Recap of a recent article in Health Facilities Management by Lauren Lanzillo
Healthcare facilities management plays a crucial role in establishing safe and well-maintained environments, where every detail matters. In a field without room for error, qualified and experienced professionals are essential. Success in healthcare facilities management is a collaborative effort where leadership sets the tone for employees.
In an article in Health Facilities Management, Lauren Lanzillo, UG2’s AVP of Culture & Community, shares five best practices for healthcare facilities professionals to further their careers and contribute to the success of their organizations.
1. Establish Relationships with Mentors
Mentorship is a key component in helping employees develop insights and organizational knowledge. Lauren notes that seeking mentors with skills and styles that differ from oneself allows for innovation and diverse perspectives. Additionally, since mentorship requires nurturing, professionals should take time to get to know their mentors on a deeper level, in order to cultivate rewarding relationships.
2. Cultivate Openness and Continuous Learning
Openness and curiosity are critical for the long-term success and happiness of employees. Being able to stay on top of industry trends and knowledge allows one to remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry. Be sure to actively seek knowledge and feedback to improve one’s craft. Also, try new educational experiences that might seem challenging, but can be rewarding, even if they might not seem directly related to current responsibilities.
3. Build Soft Skills
While technical skills are clearly important in facilities management, Lauren explains that soft skills, such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication are vital for career advancement. The COVID-19 pandemic further exemplified the importance of communication, highlighting the need for facilities management professionals to listen to and address the concerns of stakeholders. This allows for faster resolution in the future if any similar issues arise. Ultimately, soft skills contribute to trust building, higher engagement, and better outcomes for everyone in a facility.
4. Embrace Natural Strengths
Instead of solely focusing on individuals’ weaknesses, management teams should amplify employees’ personal strengths. Understanding one’s natural strengths opens new doors to opportunities and allows everyone to bring their best selves to the workplace. Recognizing and utilizing an individual’s strengths can lead to improved collaboration and problem-solving as well.
5. Find Purpose in Work
Studies have shown that those who find meaning in their work are more highly engaged and fulfilled by it. It’s important to figure out one’s own values in order to pursue opportunities with organizations that align with these beliefs. According to Lauren, understanding personal values may require some deep thought and self-reflection, but it aids in recognizing our driving forces in a professional setting.
Opportunities Abound
There are plentiful opportunities for eager workers in facilities-related fields such as operations & maintenance, sustainability, or environmental services positions. In the trades, there are more open positions for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical than those who can fill them. The field faces a significant shortage of labor due to retirements and career changes.
Success in facilities management requires a collaborative team mentality, emphasizing employee satisfaction and motivation. A career in health facilities management can be exceptionally rewarding for those who like to be challenged, seek personal and professional growth, and have excellent soft skills.
Personal Well-being Impacts Employee and Team Success
The well-being of facility managers and staff significantly influences employee and team success. Acknowledging the impact of external stressors on mental health is crucial, as these factors can affect job performance and overall operations. It’s key to promote team environments that emphasize care and respect. Encouraging employee self-care is necessary for productivity.
Lauren mentions some examples of self-care:
- Breathe. Make note of any feelings that come up when you pause to breathe.
- Take breaks from alarming media. Stepping away can relax the brain and nerves.
- Make time to sleep and exercise. Both are vital for our health and performance.
- Reach out and stay connected. Socialization is important for our happiness.
- Find time for quiet. Reset your body and mind, even if it’s just a couple of minutes.
Similar to how a hospital promotes the well-being of its patients, the primary goal of a facilities organization is to facilitate the health and optimal functioning of a building. This won’t happen unless staff are putting in their best efforts, which can be supported by ensuring their well-being is taken care of.