Recap from an FMJ Article Featuring Edgar Colon
At UG2, we know that facility services is a people-oriented business. Facility teams are constantly interacting with occupants, colleagues, and customers. In reality, the characteristics of a strong facility management (FM) professional are similar to those of a strong HR leader.
In a recent article from IFMA’s Facility Management Journal, Edgar Colon, UG2’s Vice President of People, suggests that every FM leader should implement an HR mindset by prioritizing the well-being of staff, occupants, and visitors as well as fueling a positive company culture.
Prioritizing the experience of employees
In FM, excellent customer service is paramount, and employees are more likely to provide superb customer service when they are happy at work. Vice versa, challenging work environments can negatively affect customer service and the company’s bottom line.
Focus on employee well-being
Edgar provides tips on how FM leaders can focus on promoting employee well-being:
Show respect
When leaders show equal respect to employees and promptly address any concerns, it not only sets a positive example but also encourages employees to treat others the same way. Additionally, when employees feel respected, they are more productive and produce higher-quality work.
Prioritize recognition
It is human nature to want to feel recognized for your contributions. Employees who believe they’ll be recognized are almost 3x as likely to be highly engaged. Praise recognition also decreases turnover rates and improves overall business outcomes.
Empower employees
Empowerment is critical because it establishes trust and leads to higher job satisfaction. Supervisors may feel the need to micromanage their employees, which can make their reports feel devalued or unworthy. All employees should have clear job responsibilities/expectations and know what is expected of them. Train employees so they are able to make informed decisions and learn from their mistakes or challenges.
Check-in
Consistent 1:1 meetings are crucial because they allow managers and employees to connect on a deeper level. They also serve as a time to bring up any areas of concern or praise. Check-ins allow managers to set expectations and goals for their employees, so they have clear objectives to work toward. Establishing an open channel of communication is key.
Pitch in
Managers should always be willing to jump in and assist employees if needed and nothing should be beneath leadership. They should be ready to help when teams are short-staffed or if they notice something needs to be done. This not only reminds managers of employees’ daily experiences but also cultivates a deeper understanding of their challenges, fostering empathy toward employees’ needs.
Collaborate with HR
Don’t be afraid to utilize the company’s HR team to assist in improving team relationships and results. They can aid in addressing any employee challenges and create plans to improve their well-being.
Impacting Company Culture
Additionally, Edgar highlights the role HR ideals can play in promoting company values like employee satisfaction, safety, and sustainability.
Lead by example
FM management should model the behaviors they want to instill in their employees such as picking up trash, being responsive to concerns, or being proactive about problem-solving. Edgar explains this practice promotes respect and trust.
Safety First
Safety is a priority, and it cannot be disregarded in exchange for speedy customer service. It must be instilled in all employees that taking the proper safety steps should always come first. Also, make sure to implement signage to highlight safety habits and signify any potential hazards.
Sustainability Matters
Today, sustainability is a top-of-mind focus for many companies. FM organizations can fuel sustainability by training staff on the proper use of green cleaning products, staying on top of industry sustainability best practices, and using signage to encourage sustainable habits.
Edgar emphasizes that similar to an HR team, FM leaders must prioritize internal customer service. How they treat, collaborate with, and train employees is reflected in the success of everyone, including customers.
Continue reading the full article: click here.