Navigating Increased Workloads:
Proactive Repairs And Maintenance
Facilities managers (FMs) are responsible for the safe and smooth running of a work environment. However, recent research conducted at Watco revealed that almost a third (29%) of FM professionals have experienced an increased workload over the past year, and over a quarter (28%) often make mistakes at work due to having too much on their plate. Maintenance and premises upkeep remains at the core of the FM role, yet the inspections and repair work can be hard to accommodate within increasingly stretched workloads.
So, what action can FMs take in the summer months to get ahead with repairs and maintenance to ensure the smooth running of facilities year‑round?
Full Site Inspections
Carrying out regular site assessments throughout the year is an essential part of any FM’s role. However, the increased amount of daylight hours in the summer months allow FMs the flexibility to conduct full site inspections outside of core operating hours when the facility is much quieter, or even empty.
Additionally, the typically dry and still weather in this period allows harder to reach areas including fire escapes and roofs to be inspected safely, identifying surfaces where repair work is required or weather‑proofing products should be applied to protect the facility from the wet and windy conditions in the later seasons.
Effective Repairs And Planning Ahead
Following inspection, the summer months should be used to complete all repair jobs. Watco’s recent research also revealed that facilities have experienced an average of 27 days of downtime due to maintenance, and that repair work was regularly going over budget – costing over £1m per month for some businesses. Completing repair work when issues are first identified can significantly help to reduce the time and money spent. For example, a small crack in a concrete floor can be repaired quickly and easily, however, if left untreated the crack can widen into a hole. In addition to increasing the time, materials, and cost of repairing the surface, this also creates a trip hazard.
Whilst effective repairs are important year‑round, the colder, wetter months towards the end of the year increase the likelihood of surface damage. For example, where water pools on a surface and freezes over, cracks can worsen and large potholes can develop, which creates a growing list of repair jobs for the FM. In periods of heavy rain, outdoor repairs become much more difficult to complete too as pooling water can obstruct surfaces that must be cleaned and prepared for product application. By utilising the conditions in the summer months to conduct full site inspections, complete repair jobs and apply weather‑proofing products, FMs can get a better handle on workload and maintenance costs.
Updating The Facility
Conducting full site inspections will also reveal where painting or introducing line marking could improve the smooth running and safety of a facility. Mapping out zones within a facility helps to ensure the safe navigation of a site, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing productivity.
The dry, warmer weather in the upcoming months is ideal for FMs implementing a line marking system or applying a fresh coat of paint because many products are best applied in warm, dry, well‑ventilated conditions. For facilities with outdoor space, the dry weather is also ideal for refreshing road markings and ensuring that car parks are easy to navigate.
By taking action in the summer months and planning ahead, FMs can benefit from a more manageable workload and create a safer working environment. The dry, warmer weather conditions and extended daylight hours make this period the perfect time to get ahead, preventing minor surface damages from deteriorating into costly hazards.
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