Editor's Viewpoint
Unresolved issues
I learned a lot at this year’s Workplace Futures conference. That is, of course, the point of any good conference, to be informative and insightful.
A world of change
Remember all that talk from early last year about the ‘new normal’ – when would it get here, what would it be? Well, strangely enough, it’s here – this is the new normal.
Changing times: time to move on?
Has facilities management had its day? Not in terms of what it is FM does, but in terms of defining it, branding it to make it relatable, appealing and attractive to customers, service users and the wider world?
What’s brand got to do with it anyway?
The 2020 i-FM Brand Survey results are out: an intriguing snapshot of how the FM community feels about which brands lead the market.
Conference insights
One of the most enjoyable parts of my job at i–FM is attending conferences, usually a time of discovery: new places, people and ideas.
Membership organisations need to face up to change
News that RICS is having to make redundancies is a clear reminder that our professional institutes and associations need to react to market change just as quickly as do commercial businesses.
Technology: what is it doing for FM?
For several years now the general view has been that technology would be a game-changer for the facilities management sector. So, has it been? How? Or if not, why not and when will it be?
Isn't it ironic?
For all the terrible outcomes associated with Covid-19, it is arguable that a handful of businesses are seeing some benefit arising from the situation.
A time for celebrations?
One highlight of the FM calendar has always been 'awards season', a time to celebrate with colleagues, clients and partners, giving recognition to those companies and individuals that have stood out from the rest in advancing practice and the profession.
Survival....
Boris Johnson announced on Sunday evening that he wanted the UK to begin returning to work. An appealing change from lockdown conditions for some no doubt, but a troubling and even frightening one for others.
FM: the 4th emergency service
The pandemic has brought out the best in many people but also the worst in some; and the same will also be true of organisations and business sectors, too.
Reasons to be cheerful
There are plenty of reasons not to be cheerful these days; if you are anything less than a determined optimist, you’ll have your own list. But even the most sceptical can see promise in some recent events.
The future isn't what it used to be
Welcome to a new decade, which I predict is going to be far better for the FM sector than the last one!
Are you well?
Wellness has quite quickly gone from being something one asks about almost automatically (and often with little interest in the answer) to a key concept in current management thinking.
How others see us
World-renowned business consultants McKinsey & Co tell us that facilities management is “ripe for disruption”. There’s some truth in that, for sure; but just how much truth depends on where you're standing.
Horses for courses
Choice is a wonderful thing. Maybe not so much in the 57-varieties American-inspired overload that quickly becomes baffling. But more in the sense of having a few clear options, one of which should lead to satisfaction.
A 20:20 vision of wellness for FM
FM has historically been about assisting organisations by delivering services that reduce bottom-line costs, helping to make them as profitable as they can be. But that business model has the seeds of problems within it.
Playing on a global FM stage
I've been reading the IWFM's ISIG white paper 'Contracts across Borders'. There are some great insights in it from some very knowledgeable people, but also an inescapable sense of déjà vu and a bit of disappointment.
Productivity: a growth industry
UK productivity rates are below par; we all know that. But as one more ‘why & what to do about it’ survey lands on our newsdesk, we can’t help but wonder: why don’t all the proffered solutions get implemented, thus delivering huge gains for the nation?
The challenges of being in FM
I was recently asked for my views on the greatest challenges that face the facilities management sector over the next few years. How long have you got, I thought.
FM: the key to wellness in the workplace
The time is right for a new, more 'evolved' FM model - one that is broader and offers a more holistic understanding of both buildings and people. The benefits to the industry, and its clients, will be immense.
The meaning of Brexit
Has FM factored into business strategy sufficient consideration of the Brexit process, or is there a bit of a shock still to come?
Professionalising our sector
Is it too late for that? The answer depends on what we are prepared to do; but if past events demonstrate anything, the simple answer may be yes, it probably is.
Small is beautiful
The story of FM over the past 20 years has been grow, diversify, extend and grow more. But below the headline-catching stuff has been a trend favouring small businesses, ones that focus on a region or market area, or that just don’t feel driven to be big.
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