Building a Better Future with ISO: Employee-Centric Approach to Facilities Management

ISO standards provide a framework for best practices in various industries, including facility management. Implementing ISO standards can improve operational efficiency, increase customer satisfaction, and enhance risk management. Read on to explore the benefits of using ISO standards in facility management.   

Benefits of ISO in Facility Management   

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications benefit facilities management by establishing standard operating procedures and best practices. Listed below are the main benefits of ISO in facility management.                       

1. Improve Quality, Productivity, and Financial Performance

ISO standards can improve quality, productivity, and financial performance in facility management by standardizing processes and procedures, reducing the risk of errors, and improving the overall quality of service.

ISO standards promote best practices and continuous improvement, which can help facilities to streamline processes and increase productivity.

In addition, implementing ISO standards can lead to cost savings through waste elimination and the optimization of resources. It can also enhance the reputation of the organization, leading to increased customer satisfaction and more business opportunities.

By implementing ISO standards, facilities can demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality service, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of their operations, and enhancing their financial performance.

2. Enhance Sustainability and Reduce Negative Environmental Impact

ISO standards can enhance sustainability and reduce negative environmental impact in facility management services through resource efficiency, waste management, sustainable procurement, and environmental management. 

• ISO standards promote the efficient use of resources, such as energy and water, reducing waste and minimizing adverse environmental impact.
• They provide guidelines for proper waste management, reducing the amount of waste generated and promoting recycling and reuse.
• They encourage facilities to consider the environmental impact of products and services when making purchase decisions, promoting sustainable products and services.
• ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system that helps facilities identify and manage environmental risks.

ISO standards can thus enhance the reputation of facilities, attract customers and employees who value sustainability, and improve their overall financial performance.

3. Develop Functional and Motivating Work Environments

There are numerous ways in which ISO helps achieve a functional and motivating work environment.

Speaking of Occupational Health and Safety, ISO 45001 (OHSAS 18001) is very similar to ISO 14001, but instead of managing environmental issues, 45001 focuses on managing Occupational Health and Safety concerns. These include Job Hazards, OSHA regulatory requirements and potential emergencies.provides guidelines that ensure facilities are safe and healthy environments for employees. These standards promote continuous improvement and employee involvement, enhancing employee satisfaction and motivation.

Besides, ISO standards provide guidelines for designing and managing physical facilities, ensuring that the environment is functional and conducive to work. Additionally, standards promote clear and effective communication and information management, improving collaboration and decision-making in the workplace.

By implementing ISO standards, facilities can create functional and motivating work environments that support employee well-being and satisfaction. Doing so would enhance employee morale, improve job performance, and reduce turnover.

4. Maintain Regulatory Compliance and Provision of Safe Workplaces

ISO standards can help maintain regulatory compliance and provide safe workplaces in facility management by ensuring that facilities comply with relevant regulations and provide safe working environments.

ISO 45001 provides guidelines for environmental management, ensuring that facilities comply with environmental regulations, and restrict the adverse impact on the environment.

Quality Management through this ISO standard provides guidelines for quality management and sees to it that facilities meet customer requirements and comply with relevant regulations and standards.

Risk Management is another vertical taken care of in ISO 31000. It lays down the risk management guidelines, helping facilities to identify, assess, and manage risks, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

5. Optimize Life Cycle Performance and Costs

ISO standards can help optimize life cycle performance and costs in facility management in the following ways.

• ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 : 2006 covers life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and life cycle inventory (LCI) studies. These provide guidelines for life cycle assessment, helping facilities to understand the environmental impact of their operations and make informed decisions to minimize their impact.
• ISO standards promote the efficient use of resources, reducing waste and minimizing costs.
• ISO standards promote continuous improvement, helping facilities identify opportunities for improvement and optimize their operations.
• ISO 55000 provides guidelines for asset management, helping facilities optimize the performance of their assets and reduce maintenance costs.

By implementing ISO standards, facilities can optimize their life cycle performance and costs, reducing waste, improving the efficiency of their operations, and enhancing their financial performance.

6. Improve Resilience and Relevance

By implementing ISO standards, facilities can improve their resilience and relevance, enhancing their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain competitiveness in a dynamic business environment. It achieves this through risk management, continuous improvement, sustainability, and communication and information management.

Overall, they improve facility resilience in the face of potential disruptions, help facilities adapt to changing societal expectations, and maintain relevance in a world focused on environmental and social responsibility. 

7. Project an Organization’s Identity and Image More Successfully

ISO standards promote clear and effective communication and information management, improving collaboration and decision-making. Facilities can project a positive and professional image, demonstrating their commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. This, in turn, enhances their reputation and competitiveness in the market.     

Conclusion: Unlock the Secrets to a Safe and Productive Workplace

SMC Integrated Facility Management Company is a facility management company that practices an employee-first approach. With OHSAS at the core, we ensure that standard operating procedures are followed mandatorily, ensuring the health and safety of all employees. We are committed to taking care of front-line workers, who play a crucial role in the company's success. 

By incorporating ISO standards, such as ISO 45001 and ISO 9001, SMC India not only improves health and safety practices in the organization but also projects a positive and professional image.

Join us on our journey towards a safer and more efficient working environment now!