Best Online Continuing Ed Resources for FMs in 2021

Best Online Continuing Ed Resources for FMs in 2021

by | May 16, 2021 | Continuing Ed, COVID-19, Sustainability, Tips

Art Linkletter summed up professional development perfectly when he said “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out.” Adapt or perish is the mantra for today’s professionals, and so much so for facilities managers who must adjust to a post-COVID workplace, BMS automation and sustainability among other growing trends. Luckily, the internet offers plenty of opportunities for busy FMs looking to expand their skills and adapt. Here are the best online continuing ed resources for FMs in 2021. 

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn’s relatively new online learning platform, LinkedIn Learning, has enough facility management courses to fill the entire year. LinkedIn Learning is $39.99 NZD per month or take advantage of the free 30-day trial. Here are a two courses sure to be popular in 2021: 

  • “Facilities Management: Social Distancing and PPE”— This course tackles relevant post-COVID challenges like how to change the way people enter buildings, proper placement of hygiene stations and how to avoid cross contamination. 
  • “Leading Projects”— Cross-functional projects involve being able to structure teams and plans effectively. This course teaches how to define the scope, investigate options, select a course of action and execute a plan.

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

Eco-friendly buildings and sustainability are now an integral part of the FM profession. That’s why we recommend the IFMA’s “Sustainability Facility Professional” certification program for FMs who want to stay ahead of the curve. The online course teaches how to bring more efficiency, data-driven decision-making and sustainable practices to their clients’ properties. The certification is self-paced and has several prerequisite courses, so it’s perfect for IFMA members who are already certified in FM introduction courses. Visit the IFMA site for more info. 

Massey University (NZ)

Massey Uni offers two diplomas in facilities management available through distance learning. The Diploma in Facilities Management (DipFM) is built for new FM professionals just entering the industry who want to strengthen their skills with foundational knowledge, while the Graduate Diploma in Facilities Management (GradDipFM) is aimed at professionals holding a non-FM related tertiary qualification, such as engineering, commerce or science. Both courses are one year full-time, but can be completed part-time. Also, both offer the option to exit at Certificate level on completion of four papers. 

Vector Solutions

Training site Vector Solutions has an extensive catalogue of online courses to benefit every level of facility management. If you’re looking for maintenance certification, Vector Solutions’ facilities maintenance courses are specifically created for technicians and building engineers, and they have certification tracks for commercial, industrial or both. FMs needing more general professional development resources can find over 220 classes on leadership, finance, compliance, time management, communication and sexual harassment. Check out Vector Solutions full catalogue of FM training courses.  

BOMI Webinars

BOMI International has partnered with online education service Lorman to create a series of live webinars for 2021. These e-Seminars get FMs up to speed on current issues “International Business Codes” and Workplace Bullying/” Fees average around $200 and attendees can add a downloadable recording for future reference. Visit the Lorman website for a complete listing of live webinar topics, times and dates.

3 Ways to Improve Tenant Satisfaction

3 Ways to Improve Tenant Satisfaction

by | Apr 18, 2021 | COVID-19, Save Time, Sustainability, Tenancy

Whether you’re leasing a small two-bedroom or multi-level high-rise, tenant satisfaction is critical to your bottom line. When tenants are happy, they tend to lease longer. This maintains consistency in your properties and lowers your exit costs. But what really makes a happy tenant? It can be more complicated than you think. Savvy property managers and owners use tenant satisfaction studies, along with their own surveys, to zero in on what’s important to their tenants. Here are three ways to start improving your overall tenant satisfaction straight away.

1.  Help Them Become More Sustainable 

Interest in green working spaces is growing in tenants all around the world. Surveys show that building sustainability advice is as high a priority for tenants as advice on health and safety. Your renters want to do their part to conserve energy while providing a safe workspace for their employees. Plus, everyone saves money in the process. Here are some things to try: 

  • Keep your tenants informed about new construction and invite their input.
  • Create a forum on your portal for regular contributions on sustainability.  
  • Make sustainability a regular part of your building meetings with tenants.
  • Use an automated billing app to give them more control over their energy consumption.
  • Email them guides on building sustainable office spaces. 
  • Regularly post recycling program reminders to your social media sites.

2.  Update Your Tenant Communication Plan 

Experts recommend you review and update your tenant communications program every 12 months to ensure it’s meeting your tenants’ needs. To effectively evaluate your plan, ask questions like:

  • Is the right person in charge of managing the plan?
  • Is your plan easily accessible by you and your tenants? 
  • Are you updating your plan regularly?
  • Do you have all the components you need?
  • Can you measure the effectiveness? 
business man jumping

Regular evaluation ensures your tenant communication plan is up-to-date. Take advantage of technology by employing a multi-channel approach that includes email, phone, text and social media. Unprecedented events like COVID-19 have pushed the emergency component of comms plans to the forefront, as property managers work with governments to ensure public safety. Annual plan audits will ensure you’re prepared. 

3. Sort Maintenance Requests Fast

Resolving maintenance issues quickly isn’t just good building management, it also makes your tenants happy. Nothing is more frustrating than working around a faulty light, broken door or unreliable internet. While most renters understand that things happen beyond the landlord’s control, that doesn’t absolve you from doing your due diligence. 

Even if it’s a small issue, get to the problem as soon as possible—it may not be a “small” problem for your renter. Today, it’s easier than ever to locate one-off contractors and handyman services from online services like Angie’s List or MyGuy. In the long run, hiring a contractor will likely be worth the cost if it results in a satisfied tenant. 

These three suggestions highlight two key aspects of tenant satisfaction: information and control. Remember, your tenants have to factor your building management, administration and technology into their own business decisions. Unreliable internet service, late notices about lift outages or a confusing tenant payment process all affect their ability to plan and respond as an organization. Keep better information and more control as end goals in your decision making, and you’ll always ensure that your tenant satisfaction improves.