Facilities management can often be described as the “invisible profession.” When everything is running smoothly, when the lights come on without a second thought, the air is clean and comfortable, and the building is safe, very few people notice the work that goes on in the shadows. Yet, the reality is that your department is the backbone of the organization. Every day you and your team ensure that the environment is functional, safe, and welcoming, allowing everyone else to focus on their core responsibilities. That's the nature of the job that must be understood!
A great starting point to this understanding is to map out the core functions of your facilities department. This typically includes maintenance, safety, sustainability, space management, emergency management, and sometimes much more. Each of these areas plays a vital role in supporting the broader mission of your organization. For example, in a hospital, effective facilities management is essential for patient care. Clean, well-maintained spaces and reliable systems directly impact health outcomes and patient satisfaction. In a school, the learning environment is shaped by the safety, cleanliness, and comfort of classrooms and common areas. For a corporation, the effectiveness of facilities management can influence productivity, employee well-being, and even the company’s brand image. By connecting the dots between what your team does and the organization’s mission, you help others see the true importance of your work.
To make this value visible, it’s important to track your team’s impact in concrete ways. Keep detailed records of completed work orders, preventive maintenance tasks, cost savings from energy efficiency projects, and improvements in safety metrics. Data like this can transform the perception of facilities management from a background function to a strategic asset. When you can show, for example, how your team’s proactive maintenance prevented costly downtime or how energy-saving initiatives reduced operating expenses, you’re not maintaining the status quo, you’re enabling growth and protecting the organization’s assets.
Building strong relationships with other departments is another key to success. Take the time to understand their unique needs, challenges, and how they intertwine. Look for opportunities to collaborate, whether it’s helping IT with infrastructure upgrades, supporting HR with workspace planning, or partnering with security on emergency preparedness. When you solve problems before they escalate into emergencies, you demonstrate the proactive value of your team and earn trust and credibility across the organization.
Above all, it’s essential to advocate for your team. Facilities management can sometimes be overlooked when budgets are tight or when leadership is focused on more visible projects. Your ability to clearly articulate the critical role your department plays can make all the difference when resources are being allocated or when your team’s expertise is needed for a major initiative. Make sure upper management understands that without a strong facilities function, the organization’s ability to achieve its goals is compromised.
While facilities management may often go unnoticed, its impact is felt in every corner of the organization. And by understanding your department’s value, tracking your impact, building cross-departmental relationships, and advocating for your team, you ensure that the invisible backbone of the organization is recognized, respected, and empowered to support success at every level.
Charles M. Thomas is an operations professional, consultant and writer who has held positions with reputable organizations as a facilities and operations manager, operations manager and technical writer.
