Being in charge of a whole building means that you’re responsible for its systems, equipment, grounds, and infrastructure. You have a long list of things to do every day, and the job can seem too big for one person at times.
The underlying reality is that you’re never alone in the position of facility manager. You’re managing a whole team of individuals.
You just have to learn how to run a well-oiled machine. Take a few moments now to read through some helpful tips for successful facility management, and start your workday with confidence.
Familiarize yourself with the lease
The type of facility you are managing doesn’t matter as much as the boundaries of your lease. You need to know your rights on the property, and the lease is what lays the foundation for what your operation is allowed to do.
Get to know your lease well. Know the timeline, and take notes on the key points in the lease agreement. Save the information for future reference. You may find yourself in the middle of a situation that requires you to know details.
Get to know the building’s systems
Making sure a building is cohesive means you should get to know the systems that keep that building running. Familiarize yourself with your HVAC, the electrical setup, and any security systems available on the premises.
You can’t work with tools you don’t understand. The various systems of your facility are your most influential tools, so be a proficient user of the tools that are placed before you.
Review the facility’s budget
Make sure you fully understand the scope of the facility’s financial situation, so you know what to expect in operating costs, etc. For instance, you may be able to save money by switching to a more affordable lumper service.
Communicate with your financial department to get a better understanding of how the budget is handled. You may need to make some changes for a more productive atmosphere.
Assess the layout of the workspace
The workspace in your facility is set up for efficiency, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a more efficient way to handle things.
Take the time to dig into the various elements of your facility setup, and consider making some changes for the better. A fresh eye can often point out strengths and weaknesses that have yet to be addressed.
Assess the professionals on your team
You also need to know the professionals you have on your side. Know the strengths and weaknesses of each employee, so you can more efficiently manage the talent on your payroll. Assess each team member’s ability to perform their duties, and make the necessary changes to boost operations.
