Operating in the facilities management sector for nearly 20 years, we know just how challenging a role in FM can be. It's a profession that requires a broad skill set, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously. In our experience however, there are some types of spaces and premises which present unique challenges that require an adaptable and specialist approach to facilities management. From our experience of working with thousands of FM professionals across the years, here are some of types of spaces that throw up some of these unique challenges:
Historic Buildings
Managing historic buildings is one of the most complex and delicate tasks for facilities managers. These buildings, often protected by cultural heritage laws, come with strict regulations on preservation and renovation. The challenge is balancing modern functionality with the preservation of the building’s historical and architectural significance.
Facilities managers must navigate complex issues such as maintaining climate control to prevent deterioration, ensuring accessibility without compromising the building’s integrity, and managing outdated infrastructure. Upgrading electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems without affecting the building’s aesthetics can be a significant challenge.
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, are among the most demanding premises to manage due to the critical need for safety, cleanliness, and compliance with healthcare regulations. These facilities require strict adherence to health and safety standards, including infection control procedures, emergency preparedness, and accessibility.
The complexity increases with 24/7 operations, requiring constant maintenance and round-the-clock facility management. Ensuring that sensitive equipment and systems—such as ventilation, air quality, and sanitation—function optimally is essential for patient care. Additionally, any downtime or facility failure can have severe consequences, making it a high-stakes environment.
Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
Industrial and manufacturing facilities are typically large, often complex premises. The biggest challenge here is ensuring the safety of employees and minimising the risks associated with machinery, chemicals, and other potential hazards. Facilities management professionals must also oversee the maintenance of machines and equipment, ensuring that they meet regulatory standards and minimising downtime.
Given the scale of operations in industrial and manufacturing facilities, energy consumption and waste management are also critical considerations. Industrial sites are often subject to environmental regulations, which can complicate waste disposal, emissions control, and water usage. Managing these facilities requires a robust understanding of both engineering systems and regulatory compliance.
Retail Spaces
Managing retail premises presents unique challenges, especially in large-scale shopping malls or retail centre s. These spaces need to be customer-friendly while maintaining functionality behind the scenes. Facilities managers must ensure the cleanliness, safety, and accessibility of the entire building, including maintaining lighting, HVAC, and security systems.
Retail spaces are also vulnerable to fluctuations in foot traffic and seasonality, making energy management crucial. The pressure is on to create an environment that is not only functional but also appealing to customers. High turnover in retail stores can also mean that tenants constantly change, requiring constant updates to the building’s infrastructure and layouts.
Educational Institutions
Educational establishments pose several unique challenges to facilities managers. With high volumes of people (students, teachers staff), these buildings require significant attention to safety, accessibility, and cleanliness. The complexity increases due to the diverse range of spaces these institutions have, from lecture halls and science labs to sports facilities and in some case live-in dormitories.
Facilities managers must also navigate strict regulations around fire safety, health, and security. The challenge is in maintaining and optimising a variety of spaces for different purposes while ensuring a conducive learning environment. Additionally, with school schedules often set months in advance, facilities must be prepared to handle large spikes in occupancy at specific times of the year.
Multitenant Office Buildings
Managing a multitenant office building can bring with a range of logistical challenges. With different tenants come differing needs, from private offices to open co-working spaces. Facilities managers must ensure that common areas like receptions, lifts, and bathrooms are clean, functional, and accessible at all times.
A major challenge in multitenant buildings is managing tenant relationships. Each tenant has its own requirements for heating, cooling, and lighting, and these requests must be balanced against building-wide efficiency and budget constraints. Coordinating maintenance and repairs without disrupting tenants’ work schedules is another significant challenge, requiring a careful balance of communication and planning.
Data Centres
Data centres are some of the most technically complex premises to manage. The high demand for constant uptime means that these facilities need to be impeccably maintained. Data centres house critical IT infrastructure, which must be kept cool, secure, and operational at all times. Facilities managers are responsible for maintaining backup power systems, redundant cooling units, and ensuring the security of both the building and its contents.
In addition to technical expertise, data centre managers must be well-versed in cybersecurity and compliance with strict regulatory standards like GDPR. Given the high-value nature of the equipment housed inside, downtime or any sort of breach can result in significant financial and reputational losses.
Hospitality
Spaces in the hospitality sectors such as hotel and resort facilities are high-traffic environments where customer experience is a top priority. Facilities managers must ensure that the premises are not only well-maintained but also luxurious, comfortable, and safe. This involves managing everything from guest rooms and common areas to gyms, pools, and spas. Ensuring 24/7 availability of services such as housekeeping, maintenance, and room service adds another layer of complexity.
The challenge for facilities managers in the hospitality industry lies in balancing the needs of the guests with operational efficiency. Hotels need to be responsive to guest requests while also controlling costs, maintaining sustainability practices, and staying compliant with local regulations.
