Which FM Awards Programs Should You Apply for and Why?

Well before facilities management was recognized as a profession, the individuals working in this field were an integral component to the success of their organization. Every enterprise seeking long-term success required their space, equipment, and workforce to function reliably, with overhead costs kept to a minimum.

Historically, the role of the facilities manager was that of the unsung hero. When things were going great, they fell into the shadows; when things went wrong, they were the first person notified. As part of a new, proactive mindset, FMs are moving out from behind their desk, making their presence known on the front line. They are developing relationships with the entire workforce, gaining a clearer understanding as to what makes employees tick and where efficiencies could be improved upon. FM teams are taking on a more active role by gaining networking opportunities and have opened up a dialogue with colleagues, sharing victories and failures.

Through associations such as IFMA, CoreNet, and Facilities Net, colleagues have the opportunity to foster these networking relationships and support those in their community facing common workplace challenges. Educational meetings are held several times each year, where FM individuals can meet with vendors to learn about the latest in workplace tools; and where awards ceremonies are held to honor those who have contributed to the advancement of the profession as a whole.

Much of the FM’s role is about taking care of others. Their responsibilities are to ensure each member of the workforce has the tools they need to be active and engaged in their work. For many, this has meant working with HR and management teams to ensure peer reviews are performed constructively and that individuals are recognized for their accomplishments. But, who is recognizing the FM for their work? Aside from additional certifications, what are you doing to ensure your resume is stacked for when it’s time to move on to your next professional challenge? It is equally as important to be continuously growing your own personal brand as it is to be actively completing your work duties. 

If you don’t already know, there are multiple awards throughout the year that honor FM professionals for their innovative ideas and tireless efforts to improve on organizational success. It would take all day to list them all, but we wanted to share a few noteworthy awards you might consider nominating yourself or a colleague for. When you’re looking for a new job, your resume will thank you – and you may just meet a new connection along the way.

IFMA Awards of Excellence

IFMA plays an integral role in educating up-and-coming FM professionals and each chapter holds multiple events throughout the year. Their pledge is to uphold the core values of facilities management by offering its stakeholders consistent opportunities to learn, network, and grow. Once a year, at the World Workplace Conference, they honor those who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of their profession, enterprise, and the association. As a leader in your industry, this is your opportunity to nominate the colleague you feel should be honored for their contribution.

 Facilities Net Awards Program

For years, Facilities Net has been a leader in educating us on everything facilities related. From workspace planning to emergency preparedness and project development, they are a consistent source of innovative solutions. Contributing to their devotion to higher learning is their FMXcellence Program, in which FMs and their teams can enter either a project or a program they developed and saw through to completion.

In an effort to shine the spotlight more on those involved in the maintenance, engineering, and ground management aspect of facilities management, Facilities Net has also created the Maintenance Solutions Achievement Awards. Honorees include those who have produced valued results in renovations, financial management, sustainability, and personnel management.

CoreNet Global Awards  

CoreNet Global has established themselves as the world’s leading association for corporate real estate and workplace professionals, service providers, and economic developers. Members meet locally, globally, and virtually to both network and share knowledge regarding the latest in innovative tools and strategic programs.

CoreNet Global has developed an awards program to honor leaders in everything from sustainability to economic development. The Global Innovator’s Award and Professional Excellence Award are just a few honors bestowed upon leaders each year in our growing industry. They have made it their mission to share knowledge and honor the “game changers” in every facet of corporate real estate management.

The British Institute of Facilities Management Professional Recognition Awards 

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) was founded in 1993 and promotes excellence in the FM field across the globe. Through their professional development programs, they provide qualifications, training, and networking services designed to support FM professionals in their quest to be the very best.

As part of their ongoing mission to educate and support the facilities management field, they have developed an extensive awards program that includes everything from Manager of the Year to Workplace Impact. Many honors are nomination-only, while others are open to both direct entries or nominations. All fourteen entries are open to members and non-members and International entries are welcome.

Global FM Awards of Excellence 

Global Facility Management Association (Global FM) is a “worldwide federation of member-centric organizations

committed to providing leadership in the facility management profession.” Their vision is to bring recognition to the facilities management profession and their mission is to bring to light the value those in the FM field bring to the enterprises they manage.

Each year, Global FM comes together to honor its members in the Awards of Excellence in FM. The event is held on World FM Day in June and is a celebration of the industry’s top leaders. “The Global FM Excellence in FM Awards are a high-level international competition recognizing the best of the best in facilities management, highlighting how they support businesses across the globe.” –Duncan Waddell, Chairman of Global FM.

If you have never applied (or been nominated) for an award, the very thought of it can be a little overwhelming. Start out small, perhaps on a more local scale. Many individual industries offer awards for the brightest talent; which also presents you the opportunity to connect with those facing common, industry-specific challenges. A little research will also reveal both state and country-specific facilities management associations and award programs.

The benefits of these programs are twofold: FMs are recognized for their dedication to the profession, while peers across the globe are exposed to new and innovative programs that might apply directly to their own organization.

Looking to attend one of these informative networking events this year? Join us in April at the IFMA Facility Fusion event in Indianapolis, where you can meet iOffice’s leader, Elizabeth Dukes and SPX FLOW’s Facilities Leader, Joseph Fisher.