2020

Entertainment rather than transactional

Consumers are looking for experiences. They want more from office spaces and expect memorable and engaging experiences from shopping centres – not just simply products to purchase. This has resulted in an increase in leisure and entertainment units, delivering opportunities and challenges for the FM market.

The nature of leisure operators is often long hours, for example, cinema midnight showings. This delivers the operational challenge of finding individuals that have strong leadership skills with the ability to manage (often remotely) the slick running of tenants around the clock.

Mixed-use destinations with flexible offices (often open 24/7), retail tenants, bars, restaurants and entertainment units, deliver the challenge of ensuring the guest experience isn’t compromised for any tenant or their guests – office tenants don’t want to be disturbed by visitors in the bar etc.

Naturally, a diverse mix of tenants brings a broader catchment and higher footfall. This is great for asset value however, it also means facilities management teams need stronger security, more cleaning operators, increased monitoring of technical aspects and varied energy solutions to meet each tenant’s need.

Sustainable energy solutions

Sustainable energy solutions are not only important to help the planet, but to attract consumers and tenants whilst significantly saving costs.

Analysing current energy management systems and having awareness of alternatives is becoming a key skill for facilities managers. Individuals that can understand HVAC energy usage and reduce waste by recommending sustainable technologies and innovative design, such as a solar panel roof, smart lighting, rainwater reuse or thermal energy storage, will be vital in reducing the built environments future impact on the planet.

Read more here: Net Zero Buildings

A diverse workforce with widely varied skills and perspectives

The rapid evolvement of the facilities management sector, along with the changing career motivators from the next generation of talent, has resulted in a new skill set required and a new approach to recruitment.

• The increased importance of customer service has meant facilities managers not only need to be experts in how a building is run and managed, but also knowledgeable about the tenant’s industries and favoured way of working.
• Confidence using technology is essential. With the growing number of automized systems and new technologies coming to market, facilities managers need to be knowledgeable about products available and confident installing and implementing.
• Facilities managers need to be flexible and able to react to situations quickly and effectively.
• Analytical skills are key, being able to use the new data available to change and improve strategies accordingly .

To gain the new skills required, compete with competitors and appeal to the next generation of talent, employers are changing how they advertise job vacancies. Companies need to position themselves as a great place to work, offer strong salaries, wellbeing support, progression opportunities, whilst demonstrating a diversity commitment and environmental dedication.

Read more here: Could Facilities Management be the perfect career for Generation Z?