Changing tides New world for facilities managers

The primary role of facilities management in dealing with Covid-19, indeed for facilities management in general, is to create a safe workplace.

On the surface (no pun intended) that means evaluating cleaning practices, workplace-specific sanitization, setting standards and putting programmes in place, including preventative maintenance, to ensure there is nowhere for the virus to linger.

But that’s just the basics. The pandemic has completely changed the way we work — from social distancing, to remote and hybrid working — and how we use and manage office spaces.

This has created a major shift in responsibilities for facilities managers. Flexibility and adaptability have become more important than ever before. Communication and cooperation with every department within the company is critical to ensure success in transitioning to the new work environment. Regular phone calls or meetings to develop close alignment with the heads or supervisors of departments help overcome challenges and ensure progress and success in working towards the ‘new normal’.

Over and above the short-term cleaning and sanitizing of the building, facilities managers are focusing on more long-term, sustainable solutions for creating a healthy building.

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) are areas facilities managers are tackling, and an understanding of the technologies that create and preserve these are essential.

The first step is often an analysis of the current state of the building and its assets, including HVAC and other systems, for energy efficiency and cleanliness. Finding ways to improve these assets costeffectively and sustainably is the challenge. Can the building be retrofitted, can more air purifiers be added to the existing system, and are there new technologies and other solutions that can be explored?

Another developing area facilities managers are coming to understand, is the holistic nature of the workplace — and here they can play a pivotal role. Some are working with architects and interior designers to incorporate IEQ improvements for comfort, and looking at the use of space, technologies and furniture that will optimise workplace productivity, staff engagement and retention, and create better business outcomes for the company. There is also the cost of the real estate – are there efficient ways to reduce the square footage through remote working models?

As we emerge from the emergency actions required to deal with the pandemic, more emphasis is being put back on sustainability. Facilities managers are at the forefront of this effort, refocusing on recycling practices for lights, refrigerants, trash and other areas, such as using greenfocused contractors as preferred suppliers.

Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important and the use of renewables in Bermuda is growing significantly. Installing solar panels is something most, if not every, building owner must surely be considering.

The attitude of management and staff plays a crucial role in achieving an ecofriendly building, and effective facilities managers not only introduce green initiatives, but champion and encourage the implementation, and celebrate with all of the staff whenever eco-friendly goals are achieved.

Today’s facilities managers do a lot more than create safe, comfortable environments in which to work. They save resources and costs, help increase productivity, and contribute their part to saving the planet.

BASFM offers complete commercial & residential facilities management and cleaning services for all budgets. We offer various packages which include everything from complete facilities management to ad hoc hourly services.

19 Bakery Lane ● info@basfm.bm (441) 279-2050

● Building Maintenance ● Interior/Exterior fabric ● Contract/Vendor Management ● Project Management ● Health and Safety ● Space planning ● Air QualityTesting & Remediation Planning ● Water Quality Testing ● Hurricane preparation and restoration support

● Internal and external building cleaning ● Garbage removal ● Ordering and supply of all cleaning materials ● Deep cleaning ● Additional deep cleaning and support for international standards ● Covid-19 touchpoint cleaning

● Preventative maintenance planning ● Asset Management and asset life cycle planning

Changing tides for facilities managers

Facilities managers are becoming critical leaders in the postpandemic era of new workspace concepts