Proof Facilities Managers Are The Hidden Superheroes of the Workplace
Like any behind the scenes work, it often goes unnoticed when things are smooth sailing, but when rough waters hit they become everyone’s business. Unfortunately, facilities management is used to mainly getting attention when things go wrong, but it doesn’t have to be that way! I sat down with Kate Vitasek and Graham Tier to discuss why workplace management is the most valuable department in your company, and how you hold a power as an FM you may not have known you had. After all, not all superheroes wear capes.
The Future of IFMA & Elevating Facility Management on the World Stage
Graham Tier | Global Chair of IFMA’s Board of Directors & Head of Property FM at Hong Kong Jockey Club
“Now buildings enable the business to operate. So, we are actually protecting the building operations, we’re protecting the revenue streams to the companies through effective facilities management. And I don’t think we should underestimate the role of the responsibility of facilities management.”
Strategic Workplace Partnerships, FM Innovation & ‘The Vested Way’
Kate Vitasek | author, developer of The Vested Way, and educator at The University of Tennessee
“So Vested really is a win-win, I always like to say it’s a “what’s in it for we” model. Because when something is in it for the supplier, I’m not just buying an SLA, a supplier output- but I’m buying the future.”
Kate Vitasek is the creator of The Vested Way, a business model for creating highly collaborative relationships. Also a faculty member and researcher at the University of Tennessee, she has spent much of her career examining behavioral and relational economics, which has given her a strong understanding about how professionals can create win-win business situations.
We discussed how positive work relationships are the key to a thriving business, and how the workplace manager actually has a unique perspective when it comes to working with outside suppliers that could help foster those connections. Kate has seen that the most successful work relationships are comprised of these three things: trust, transparency, and compatibility, before they even begin. Workplace leaders are familiar with the needs of their workforce and what to look for when locating suppliers and outside vendors.
Kate also outlined how better outside relationships increase overall revenue. When a company has people invested in doing business with it, and have a positive experience, it increases productivity and employee retention because of the security and positive branding that come as a result.
“87% of economic value is created by innovation.”
Which means that by improving processes and discovering modern technology and new vendors to do business with, FMs bring even more value to their organization simply by the nature of their work.
Your ability to cultivate relationships and staying ahead of your workplace’s needs gives you an edge not many departments have. Facilities management is an invaluable part of every company and impacts how they can move forward towards their goals. As workplace leaders you are the eyes and ears of your organization, no one understands it better than you. And that is your superpower.
