Facilities management is big business in Australia, with predictions the sector could be worth AUD$40-billion by 2023.
Increasing demand for facilities management services is being driven by the rapid modernisation of Australia’s infrastructure through government works, in addition to an increase in working remotely due to the COVID-19 crisis.
With change comes opportunity. Within this change, there are certain trends that should be paid attention to, allowing facilities managers to stay ahead of the competition and keep up with consumer demand as the landscape of communication dramatically shifts to digital platforms.
1. Wellness
Facilities are usually judged by the efficiency of their management and the quality of the space they offer. However, in the current social climate, facilities are increasingly being rated by their attention to wellness – the overall effect they have on the mental and physical health of the people who use them.
Taking into account the social distancing measures taken worldwide, technology can support in increasing the ability for service based industries to continue offering a wide range of amenities. This will also allow for limited face to face contact, creating a safer environment.
Simple changes such as offering regular updates on health related messaging via an app can support in making both employees and customers feel safe. Additionally, adding plants and more flexible work practises for employees can help make facilities more appealing for the workforce, creating a happier and more efficient staff.
2. Outsourcing non-core activity
According to figures from IBIS World, the Facilities Management Services industry in Australia has grown at an average of 0.4% between 2014 and 2019 due to “increasing willingness to outsource non-core business activities.”
This trend toward outsourcing certain aspects of a facility’s daily tasks such as cleaning and security allows managers and their workforces to concentrate on their core tasks, improving the experience of customers, tenants and visitors while strengthening reputation and service. While this trend
Expect this trend to intensify, especially when considering the next trend – technology – that allows managers to juggle their responsibilities with greater ease, even when more suppliers become involved.
3. Integrating management technology
In days gone by work orders for repairs or additions were done on paper and meetings or could be signalled with handwritten notes on a bulletin board.
But with our modern world increasingly connected at every level online, there is a growing trend toward using technology for property management that is expanding in 2020. This covers everything from managing communications with workers and facility tenants to interacting with suppliers and contractors.
MYBOS is the next big thing
Pulling all three of these trends together, MYBOS software allows facilities managers to monitor, integrate and facilitate a wide range of practices – everything from tracking employee wellness to managing suppliers and communicating with tenants.
Having a single integrated platform like MYBOS at the heart of daily operations will allow facilities managers to have total control of every aspect of the business at their fingertips. This increases workplace efficiency and makes life easier.
Above all, having MYBOS allows steady facilities management that notices and absorbs any changes while keeping the overall business mission on track, no matter what trends come.
