Caroline Shelly – Principal
Last month, Casey Murphy of HF Planners outlined the three key facility management processes that are essential to designing for the ideal modern workplace:
- Facility Planning
- Interior Design
- Facility Management
Viewed together, these pillars form the foundation of a Strategic Facility Plan that is a must-have in today’s challenging and changing environment.
What is a strategic facility plan, and how do I create one?
A strategic facility plan (SFP) is a two-to-five-year facilities plan encompassing an entire portfolio of owned and/or leased space based on the organization’s strategic (business) objectives. It should take into account various factors such as business goals, technology, environmental impact, and employee satisfaction.
Here are some steps to create an effective strategic facility plan:
- Assess the current facility: Evaluate the current facility to identify any issues or areas that need improvement. For example, determine the building’s age, condition, layout, and energy efficiency.
- Identify business goals: The first step is to identify the company’s business goals and how they align with the facility plan. Consider the company’s long-term strategy, growth plans, and budget.
- Creating a strategy by conducting a needs assessment: Analyze the company’s space, technology, and equipment needs. Consider the number of employees, departments, and functions that must be accommodated. The hybrid work model can be challenging to incorporate with today’s needs. Identifying each department’s space requirements is key to a successful plan. Based on the business goals and needs assessment, create a facility plan that includes space allocation, technology upgrades, and sustainability initiatives. Identifying ways of working and how they relate to the company’s culture is key. For example, if collaboration and relaxed work is part of the culture, it’s important to include meeting spaces, phone booths, and soft seating in the layout. The plan should also include timelines and budget estimates.
- Implement the plan and monitor it: Once the facility plan is developed, it’s time to implement it. This may involve construction, renovation, or relocation. Make sure to communicate the plan with employees and other stakeholders. After implementation, regularly monitor the facility’s performance and adjust the plan as needed. Consider employee feedback, assess energy usage, and evaluate the effectiveness of technology upgrades.
Overall, a strategic facility plan should support the company’s goals, enhance employee satisfaction, and reduce environmental impact. By considering these factors, corporations can create a facility that meets their needs and helps them achieve their long-term objectives.
Please check back for the May edition of the HF Planners monthly newsletter, where Strategic Facility Management will be our focus.
If all of this feels overwhelming and you aren’t sure where to begin…
When it comes to a strategic facility plan, one size does not fit all. Creating a space accommodating business needs and overseeing the project timeline and budget while managing a significant company-wide change can be overwhelming. However, bringing in an expert and strategic partner brings efficiency and expertise to your facility planning project.
Contact us today to schedule a time to talk with our expert team.
