This year’s World FM Day (Wednesday, 15 May) is celebrating the development of the ISO 41000 series, described as a “game changer” for the US$1.15 trillion global industry.
The purpose of World FM Day, initiated by Global FM, is to recognise the work that facilities management professionals and the facilities management industry contribute to business worldwide.
It aims to raise the profile of the FM profession, not just in member regions, but anywhere FMs influence the health, safety, productivity and well-being of people who utilise the built environment.
The theme of this year’s event is, ‘Celebrating Global ISO FM Standards’.
The ISO 41000 series of standards is a suite of standards developed specifically for facilities management. The development of the ISO 41000 series (which includes 41001, 41011, 41012 and 41013) began almost seven years ago, and engaged the interest of 45 countries.
The standards, published in 2017, include; ISO 41011 Facility Management – Vocabulary; ISO 41012 Facility Management – Guidance on Strategic Sourcing and the Development of Agreements; and ISO 41013 – Scope, Key Concepts and Benefits.
The fourth, and most recent standard, ISO 41001 Management System Standard was published in April 2018. ISO 41001 is a management system standard, to help promote the international standing of FM as a professional discipline.
The driving force behind ISO 41001 was the need for a standardised approach against which FM organisations can be assessed and measured.
Duncan Waddell, chairman of Global FM, said developing ISO Standards is a massive game changer for the global FM industry.
“These standards represent a significant step forward in the standardisation of FM management professional practices internationally,” Waddell said.
“Facilities management is a US$1.15 trillion global industry, with 65,000 professional and industry participants worldwide,” said Waddell.
“World FM Day celebrates the significant contribution that FM makes to the global economy.”
NZ recognises World FM Day
Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ) CEO Gillian Wess said awareness of the important role facilities managers play is continuing to gain momentum in New Zealand.
“We acknowledge the significant contribution each and every one of our members makes to the profitability of business, and to the productivity and wellbeing of everyone who walks through their doors,” said Wess.
“There is growing recognition within New Zealand about the important role facilities managers play as enablers in allowing organisations to deliver on their business outcomes.
“Not only do FMs ‘get stuff done’, they contribute to discussions in the boardroom on how workplace design can support cultural change, assist in the drive to recruit and retain talent, and improve productivity,” Wess said.
“World FM Day is also an opportunity for FMANZ to celebrate its own achievements and the role it plays in elevating the knowledge base of facilities managers, raising industry performance standards, and promoting greater awareness and visibility of the FM profession.”
Industry in review
In 2018 the Facilities Management Association of Australia (FMA) published its 2017-18 Facilities Management Industry Census.
Now in its sixth edition, the census creates a snapshot of the industry across Australia and New Zealand, examining demographics, education, building portfolios and outsourcing.
According to the census 29 per cent of practitioners identify as female, up from 19 per cent in 2013; while 38 per cent of practitioners are under the age of 40, compared to 29 per cent in 2013.
More than 70 per cent of practitioners are under the age of 50, compared to 52 per cent in 2013.
The report found maintenance and cleaning are the most sub-contracted services, with 83 per cent and 74 per cent of practitioners respectively outsourcing these services “always” or “often”.
Respondents said the key benefits of outsourcing FM are “greater flexibility”, “access to best practice” and “reduced costs”.
According to the findings 32 per cent of purchasers indicated FM is “rarely” discussed at the executive level of their organisation. Looking ahead, respondents claim the biggest opportunity for the industry is advances in technology.
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