Facilities Management (FM) has undergone a significant transformation over the years. From its early days focused primarily on building operation and maintenance, FM has expanded its horizons to encompass a wide range of services, from workplace management to sustainability management. Let’s delve into the past, present, and future of FM, shedding light on its evolution and the increasing demand for facilities management services in the UK.
A Historical Perspective
In the past, FM was largely about hard FM services, which include HVAC services, mechanical services, electrical services, and plumbing services. These were essential for the basic operation of commercial buildings across sectors like retail, public sector, and education. The focus was more on reactive services rather than planned maintenance.
However, as the professional services industry evolved and sectors like healthcare, technology, logistics, and manufacturing grew, the need for more specialised services emerged. This led to the introduction of soft FM services, which catered to aspects like sanitization, deep cleaning, and other non-core functions.
The Modern Era of FM
The modern era has seen a shift towards strategic planning and project management in FM. With the growth in employment levels in FM, there’s been a surge in employment opportunities, but also difficulties sourcing workers in building operation and maintenance.
Outsourcing became a significant trend, with many companies opting for outsourced facility management services to focus on their core competencies. This led to the rise of bundled contracts and a move away from in-house delivery of FM provision.
Sustainability management in FM has also gained traction, with an increasing emphasis on green practices and the development of smart buildings in the UK. The role of IoT in facility management has been pivotal in this transition, revolutionising everything from energy consumption to space utilisation.
Challenges and Opportunities
The challenges in the Facilities Management sector due to COVID-19 have been unprecedented. The pandemic emphasised the need for soft services focused on sanitisation and deep cleaning in FM. There’s been a growing demand for facility management in the healthcare sector, especially in ensuring sanitised and safe environments.
However, with challenges come opportunities. The growth in workplace and relocation management signifies the sector’s adaptability. There’s also been a noticeable trend in single FM service providers diversifying their offerings, ensuring a holistic approach to FM.
Looking Ahead
The future of FM lies in integrating technology and sustainability. As the impact of global FM services on local markets becomes more pronounced, there will be a push towards more standardised practices. Commercial assets will need to be more adaptable, catering to changing workloads and ensuring optimal profit margins.
The demand for facilities management services in the UK is expected to rise, especially with the increasing emphasis on sustainability management and the development of smart buildings. Whether it’s reactive services or planned maintenance in FM, the focus will be on efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings to its current dynamic state, Facilities Management has proven its resilience and adaptability. As we look ahead, it’s clear that with the integration of technology, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to excellence, FM will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the environments we live, work, and play in. For professionals in the sector, the journey has just begun, and the future holds immense promise.