Celebrating World FM Day With The People

CELEBRATING WORLD FM DAY WITH THE PEOPLE

By Jack Rubinger, ARC Facilities

The ability to positively impact a person’s day is one of the most potent reasons to celebrate World FM Day. Facility management is the unspoken backbone of our built environment’s seamless operation. It’s the invisible force ensuring that everything runs smoothly and everyone inside, in between, and outside the building is okay.

While the spectrum of services encompasses maintenance, security, cleaning, space management and event planning, professionals must also excel at harmonizing cost efficiency, sustainability, in addition to occupant satisfaction.

Armed with these diverse skills, facilities professionals must tackle the intricate challenges posed by modern facilities with finesse. Their unwavering dedication and expertise bolster the productivity, safety, and well-being of every type of environment.

A facilities manager’s responsibilities include safety, risk mitigation, preventive maintenance, community relations, planning, and technology integration. While facilities professionals are constantly on the go, not tied to desks or computers, it’s hard to get everything done every day and deal with unexpected surprises while down a person or two.

Given the scope of the work and the level responsibility, there’s a growing sentiment about updating the facility management job description.

“We’re really impact and experience officers,” said Diana Burn Ortiz, Osprey Rising, LLC.

Samantha Howell, EMCOR Services Fagan added, “The tasks are endless and many days the weight of those tasks can easily overcome the appreciation of doing the tasks. So yes, we need a day to shower them with thanks so they can recharge and know the value they have in our lives.”

As World FM Day unfolds, companies worldwide mark the occasion with an array of events from workshops, seminars, and webinars spotlighting FM topics, to team-building activities and recognition programs. The day serves as a testament to the industry’s significance. Some companies leverage the opportunity to showcase their pioneering practices or highlight successful projects, emphasizing innovation and impact.

Whatever route you take, show appreciation for your facilities team by providing opportunities for training, certifications, and advancement in your organization.