FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
RECOGNISED FOR ADVANCING GLOBAL FM STANDARDS VIEW
PETER ANKERSTJERNE,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PLANON
In my opinion, there has never been a better time to be in facilities management than right now. The pandemic really raised awareness of its importance. It got us a seat at the table with C-level executives who are beginning to understand what facilities do: they create a place where culture can unfold and where engagement flourishes. The workplace also plays a key role in the implementation of an organisation’s strategy. It’s much more than just than the sum of the building and all its components.
Facilities managers may sit at the heart of strategy and culture, but they can’t do it alone. They must take a collaborative approach towards the larger organisation – especially finance, IT, and HR. As facilities managers, we have the opportunity to be the central piece that helps other departments work together more effectively. Historically, FM may have largely been seen as a cost-cutting function – we were given a budget and told to reduce it – this has now changed completely. Today, organisations understand the value that the built environment brings to the business. This is a huge step forward for our profession.
However, as with any industry, progress isn’t linear. Often, challenges and setbacks follow hot on the heels of advancements. In FM, the three key challenges (as well as their accompanying opportunities) revolve around digitalisation, ESG, and the workplace experience. These three areas are very much interconnected with one another.
The first hurdle on the horizon is digitalisation. Today, we are overwhelmed by data, and the volume is only going to increase. The challenge is to find the right IT partners, suppliers, and people to make sense of this data and turn it into valuable knowledge, insights, and actions for the organisation.
The second challenge is ESG. Facilities managers need to ensure that buildings and other assets contribute positively to the wider environment. Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have; it is demanded by all stakeholders – owners, occupiers, visitors, investors, regulators, and others.
Finally, there’s workplace experience and hybrid work for FMs to grapple with. As demand for space is now so fluid, it is a huge challenge for FM to organise their teams, support systems, catering, and other amenities effectively. Many companies are still trying to find the right balance between requiring people to be in the office and allowing for hybrid work. Of course, digital tools, including IWMS and AI solutions, can provide a partial solution.
I started by stating that there has never been a better time to be in FM than today. Certainly, I have never experienced a more exciting time. Nobody has all the answers; it’s a continuous learning journey for all, and we should always remain open to new trends and technological progression. It’s a huge honour to be named a top influencer in facilities management at a time of great transformation, dynamism, and disruption. I don’t know what the next five or 10 years hold for the industry, but I do know that further evolution is certain. Being a part of that evolution is both exciting and humbling.
