Learn how to evaluate providers for facility services outsourcing in a post-pandemic world
While COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted and vaccination numbers continue to increase, many people are still hesitant about going back to the office. UG2 Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Solutions Bob Desaulniers explains how to evaluate service providers for “the great return” to the workplace in a recent Facilities.net article.
Coming Out of Isolation
During the pandemic, we had to adopt new behaviors, like wearing masks and social distancing. At the same time, building owners and facility managers had to learn about and implement drastic measures to ensure everyone’s health and safety. This included spacing out furniture, adding partitions, employing the most effective disinfection products and procedures available, and improving indoor air filtration.
A recent survey shows that 70% of businesses expect their employees to return to the workplace by fall 2021. As we come out of this period of isolation, tenants need to feel confident that their health and safety remains a priority. Now more than ever, it is critical to be able to handle situations quickly, efficiently, and as soon as they arise.
That’s why more building owners and facility managers are turning to providers that deliver comprehensive facility services offerings and expertise. Since over 50% of facilities management was outsourced before the pandemic, it’s expected that number will continue to rise.
Top 5 Things to Consider in a Service Provider
If you’re thinking of outsourcing your facilities management, you should consider specialized providers that are agile, communicative, hard-working, and have expertise on long-standing best practices and innovative technology.
Your facilities services provider should have these five traits:
- Resource Deployment Expertise – Able to put the right people in the right place at the right time, balance performing the work required with employee safety, and be able to ensure the work is done well and in a timely manner.
- Technology Acumen – Knowledgeable about the most advanced technology available to increase efficiency, suggest innovative and time-tested solutions as needed, and increase efficiency by using touchless technology and QR codes.
- Training Focus – Invest regularly in employee training, certification and recertification, and professional development, and keep up to date on best practices.
- Partnership Mindset – Stay accountable to meeting the KPI’s you have agreed upon, are transparent about results (good and bad), adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, and are proactive rather than reactive.
- Multi-layered Approach – Plan ahead and prepare for the return of occupants and guests to your facility, create and implement standard operating procedures to ensure everyone’s health and safety, and use clear communication and signage to keep occupants well informed.
While we may be making progress since the pandemic began, this is still a time of uncertainty. You will benefit from working with a partner you—along with your visitors and tenants—can trust. In addition to improving outcomes and helping your business remain nimble, this may also save you money.
For more information and insights on how to find the best facilities services provider, read the full Facilities.net article and be sure to check out our blog for posts about ensuring the health and safety of your employees.