Continuing its role of thought leadership in facility management, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), in partnership with JLL, has published a thought-provoking white paper exploring the challenges and benefits of a shift in C-suite perception of facility management from a support-based cost center to a strategic partner. The paper, officially released at IFMA’s World Workplace 2015 Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado, USA, offers a compelling case for facility management professionals to take a more active role in informing and achieving organizational goals, while also providing specific suggestions to achieve this elevated status.

“As the FM industry advances and transforms with the workplace, it requires new business skills, innovation and new ways of thinking,” writes IFMA second vice chair and international director of global integrated facilities management for JLL, Maureen Ehrenberg, FRICS, CRE. “New types of career opportunities hold much promise for the future of FM and its relationship to the business. The implications of the convergence of technology, workplace and facilities services will impact the business enterprise well beyond the traditional ‘comfort zone’ of FM as it has been defined in the past.” 

Over its 35 years of service to the FM industry, IFMA has supported a remarkable shift in perception of the built environment from simply a box that contains the tools of productivity to a tool in its own right. The built environment, in the hands of a qualified FM, can enable any number of goals — from workplace productivity to worker well-being and safety, as well as cost savings and sustainability. Yet many social and professional barriers continue to impede the necessary elevation of the FM professional to the critical role of strategic partner.

The IFMA paper, “Redefining the Executive View of Facility Management (FM)” by Richard Kadzis, first explores the current state of the relationship between FM and the C-suite, then proposes a model for improving that relationship. Part three provides practical advice for actionable next steps, supported by case study examples. The paper is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the IFMA website via the new Knowledge Library.

IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting 24,000 members in 105 countries. The association's members, represented in 134 chapters and 17 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US$100 billion in products and services. Formed in 1980, IFMA certifies professionals in facility management, conducts research, provides educational programs and produces World Workplace, the world's largest facility management conference and exposition. To join and follow IFMA's social media outlets online, visit the association's LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages. For more information, visit the IFMA press room or www.ifma.org.

JLL is a financial and professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate services and investment management. They are in business to create and deliver real value through commercial real estate for clients, shareholders and JLL’s 58,000 people across 230 corporate offices worldwide. They serve the local, regional and global real estate needs of corporations and investors in more than 80 countries. They deliver integrated commercial real estate services built on insight and foresight, sound market research and relevant knowledge. JLL’s commitment to business success goes beyond the bottom line. Learn more at jll.com.