Annually, World Facilities Management Day is observed on the Wednesday of the second complete week of May, which falls on May 10 this year. The purpose is to recognise the contributions of those who labour in facilities management, ensuring the safety and comfort of an environment. Without their contributions, it is impossible to fathom what office and hospital conditions would be like. They are responsible for the maintenance of the mechanical and electrical systems, the cleansing, and the security of the building. The purpose of the day is to recognise and honour the individuals involved in facilities administration.
HISTORY OF WORLD FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DAY
Global F.M.’s World Facilities Management Day was first observed on August 28, 2009. According to reports, the precise date of the day has changed over time. It was observed on the fourth Thursday of June from 2010 to 2013; the first Wednesday of June from 2014 to 2015; July 13, 2016; and the second Wednesday of May from 2017 to the present. Regardless, the purpose of World Facilities Management Day remains the same: to recognise, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions of facilities management professionals.
Facilities management strives to provide fundamental support for an organization’s business operations and is required in nearly all environments, including offices, hospitals, care homes, and educational institutions, as well as logistic centres, hotels, and arenas. Essential for assuring the safety and comfort of a work environment is facilities management. People will be encouraged to be more productive and enthusiastic about their work in a well-managed workplace. In contrast, if a workplace is inadequately managed, employees will not be motivated to perform at their best.
There are two types of facility management: ‘strict F.M.’ and’soft F.M.’ Hard F.M. pertains to the tangible components of a structure, including mechanical and electrical maintenance, fabric maintenance, plumbing, and air conditioning. Soft F.M. is concerned with people and organisation, such as hospitality, catering, housekeeping, and human resources. Both require cooperative effort. As defined by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), if a facilities manager can effectively integrate people, place, process, and technology, the built environment will be secure, comfortable, and functional.
5 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
The crucial factor is maintenance
To prevent breakdowns, it is the responsibility of facility administrators to develop a maintenance schedule.
Security cannot be breached.
Facility managers must guarantee the protection of the facility.
Energy management is vital.
Facility administrators are expected to be committed to implementing the best practises for establishing a sustainable facility environment.
Statutes and regulations are crucial
Other responsibilities of facility administrators include ensuring that laws and regulations are current and that all legal requirements are satisfied.
Trends and technologies continue to evolve
Facility managers must remain current on facilities management trends and technology.
WORLD FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 11 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | May 10 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 15 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
