Reframing Facilities and Demonstrating the Value of FM: From Cost Center to Strategic Asset
In her FacilitiesNet article, “Investing in Success: The Rise of Facilities Performance Management,” Laurie Gilmer challenges the common perception of facilities management as merely a cost center. Prompted by a facilities professional’s frustration that their team is seen as “always having a hand out,” Gilmer proposes a mindset shift in demonstrating the value of FM: what if facilities were viewed as an investment in organizational success?
To support this shift, facilities teams must align their operations with the core mission of the organization—delivering safe, healthy, and efficient environments that enhance productivity and support people. This alignment is best achieved through performance management, a structured approach that defines, measures, and continuously improves outcomes that matter to the organization.
Gilmer introduces the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model as a practical framework for applying performance management in facilities. She walks through each phase:
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Plan: Define desired outcomes and establish measurable goals.
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Do: Execute initiatives aligned with those goals.
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Check: Measure performance and assess progress.
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Act: Make necessary adjustments to improve results.
While implementing performance management isn’t easy—many managers delay or struggle with it—it’s essential for building credibility, aligning with organizational priorities, and shifting how facilities are valued across the enterprise.
Read the full article here.
