5 Times When Bad Facilities Management Takes a Toll

The positive impact of superior facilities management (FM) is rather evident.

Not only do all of the day-to-day processes and systems run more smoothly, but excellent facilities management can also improve an organization’s bottom line, help retain high-quality talent and put a business on the right track for future growth.

Yet, as much as great FM makes workplace leaders feel like this…

…bad FM can quickly become a nightmare, even for FM veterans.

Here are five times when bad FM is just too much to handle.

Lack of Contingency Planning

“Always be prepared” may be the Boy Scout motto, but it’s also the mantra of any successful workplace leader. But while the facilities team may work on expecting the unexpected, other departments might not be as proactive.

If an organization does not consider potential issues (both minor and serious), it’s more likely to get caught off-guard. And being unprepared means a small problem can become a disaster quickly.

Big Decision, Not Enough Data

The ability to capture, analyze and utilize reliable data is a hallmark of great FM. But things can quickly take a turn for the worse when a company makes major decisions without collecting (and reviewing) the appropriate data first.

While the decision makers may have had the best intentions, workplace leaders may find themselves in the unpleasant situation of having to put out the resulting fires.

Too Much to Do, Few Resources

Workplace leaders often lack resources. Many facilities professionals are expected to make do with outdated workplace technology, insufficient staff levels or inadequate budget.

As a result, they may be unable to focus on big-picture issues and feel as if no matter how much time and effort they put in, they never seem to make any progress.

Bad Habits Spiraling Out of Control

Great FM takes meticulous planning and ongoing optimization, but even the most well-coordinated enterprise is bound to develop a few bad habits. Plus, it’s easy to hold onto the mindset, “This is the way it’s always been done.”

But if a business fails to focus on continuous improvement and maintains inefficient processes simply because it’s familiar to the workforce, the facilities team will have to singlehandedly break these bad habits—a task that could leave the workplace leader running for the hills.

When Bad FM Leads to Top Talent Turnover

Finding and recruiting top talent is integral to the success of any business, but it’s particularly challenging to hang on to quality employees when organizations can’t get a grip on their FM issues.

Bad FM can lead to a frustrated workforce with low morale who may decide it’s better to move on than wait to see if the issues are resolved. And if an organization is consistently losing employees due to preventable FM issues, it can cause a ripple effect where turnover steadily increases, causing even more work for workplace leaders.

You aren’t alone in your struggles, workplace leaders! There are plenty of facilities management conferences where you can connect with other workplace professionals who share your struggles and can offer their own advice. And the iOFFICE Resource Center has a slew of eBooks and SlideShares designed to make your life easier, too. Hang in there!

For tips on how other organizations are overcoming technology hurdles and improving FM, download our free eBook, The Workplace Leader’s Playbook for New Technology.