Human factors are a core competency for facilities management, as it is essential for ensuring that the facility is a comfortable, safe, and productive environment for the occupants. A facilities manager with strong human factors skills can develop and implement practices that support the performance and goals of the entire organization, as well as the performance of the facility organization.
Some key aspects of the human factors competency for facilities management include:
- Encouraging diversity: This includes promoting a workplace culture of inclusivity and respect.
- Developing and implementing practices that support the performance and goals of the entire organization: This includes overseeing the work environment to support staffing, recruitment, retention, motivation, and productivity, creating an environment conducive to innovation, providing a healthful and safe environment, and providing security that meets the facility's needs.
- Developing and implementing practices that support the performance of the facility organization: This includes providing personal and professional growth and development opportunities, encouraging diversity, and utilizing performance appraisal systems.
- Providing personal and professional growth and development opportunities: This includes coaching, mentoring, training, education, and career paths.
- Utilizing performance appraisal systems: This includes goal setting, performance monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that the facility organization meets its objectives and identifies improvement areas.
Overall, effective management of human factors is essential for a facilities manager to ensure that the facility is a comfortable, safe, and productive environment for the occupants. Additionally, promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, and utilizing performance appraisal systems can help to attract and retain talented staff and improve the performance of the facility organization.
