How do you comply with facility management standards?

1 Know the standards

There are different sources and types of standards that apply to FM, depending on the industry, location, and scope of your work. Some of the most widely recognized and used standards are those developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), such as ISO 41000 series for FM. Other standards may come from professional associations, regulatory bodies, or internal policies. You should familiarize yourself with the standards that are relevant and applicable to your FM role and responsibilities, and keep yourself updated on any changes or revisions.

2 Assess your compliance

Once you know the standards, you need to assess how well you are complying with them. You can use various methods and tools to measure and evaluate your performance against the standards, such as audits, surveys, benchmarks, indicators, or certifications. You should also identify any gaps or risks that may affect your compliance, and prioritize the areas that need improvement or corrective action.

4 Document and report your compliance

Documentation and reporting are essential aspects of complying with FM standards. You should document and report your compliance activities, processes, outcomes, and evidence in a systematic and consistent manner. Documentation and reporting can help you demonstrate your compliance to your stakeholders, such as senior management, clients, regulators, or auditors. They can also help you improve your transparency, accountability, and learning.

5 Engage and train your staff

Complying with FM standards is not a one-person job. You need to engage and train your staff to ensure that they understand and follow the standards in their daily work. You should provide them with clear roles and expectations, adequate resources and support, regular feedback and recognition, and opportunities for learning and development. You should also foster a culture of quality and excellence among your staff, and encourage them to share their ideas and best practices.

6 Seek external support

Complying with FM standards can be challenging and complex, especially if you have limited time, budget, or expertise. You may benefit from seeking external support from experts, consultants, or peers who can help you with specific aspects of compliance, such as auditing, benchmarking, certification, or training. You can also join professional networks or communities of practice that can provide you with guidance, resources, or advice on complying with FM standards.