Since the pandemic and the introduction of the hybrid work environment, facility managers have found it more difficult than ever to maintain a strong organizational culture. The traditional business culture has been scrambled to accommodate the needs of the hybrid workforce, but the culture still needs to be strong and steadfast.
Culture is crucial to the success of a facility management organization. However, thanks to COVID-19 and the popularity of the hybrid work environment, some of the tried-and-true approaches to workplace culture need to be modified. A new formula for strengthening culture needs to be created.
Industry expert Stormy Friday will discuss these changes during her session "Formula for Strengthening the FM Organization Culture in the Hybrid Work Environment" at the NFMT conference in Baltimore in March.
NFMT: What effects has the hybrid workplace had on company culture?
Friday: For many facility management organizations, the hybrid workplace has resulted in a fragmented culture. Opportunities for staff to engage on a casual basis that used to happen in an on-site office environment are minimal unless a facility manager creates them. Staff that can’t interact with one another either in-person or remotely lose their sense of team and oneness with the organization.
NFMT: What are some updates to company culture that are needed in today's workplace?
Friday: A renewed focus on leadership is an essential component of a facility manager’s role:
NFMT: What are some things that can kill a company culture?
Friday: Quiet quitting is the worst aspect of a diminished facility management culture. Staff have a feeling of loss and lack of inclusion. This harms professional growth and development, weakens productivity, and fosters low staff morale.
NFMT: Facility management is an in-person job most of the time. How can facility managers participate in hybrid models or recognize their employees for coming in every day?
Friday: Facility managers must set aside time in their daily schedules to interact with both teams of staff and individuals. Managers should establish gathering spaces in the on-site office with access for remote workers.
In addition, managers should constantly survey staff to determine health of organization and listen actively to what employees are saying. Communication needs to be a two-way street, so share corporate feedback on a regular basis with staff.
It's important to keep employees connected. Showcase achievements of on-site staff and share with remote workers. Also, institute brainstorming sessions for on-site staff to interact with remote workers.
NFMT Baltimore takes place March 21-23. Visit www.nftm.com to register. For more information on improving company culture post-pandemic, check out Friday’s article “Re-establish Your Organizational Culture” in the fnPrime member section.
Dan Weltin is the editor-in-chief for the facility market. He has 20 years of experience covering the facility management and commercial cleaning industries.
