Top Facility Management Tips, Advice & Resources from 2017

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that every year will bring something new. There are always lessons to be learned and ways to improve. As we move into 2018, we want to take a moment to look back on some of the top facility management tips, advice and resources we’ve learned and shared throughout the year. We hope you find these insightful and beneficial.

5 Facility Maintenance Tips for the New Year

Here are some key maintenance tips to keep in mind moving forward:

1. Give your hard floors the care they need

Hard surface flooring is a big investment. Make sure you protect your flooring investment by taking these steps. In addition, your bathroom floors also require special care to look and function their best.

2. Be aware of new OSHA fall protection regulations

OSHA recently made some updates to their industry standards for walking working surfaces and fall protection. If you expect to have people working on the exterior of your facility, these may apply to you. Here’s what you need to know.

3. Focus on preventative maintenance

Whether it’s your carpet, HVAC unit, or plumbing, taking a preventative approach to maintenance is essential for maximizing efficiency and long-term value. As Brian Anderson of CRBE states: “Preventative maintenance extends the life of everything in a building!”

4. Choose your vendors wisely

A big part of maintaining your facility is partnering with professionals you can trust. Working with the right vendors can save you a lot of time, money and stress. Here are some key things to consider when you’re choosing a vendor.

5. Make spot cleaning part of your carpet care routine

The longer stains sit on your carpet, the harder they are to get out. Taking quick action to spot clean your carpet is the best way to keep stains from setting in. Follow these steps to effectively spot clean your commercial carpeting.

5 Sage Pieces of Advice from Facility Managers

Through our regular “Meet the Managers” series, we spotlight many of the great managers we work with throughout the year. One of the questions we frequently ask is, “What is your best piece of advice to others in facility management?” Here are some of the responses:

1. Seek out new knowledge

Diane Borgesen, Director of Asset Management for Highwoods Properties, says: “My advice to others would be to never stop learning. Get involved in trade organizations, ask questions of your vendors to increase your knowledge and attend seminars. You don’t have to be an expert at everything but it is always helpful to know a little about every aspect of your role.”

2. Make safety a top priority

Jason May, Facility Manager for JLL in Nashville, TN, states simply: “Focus on safety first.”

3. Build a great team

Elizabeth Wood, Senior Property Manager for Cushman & Wakefield, notes: “In my office, we work hard, but we have a sense of family and have fun. We take the time to spend 10-15 minutes in the morning talking about our day, what tasks need to get accomplished, how we can help each other, and we also share about our personal lives. If you are going to spend so much time at work, you need to love and trust the people you work with.”

4. Strive for balance

Brian Anderson, Senior Facility Manager at CBRE, says: “Find a balance in everything that you do, be it work, play or home. And don’t forget to take time for yourself!”

5. Develop good working relationships

Jeff Rutherford, Senior Portfolio Manager at Meadows & Ohly, suggests: “Get to know your tenants. When issues arise, it is much easier to explain problems to someone you know.”

5 Additional Resources You Might Find Useful

Along with the tips and advice above, here are a handful of resources we’ve shared throughout the year that you may have missed:

  1. How to Tackle Common Holiday Carpet Stains

  2. Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Commercial Facility

  3. Productivity Tips for Facility Managers

  4. Top Tips for Maintaining a Condo Building

  5. Tips for Managing & Maintaining Church Facilities

To all the facility managers out there, keep up the great work. Hope you have a productive and fulfilling 2018!