4 Things Retail Facilities Leaders Must Commit to

by Glenn Hicks on December 7, 2017
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For some people, the start of a new year means committing to an exercise regimen. For others, it may bring about goals of tightening the family budget or motivation to start a new hobby. But for retail facilities leaders, the beginning of a new year means one thing: creating a plan of action designed to keep their real estate portfolio running smoothly, competitively and efficiently.

Since developing a concrete plan of action can be a daunting task, we put together a list of four things all retail facilities leaders need to add to their to-do list. Prioritizing these four crucial tasks can help prepare your facility for a year of success.

One of the most important things retail facilities leaders should budget for is technology - it can help automate many tasks.1. Invest in workplace technology.

Countless workplace technology solutions out there can help simplify the job of a retail facilities leader, and finding ways to build them into your budget should be at the top of your list for 2018.

From platforms that can automate the most menial of tasks to space management software that can give you the real-time data you need to make important decisions to tools that make predictive forecasting easier than ever, many options can help ensure this year is your most organized yet.

2. Research effective energy management.

Improving the efficiency of your retail facilities can not only help reduce utility costs and decrease your environmental impact, but it also resonates positively with customers. Consumers appreciate brands that are concerned about their carbon footprint and those who care about sustainability.

If energy management wasn’t a priority for your facility in 2017, make researching efficiency methods one of the first things you do in the new year. For starters, check out this list of 2017 conferences—some of which specifically focus on energy management—and start making plans to attend.

3. Focus on retaining top talent.

A big part of being a successful retail facilities leader is ensuring the employees at your facilities feel happy and supported in their work.

Since the comfort, efficiency and accessibility of their workplace can make a big difference in how employees approach their job, facilities leaders can play a major role in retaining top talent. By treating employees like customers (for example, asking for their feedback and rewarding commitment), you can help ensure the best people for the job stay invested in your company.

Once you've hired your team of retail facilities all stars, it's important to make sure you provide them with continued education and responsibilities.4. Empower your facilities management team.

Every good facilities leader knows they are only as strong as their team. Hiring the best people for your all-star facilities management team is a good first step, but once you have your team assembled, it’s important to make them feel empowered and let them know their professional development is a continued priority.

From improving communication among team members, to clearly defining roles and responsibilities, to offering opportunities for continued education, your 2018 plan of action should include concrete steps for ensuring your team finishes the year stronger than they started it.

We may already be a few weeks into 2018, but it’s never too late to commit to a year of actionable and effective retail facility leadership. Make a plan, include your steps to success and get started.

Check one item off your to-do list today—find out which workplace technology you need for your facility. Download the free eBook, The Workplace Leader’s Playbook for New Technology.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Glenn Hicks

A member of the Business Development team, Glenn has years of experience with business process improvement on the Commercial Real Estate and Facilities Management sides.

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