Facilities manager (FM) roles are often perceived as fixing, maintaining, and cleaning buildings only. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! To help people understand the many facets of facilities management, and how complex the work of FMs is, we are busting 5 common myths about the profession! These myth-busters will help anyone who wants to understand the FM role better.
1. FMs only focus on the physical building.
Rohit Chaturvedi, Head Facility and MEP at Kajaria Ceramics Limited, debunks this myth by explaining that facilities management “encompasses a wide range of services and responsibilities, from strategic planning and real estate management to environmental sustainability and emergency preparedness, going far beyond just maintaining physical assets.”
Additionally, facilities professionals manage workspaces and keep them functional and comfortable.
2. FMs are not educated.
Indeed reports that many FMs have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the facilities management field such as basic maintenance and repair, heating and cooling, security systems, and plumbing.
Additionally, FMs often obtain certifications to advance their knowledge and boost their careers from organizations like International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
To learn more, read “11 Facilities Management Certifications to Consider for 2024,” on Facilities Management Advisor.
The facilities management industry requires FMs to have a clear understanding of a variety of topics. Some of these topics can include contract management, telecommunications infrastructure, equipment and operations, modern control systems, regulatory compliance, budget forecasting, and project management.
3. FMs are only useful in emergencies.
One of an FM’s top priorities is to focus on preventive measures against equipment failures and building-related emergencies. This often includes performing a lot of behind-the-scenes maintenance, as well as strategizing rather than just responding to issues. For example, FMs may help create maps that identify locations of fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers. They also work with law enforcement and fire department personnel to develop plans to get ahead of emergency situations.
4. FMs can resolve all problems.
While FMs are educated and need to know extensive information to do their jobs, sometimes there are tasks in which they need to call contractors to do. FMs also have their own areas of expertise. For example, a facilities manager of a hotel might need to call a licensed electrician to do advanced electrical work.
5. FMs are perceived to be part of an “all-boys” club.
More women are joining the facilities management industry, and represent 25% of its workforce today.
“Women have opportunities to thrive in FM; but we must continue developing research to harness better understanding of women’s potential in our industry,” Don Gilpin, president and CEO of IFMA, had previously told Facilities Management Advisor.
Alana Dunoff, director of Women in Facility Management, said, “We need to remember, we are not doing a ‘man’s’ job, we are doing our job.”
To read more about women as FMs, check out “How Employers and Employees Can Help Women Advance in Facilities Management” on Facilities Management Advisor.
Conclusion
The FM role takes expert knowledge and education. Responsibilities such as strategic planning and sustainability management go beyond the perceived notion that FMs only fix buildings. And women are becoming a larger part of the workforce, making this profession one of advancement and growth.