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MAY 2019 21
FMJ.CO.UK
organisations. There is an inherent need for flexibility
within the ever changing client environment with more
flexible working patterns, the request for changing o ice
facilities, mixed with the ever demanding changing
landscape of work and the economy. With this the
facilities
managers role
must evolve, to
help support
organisations
looking
for flexible
coworking
opportunities; to
decrease costs,
release equity
in property,
enable flexible
operations, with
an emphasis on
quality, business
development, growth and connectivity for employees
and their business.
This is proving an interesting conundrum for FMs
whose responsibilities already lie in ensuring that
the workplace is a fit place to operate. FM’s must
consider health & safety, ergonomics and specialist
employee needs, technology, occupational comfort and
environmental impact to ensure that the workplace is
productive. Coworking environments requires them
to move into customer service as a focal point within
their role. It means creating a dynamic, engaging
workspace which includes the scheduling of space,
privacy, facilities operations, cleanliness, hygiene,
professional self-presentation, social interactions,
health & wellbeing, meeting spaces, conference areas,
breakout, recreational space and connective working. All
with potential multi-business operators.
Is this a real step forward for FM? In one respect yes,
with a more dynamic and expansive organisational
footprint with multi-tenants and uses. However, in some
ways for FMs this is not as unusual as it may initially
seem, as many already looking a er multi-tenanted
buildings. This new coworking concept just evolves
further to combine not just communal areas but o ice
and work spaces with multiple changing cultures and
organisations. The key is communication, using the right
technology for scheduling as larger client operations
start to look at the concept and move away from their
traditional o ice environments into a more flexible
space. The question is - will this be a fad or a lasting
concept with the changing nature of business and
technology increasing its foothold in organisations?
My money is on longevity as it will ensure business
and organisational sustainability through better use of
space. We must be mindful however, that this concept
will need time to evolve for larger organisations as they
start to alter their work patterns and challenge their
culture to enable change. There will be pitfalls and
challenges if some of the market leaders decide to follow
the coworking path but, if done correctly the outcomes
could lead to better building e iciency, higher spec'd
workspaces and improved engagement level. This is all
better for employees, business and the environment.
THE CORPORATE OFFICE FM
PROVIDER’S VIEW
RAVI BHATNAGAR,
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR AT CORPORATE OFFICE FM
SPECIALIST, ANABAS
The evolution of the modern workplace, and the rise in
the practice of coworking is signalling change for FMs
and traditional service delivery. The most significant
di erence is that rather than being accountable to one
client, typically with one business culture and one point
of contact, a coworking environment brings with it,
multiple clients and multiple business values, most likely
with competing and conflicting demands, expectations
and requirements.
Working with numerous companies in a shared space
will also present many challenges. To ensure the highest
level and quality of service, FMs need to build strong
relationships and set boundaries. With more clients and
cultures to balance, it becomes increasingly di icult
to juggle multiple needs if the time isn’t taken to get
to know them all individually. FMs have to both meet
and manage
increased
expectations
from all
occupiers, before
establishing
how those
needs can be
accommodated.
The biggest
challenge for FMs
to overcome,
however, will be
ensuring that
each company
feels that the space represents their own unique values
and identity. Given no two companies are going to
have the same vision and values, this will take real
skill. As Account Director for Anabas, I work with many
companies from di erent sectors with varying cultures,
and I am required to adapt my own style of working to
suit their individual values, principles and beliefs. We
take the time to truly understand each organisation we
work with in order to deliver a service that is unique to
them.
A successful FM needs to listen carefully, understand
the similarities and di erences between each company,
and be able to minimise any conflict through careful and
considerate negotiations.
When it comes to the daily delivery of FM services, FMs
will need to establish how the needs of every client can
FM CLINIC
Lucy Hind
Let us help change your world.
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Ravi Bhatnagar
ADVICE & OPINION
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