facility focus Linking HR And FM: Three Harmonious Habits Forming a bond between these two important departments offers dividends. By: Elizabeth Dukes F Frequent topics of discussion in today’s business environment involve what the ideal workspace looks like in a digital world and what the workforce needs for 2014. In order for organizations to adapt to this rapidly changing workplace dynamic, it’s critical for human resources (HR) and facility managers (FMs) to work together both at a strategic and tactical level. From a strategic point of view, these groups must clearly understand their role in serving the needs of the workforce as well as the organization as a whole. It’s important that HR and FMs under-stand the organizational objectives and how the organization achieves those ob-jectives. However, a major component of any or-ganization’s success is their people, which is the common denominator between HR and FMs. There are three habits that will facilitate harmony between these two important groups. that impacts the organization’s ability to retain and attract talent. Present these to the C-Suite so they know you understand the workings of the orga-nization and the powerful impact your ef-forts have on the bottom-line — not just from a cost-cutting perspective, but also from a productivity enhancement per-spective. Invest In Technology Today’s technology allows you to easily share data and keep your independent systems up-to-date with the latest infor-mation. HR is the master of critical employee data like employee IDs, job title, employee sta-tus, departmental assignment, work type, etc. FMs are typically the master of employ-ee location, services requested and how space and assets are used. Critical data that can benefit both parties should be shared in a seamless manner to ensure productivity and integrity of service delivery. HR and FMs are extremely powerful re-sources within an organization. They should be tightly connected to maximize their unique roles for the benefit of the organization as a whole. Image courtesy of Vectoraart/iStock/Thinkstock It is critical for human resources and facil-ity managers to work together both stra-tegically and tactically. Happiness And Productivity Get on the same page about what keeps employees happy and productive. Based on your mutual understanding of the corporate goals and objectives and employee needs, what type of space is ide-al for your current skilled employee base and what will attract new talent? Maybe the dynamics of your company require an office with more assigned spac-es that are private due to confidentiality or security issues. If so, what kind of alternatives can you provide that give the workforce more flex-ibility such as telecommuting, flex time or shared time? What about collaboration spaces that are more relaxed or social to off-set the private, focused time? Maybe your organization can be more open with low or no cube walls at all, but have a few smaller private huddle or meet-ing rooms. Regardless, collaborate together on what makes sense and conduct your due diligence together. Metrics And Performance Indicators Joint metrics and key performance indica-tors give you a mutual understanding of employee needs and the use of the space, services and assets provided — and how May 2014 Elizabeth Dukes is co-founder of iOffice, one of the fastest growing facility management software providers and consulting companies in the country. iOffice technology works pro-actively to reduce and eliminate information roadblocks and daily problems that occur in facility management. Our integrated work-place management systems are tailored to meet the unique office needs of our more than 1,800 clients, 20 percent of whom are among the Fortune 1,000. 44 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ®
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