Commercial or industrial facilities have multiple utilities, including electrical, mechanical, and others, for effective operations, and some of them are for the comfort of the employees.
So, managing these components is important, and they come under Facility Management Services. In this article, you will get to know everything about FM services, their types, and much more.
FM Services at a Glance
Facility Management services ensure that your facility is safe, secure, and provides a peaceful working atmosphere. This service enhances productivity by keeping the building well-maintained and offering the utmost comfort to employees.
FM services are classified into two parts, i.e., Hard and Soft FM services.
The former focuses on the utilities installed on the premises, such as HVAC, fire-fighting systems, electrical, and others.
The latter focuses on the factors that give employees comfort and peace, such as cleaning, waste management, and more.
So, these factors differentiate Hard & Soft FM services, but both are crucial for any organisation. Now, let’s see each of them comprehensively.
Hard Facility Management – A Complete Overview
Hard FM Services are the services that are directly associated with a building to ensure safety and security.
In addition, these services also provide a comfortable working environment, which includes lighting, HVAC for heating & cooling the surroundings, plumbing for water usage, lifts, and many more.
In addition, as per the Workplace Regulations Act 1992, the property owner has to maintain the equipment to ensure the safety of the building.
The common utilities that are installed in a building are mostly electrical or mechanical, and over time, they need maintenance. Otherwise, the failure of any equipment can lead to major accidents.
So, every building owner has to follow the guidelines mentioned in the Workplace Regulations Act.
Thus, the organisation needs to have an HSE officer, and if they don’t have one, then they can outsource it. The reason is that such an officer understands the potential risks involved in a building and is capable of handling any hazardous situations.
He/She can assess the risks and execute the necessary actions to control them. Moreover, such a person is responsible for framing safety protocols and ensuring legal compliance.
Soft Facility Management Service – An Overview
Soft Facility Management Service is directly associated with the comfort of the employees and is responsible for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the building.
On a premise, hygiene and cleanliness are very important as they bring positivity to the atmosphere and result in increased productivity. Soft FM services cover various segments, which are listed below:
- Cleaning Services
- Waste Management
- Gardening
- Interior Decoration
- Security
- Catering Services
Key Differences Between Hard FM and Soft FM
Hard FM Services are directly associated with the building, including electrical wiring, maintenance of mechanical equipment (plumbing, HVAC, etc.), and fire-fighting systems. These utilities are installed to keep the premises in working condition and offer safety & comfort to the employees.
In the case of Soft FM services, the factors for well-being are considered so that employees can work in a peaceful and positive environment, including cleaning, interior decoration, waste management, and more.
As per the Workplace Regulations Act 1992, organisations that have installed electrical, mechanical, or any components in a building have to maintain them periodically for the security of employees. In addition, they must adhere to the norms and regulations of labour laws, health & safety, and environmental policies.
Additionally, there is also a set of guidelines for Soft FM services, which organisations need to follow. As per the regulations, employees must get a comfortable working environment, and they should have adequate security. The core factors for Soft FM services include hygiene, cleanliness, toilets, ventilation, and lighting.
Integrating Hard and Soft FM for Optimal Workplace Management
A workplace that has a pleasant atmosphere due to the presence of multiple utilities, including HVAC, lighting, and more, enhances productivity.
Moreover, if the same place is neat & clean and possesses all the basic requirements that employees need, such as hygiene, toilets, waste control, and more, it will create a better work environment and boost productivity.
So, a combination of these two services will not only provide safety & security to employees but will also make the workplace highly functional.
Before integrating Soft and Hard FM, organisations need to build strategies focusing on risk management, space utilisation, and more.
While building strategies, IoT (Internet of Things) should not be overlooked, as it is a crucial part of modern infrastructure and provides additional comfort, such as sensors for controlling lights, doors, windows, and adjusting room temperature.
If you are facing difficulties in integrating both services, then you can look for Facilities Management Companies, as they employ professionals who handle the work precisely and deliver optimal results.
For instance, if HVAC systems run 24/7, then the components need proper maintenance, which HVAC professionals can handle efficiently. Such management companies employ experts who can be sent to your premises for maintenance.
Therefore, outsourcing facility management companies offers multiple benefits.
Over to You
Hard and Soft FM services differ in service type and functionality. The former deals with the maintenance of utilities installed in a building, while the latter focuses on employee comfort and well-being. Both are essential in a workplace to increase productivity and maintain efficiency.
As a company owner, you must consider the safety, security, and comfort of your employees, as they are valuable assets. This can be achieved by opting for comprehensive Facility Management Services from Cress Facilities Management. The firm understands business needs and provides advanced and innovative facilities management solutions tailored for modern times.
Get in touch with Cress Facilities Management, the leading facility management firm in the UK, for expert solutions that enhance your business growth.