5 Reasons to Adopt Facility Management Standards

6/20/2024

In a constantly evolving business landscape, organizations are recognizing the fundamental role that facilities play in achieving their strategic objectives. Successful businesses understand that effective facilities management goes beyond merely ensuring the smooth operation of their buildings. It encompasses providing safe, comfortable, and efficient spaces that enhance productivity, promote well-being, and contribute to overall organizational success.  

This realization has led to a growing emphasis on the adoption and adherence to facilities management standards. These standards are crucial in today's business environment. 

Enhancing operational efficiency 

Facility management standards offer organizations a roadmap to build and maintain efficient operations. By adhering to these standards, businesses can streamline processes, reduce resource consumption, and minimize operational costs.  

Efficient energy management, waste reduction, and proactive maintenance practices, as outlined in these standards, deliver substantial cost savings while enhancing overall competitiveness. Emphasizing these practices enables organizations to navigate the challenges of inflation and remain at the forefront in the face of aggressive competition. 

Compliance with standards not only drives cost savings but also improves operational efficiency. By following standardized processes and protocols, organizations eliminate redundancies and optimize workflows. Furthermore, efficient facility management practices enable occupiers to maximize space utilization, leading to reduced real estate costs and increased asset value. Such operational efficiency allows commercial real estate integrators to allocate resources more effectively, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace. 

Adhering to standards demonstrates a commitment to excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and minimizing risks. Organizations that prioritize compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations gain a competitive advantage by avoiding penalties and legal complications. Moreover, their reputation for superior facilities management practices enhances market positioning and attracts customers who prioritize sustainability and well-managed spaces. By securing supplier partnerships and contracts that require adherence to these standards, businesses can differentiate themselves and stand out from competitors. 

Ensuring compliance and legal obligations 

Facilities management standards serve as a guiding framework that helps organizations to comply with local, national, and international regulations. From fire safety regulations to environmental preservation standards, facilities managers have a responsibility to ensure their properties meet all relevant legal requirements.  

Implementing technology in facilities operations to digitize documentation and improve processes results in more robust and accurate compliance reporting. Adhering to these standards helps organizations avoid penalties, legal complications, and reputational damage while also fostering a culture of compliance within the industry. 

Fostering a safe and healthy environment 

Facilities management standards prioritize the safety and well-being of occupants. Comprehensive standards cover everything from emergency preparedness to ergonomics, ventilation, and lighting.  

By following these guidelines, businesses can create healthier and safer work environments, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses. A well-maintained facility with proper safety measures in place also enhances employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. 

Supporting sustainable practices 

By adhering to facilities management standards and implementing sustainable practices, organizations can minimize their carbon footprint, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to a greener economy.  

It’s vital to equip facility managers with knowledge and tools to implement sustainable best practices, and no cost and low-cost solutions that align with customer expectations for responsible and environmentally conscious businesses can be easily implemented.  

Improving stakeholder confidence 

Facilities management standards provide a benchmark for measuring the quality and efficiency of an organization's facility management operations. Adhering to these standards demonstrates a commitment to excellence, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees.  

Compliance with internationally recognized standards increases credibility and can provide a competitive edge, particularly when bidding for new business or attracting top talent. 

An on-going strategic investment 

In an increasingly complex and competitive business environment, organizations must recognize the critical role facilities management plays in achieving strategic objectives.  

Adhering to facilities management standards is not merely a box-ticking exercise; it is a strategic investment that enables organizations to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, foster a safe and healthy environment, support sustainable practices, and improve stakeholder confidence. By embracing and implementing these standards, businesses can create well-managed, high-performing facilities that drive overall organizational success in the long run. 

With over 20 years of experience in IFM, George Schmidt leads JLL’s Center of Expertise and Global Subject Matter Expert Network, as well as Global FM & Soft Services. In his role, Schmidt supports new business pursuits, renewals and expansions; account recovery; new and existing product lines; supplier relationships; and Sustainable FM.