What is Next?

As we are slowly adjusting to the post Covid-19 reality, ‘What is next’ is the most important question on everyone’s mind.

In order to answer this question, let us turn back the clock and understand the signs of what was to come.

In the last few years, we have seen an era of increased protectionism, rising nationalism, ongoing trade wars, increased unemployment rate, increased living expenses, fierce unions to any changes, conservative policies, fierce competition, increased costs, decreased profits, etc.

It is no wonder that the signs were already there for these enterprises to take notice, reorganize, and change. Covid-19 was the ultimate missing piece of this tragedy and a wake up call for all of us.

As a result, what we are witnessing now is downsizing taking place in many enterprises for the last 3 months. What was noticed during this time is that

·      Traditional brick and mortar enterprises are either burning cash at fast rate or already out of business.

·      On the other hand, enterprises who have invested heavily in technology are performing exceptionally well.

But what does it mean for the IFM profession and what will the consequences be for our sector?

·      Scale, size and number do not matter that much anymore.

·      An increase on remote based work performed either from home or other places.

·      Rise of new technologies leading to sophisticated demand for IFM services.

·      Rise of trade barriers

·      Toughened labor legislation

·      Etc.

Then, the next logical question is: How can we, as an IFM service provider respond to these challenges? There is no quick fix or magic formula, but a common sense shall prevail in these difficult times.

·      Enterprises are not only looking for a post pandemic back to work era partner.

·      They are not only looking for partners who can achieve cost savings.

·      Most importantly, they are looking for a revenue generating partner.

That said, the surviving enterprises are of course looking at the IFM service providers for collaboration on savings, on new ideas like maintenance strategy, lifecycle programs, and anything that can make their journey back to normal smoothly, etc.

They are looking toward a post pandemic overhaul of their work infrastructure like

·      Contactless touch, facial recognition, identity authentication

·      HVAC Air Quality improvement through UV disinfection

·      Remote maintenance check

·      Work area layout for social distancing

·      Cafeteria digital ordering, meal box, etc.

·      Sensors to avoid any touch like towels, soap, water tap, etc.

·      Sustainable supply chain and material usage

·      Health & Wellness programs for their employees

·      Etc.

Strategically and ultimately, they are looking for a leaner and streamlined process where the IFM service provider is not just a passive, but also an active partner.

This requires IFM service providers to understand the client line of business and act as a crossroad between.

But how?

If we look at our line of business, we have a large database network. Have we ever thought what will happen if we use this extensive network for the benefit of our clients too?

In other word, wouldn’t it be nice if we were to act as the go between?

Imagine if the client A offers services which can have potential benefits for the client B. How can we crossroad these two clients for their, and ultimately our benefits too?

To summarize, going back to normal is going to be a challenge for many enterprises. But more challenging for them is to find that right partner.

A partner with a mixed touch of active, revenue generating, savings, and workplace solutions.

And for us to stay competitive, we must evolve beyond the traditional method of acting as a service provider only.

We must act as a highly synergized cross functional platform.