Moving with technology

Published on : 2/26/20
  • Sodexo’s Simon Seaton weighs in on a few interesting trends that were published by global FM company in 2018.

    Tell us how the traditional operation and maintenance practice has given way to FM in the GCC?

    Operation and maintenance are core competencies of FM – as much as technology and trends shift, these will continue to be at the heart of our industry. What’s interesting to see are the changes taking place in terms of how technology is driving efficiency, and those efficiencies are in turn enabling humans on the job to focus more on the human aspects of the job? The major trends we see emerging, according to our latest research, therefore, are as much around using data to create smarter building – IoT enabling remarkable integrated facility services, building analytics and remote monitoring – as they are around recruiting and retaining engaged, capable and emotionally-intelligent talent.
    Facility management of the future is an industry in which the capabilities of technology are almost under the surface, fundamental in reducing costs, driving capabilities and efficiencies. On the surface, the average resident, guest or employee will experience an environment that feels more welcoming, functional and intuitive than ever before.

    How can we create emotionally intelligent workplaces and why is it important?

    With the immense, emergent capabilities of technology – the people on the job bring the greatest value to their profession, when their most human of attributes are allowed to come forward. This is a key factor in shaping experiences, increasing levels of engagement and realising human potential. On average, people have 500 emotional experiences per day, and the nature of those experiences are critical in determining perception of everything from how much we value our jobs, to how well we perceive a facility is managed, thus determining the quality of life. 
    Emotional intelligence (EI) is no longer a nice-to-have but a must have. Actively prioritising emotional intelligence is critical to remaining competitive in today’s economy.  And that means everything from recruiting the right talent, to better assessing and coaching talent on EI on an ongoing basis. 

    Simon Seaton rectangular profile picture“As sustainability becomes an increasing priority for facility occupants and has a major role to play in improving their quality of life, FM has a true leadership role to play in realizing a green future’’

    Simon Seaton, Chief Executive Officer,
    Energy & Resources Worldwide*

    *effective September 1st 2019

    Tell us about the impact of automation, does it impact jobs?

    Automation is happening. As business leaders today, we are at a unique threshold with the ability and – indeed – the responsibility to shape the coming advancement and work now to ensure these changes come into reality to not only add significant economic benefit, but fundamentally underpin quality of life for billions of workers across the globe.
    If you look at the technology trends highlighted in this year’s report, automation comes into play significantly in the emergence of chatbot programmes, and the immense capabilities of IoT in the streamlining integrated facilities services – aggregating inventory, facility and equipment data into a single user-friendly interface.
    Both these examples of technology illustrate a future where new automation technologies occupy the redundant, les enjoyable aspects of FM work. In the other side of this year’s trends, we see human capital is more important than ever. As automation takes up the “boring” aspects of work, employee innovation, emotional intelligence and knowhow – those uniquely human traits – become more important than ever before. 
    In other words, it’s not a question of boon or bane, it’s a matter of responsibility to shape the future we want to see, on the will be best for employees, facilities, customers and the industry as a whole.


    Young adults captivated in front of a screen and smilingWhat’s the future of the workplace and how can FM play a role in transforming it?

    If we are to have a future, that future must be green. That’s why green buildings are a core trend we are highlighting this year, and one that reflects broader shifts in the workplace at large. Soon, we will see living buildings become an affordable reality – facilities that are 100% supported by their own solar panels and windmills. This will be followed by waste-free buildings, in which FM teams recycle and reuse the majority of paper, food and trash entirely onsite. 
    Finally, we will see buildings that are not only sustainable for the environments, but for their occupants. Structures that are low on volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, furnishings and carpets made from natural, non-toxic materials. Designs that seek to maximise the natural light employees and residents experience each day. 
    As sustainability becomes an increasing priority for facility occupants and has a major role to play in improving their quality of life, FM has a true leadership role to play in realizing a green future. 
     

    This article was originally published in Facilities Management magazine in June 2019.

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