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. Diligence and flexibility in handling every scenerio not only defines their success, but that of the entire company as well. 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.

2. 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

3. 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…

4. 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!

5. “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.

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. < 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

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13. Feel free
to share!250 FMs Answer
The Question…