Date
Thursday
May
15

May 8

World Facilities Management Day

Recognize the people behind the scenes on World Facilities Management Day – the unsung heroes who keep our buildings safe, clean, and efficient!

Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to salute the heroes who often go unnoticed, but without whom our buildings would crumble, literally and figuratively! May 15 marks the World Facilities Management Day - a day dedicated to honor the men and women who work relentlessly behind the scenes, to ensure that the places where we live, work, play and learn are well-maintained, safe, and sustainable. This global celebration initiated by Global Facilities Management (Global FM), has been lighting up the facilities management world since 2010. It's a fantastic opportunity to recognize their multi-faceted skills and the fine balance they maintain between people, place, process and technology. So, let's raise our mops and brooms in honor of these everyday superstars!

World Facilities Management Day Timeline

1970s
Emergence of Facilities Management
The 70s saw the dawn of the facilities management profession as organizations began to understand the importance of managing facilities effectively.
1980
Formal Education Introduced
Cornell University in New York created the first Facility Management masters degree program, marking the beginning of formalized education in the profession.
1993
IFMA Certification Program
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) developed the Certified Facility Manager credential program, further legitimizing the profession.
2004
Global FM Established
Facility Management associations around the world formed a global alliance called Global Facility Management Association (Global FM) to provide a single, unified voice for the industry.
2010
First World FM Day
World Facilities Management Day was officially celebrated for the first time, marking an annual celebration to recognize the work of facility managers globally.

How to Celebrate World Facilities Management Day

1

Organize a "Facility Walk"

Provide an opportunity for your teammates and building occupants to take a guided tour of the facilities. Let them explore the nooks and crannies, from boiler rooms to roof tops and learn how every piece of the facility is managed and maintained.

2

Host an Appreciation Lunch

Organize a special luncheon event for all facilities management staff in appreciation of their hard work throughout the year. Be sure to include a few words of thanks and encouragement for all that these staff members do on a daily basis.

3

Launch a Facility Improvement Challenge

This can be a fun way to draw attention to the role of facilities management. Encourage teams to pitch ideas for improvements in the existing facilities. The winning idea could be implemented on this special day.

4

Create an Awards Ceremony

Institute awards for various categories such as Cleanest Area, Best Maintenance, Best Energy Saver etc. This could be a fun and encouraging way to celebrate World Facilities Management Day by honoring individual efforts.

5

Host a Facility Management Workshop

Invite a guest speaker knowledgeable in the field of facility management to lead a workshop educating interested individuals about the underlying principles, best practices and future trends in facilities management. This can be both fun and insightful for the attendees.

Why World Facilities Management Day is Important

A

Recognition for the Unsung Heroes

On World Facilities Management Day, we get the chance to honor and thank the hard-working individuals who quietly ensure our buildings are safe, efficient and well-maintained. These are the people who often go unnoticed, yet without them, our daily lives would be greatly affected. This day gives us an opportunity to recognize and appreciate their crucial role.

B

Promotion of Best Practices in Facility Management

World Facilities Management Day is not just a day of celebration, but also a day to share knowledge, promote best practices in facility management, and foster innovation in the industry. Through activities such as workshops and facility improvement challenges, we can learn from each other and improve our buildings' efficiency and sustainability.

C

Emphasis on the Importance of Well-Maintained Facilities

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of well-maintained facilities in our lives. Good facilities management not only aids in the smooth running of everyday activities, but it also contributes to health and safety, comfort, and productivity. Celebrating World Facilities Management Day allows us to have a greater appreciation for the spaces we inhabit.