Facilities Managers face many challenges during a typical day.

Considering the multitude of distinctive elements they must

bring together, this should come as no surprise.

In a recent study, we asked 250 FMs what their biggest

challenges are and what they have done to solve them.

Let’s take a look at the top answers

CHALLENGE #1 There’s just NOT ENOUGH TIME

“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” –Leonard Bernstein

There are budget meetings to attend and emails to answer. While walking to the meeting, four people stopped you with questions and issues they need help with. All before lunchtime! But just how can one get everything done? There are, after all, only 24 hours in a day…

Consider the 80/20 rule, where 20% of your efforts should generate 80% of your results. Identifying and eliminating the 80% that produce the last 20% of your results, therefore, will find you that much further ahead. Make the most of your time by reducing needless or redundant paperwork and emails and slashing all non-essential meetings from your schedule—you will be shocked how much time this frees up!

“People don’t leave jobs, they leave managers.”

CHALLENGE #2 Problems with Up-managing

Studies reveal a rise in employees leaving their jobs because of who they work for, rather than a heavy workload. But, since leaving your manager for another position may find you right back where you started, taking your success back into your own hands is a more viable option.

Identify what makes them tick- Put yourself in your manager’s shoes and try to understand what it is that motivates them which will allow you to deliver results from their perspective. Highlight their strengths- Highlighting your manager’s weaknesses only breeds negativity and gains an enemy. Identify their strengths and find ways to build on those. Maintain loyalty- If you are unable to remain loyal to your manager, it is definitely time to find another job. Keep in mind, however, that every position has its negatives.

CHALLENGE #3 Trouble Organizing &

Tracking spatial needs Whether yours is a small company

housed in a modest space or a global corporation with multiple

buildings, proper space management is critical to your

organization’s survival. There is so much to consider in proper space

management, how does your facilities team keep it straight?

< 30,000 square feet - You may be able to “eyeball” your facility’s space needs. < 100,000 square feet - You may even be able to take pen to paper and properly map out a floor plan, but it will consume a serious amount of time. > 100,000 square feet - The most efficient tool for organizing and tracking is software. An IWMS opens up a new world for FM teams, reducing wasted time and resources. It allows you to visualize your floor plans on-line, understand how space is being used so you can plan for future needs.

CHALLENGE #4 Produce more with A lower budget and less resources

An age-old issue, faced by all, that will continue well into the future. It is apparent that examining and quantifying a company’s spatial and tangible assets is critical. Eliminating redundant activities and embracing new tools to is a standard consideration. What sets the leaders apart from the rest is who educates the powers about the tremendous impact environment has on productivity. Forbes published a report a year ago that proves such variables as temperature, lighting, noise, ergonomics and even color make a difference in office’s productivity.

The typical facilities manager faces multiple challenges

throughout the day. Problem-solving and agility are critical skills every FM needs to ensure their employees have what they

need to produce.

While each FM team’s goals vary from the next, the primary

goal remains the same —

Face challenges with a level head and an open mind, leading

their company to long-term success.

brought to you by:

If you enjoyed this slideshare, Here are other great resources for you:

Feel free to share!

250 FMs Answer The Question…