Nenad Krstić, Operations Manager
Facility Management as a separate discipline has a specific task to enable the smooth operations of key infrastructures even in times of global crisis, meaning to reduce the impact of the state of emergency on the operation of clients and tenants through adequate and timely action.
Although the basic task of every facility manager is maintenance and organization in facilities, people, as the most important resource, should not be neglected. That is why during the pandemic, it was primarily important to organize a series of preventive measures that will enable the space we manage to be a safe place to work. Also, although it can be a large financial expense, it is necessary to organize regular cleaning and disinfection of the space. In such situations, a crisis staff is organized and clear lines of direct communication are established. There should be a clear action plan that needs to be presented to tenants who would suffer losses due to decreased turnover or even forced closures, as well as to investors who also try to avoid losses.
The pandemic has taught us to be more flexible
With the experience of working and functioning in a pandemic situation, we can conclude that our industry has not suffered catastrophic losses thanks to the well-built reaction of stakeholders and investors, as well as the way companies have responded to the new situation and challenges. Also, new trends that the pandemic has imposed or has further accelerated are already being recognized. Here are some of the most obvious:
- Sustainability as a continuous trend. The initiative for green building and the use of renewable energy sources is being intensified so that Serbia is now catching up with more developed countries.
- Facility management software, online meeting platforms, and other IT tools have become more prevalent in organizational and management processes. With the help of these tools, it is easier to follow reports at all levels, photos of the situation on the ground, requests, schedules, and much more that can help in demanding project management.
- HVAC system maintenance has been raised to the highest level. The process of switching to more modern filters in these systems, as well as ozonizers that instantly purify the air and kill microorganisms, will become a trend that will make air-conditioned rooms healthier for living and working even in non-pandemic conditions.
- Working from home is becoming everyday life, so the model of work organization must adapt to the new trend.
All in all, this situation has taught us to be more flexible, to be less afraid of rapid changes in the business. While there are still many challenges ahead, there are also plenty of reasons for optimism. New markets are rapidly developing, which implies changes in the strategic sense, also sectors such as industry and logistics – which should be seen as an opportunity for further business development.