A strong organizational culture isn’t just a feel-good initiative — it’s a strategic advantage for facilities management teams.
At the NFMT and Clean Buildings Conference earlier this year, business consultant Jerry Flug sat down with Corinne Zudonyi, chief editor for the cleaning market, to discuss how thoughtful leadership and cultural alignment can enhance both employee retention and operational excellence.
Facilities leaders must intentionally create the workplace culture they want. Without deliberate action, a culture will emerge organically, and it may not support the organization's goals. Defining core values, communicating them clearly, and making hiring decisions based on cultural fit are crucial steps for any facilities organization.
Successful managers recognize that employees are just as important as external clients. By modeling empathy, professionalism, and open communication, facilities leaders can build trust and loyalty within their teams. Frontline staff who feel respected and valued are more likely to stay, perform better, and represent the organization with pride.
Ongoing engagement is essential. Even seasoned employees need to remain connected to the organization’s evolving mission. Leaders must consistently provide feedback, create development opportunities, and reinforce cultural expectations. Supporting staff with recognition and real assistance — such as personal support initiatives — can deepen loyalty and minimize turnover.
The conversation also underscored the invisible but vital role facilities teams play in daily operations. From clean spaces to functional systems, their work defines the user experience. Elevating facilities staff by fostering a positive, professional culture not only improves internal morale but also enhances the organization's broader success.
Listen to the full conversation to get a greater understanding how culture and leadership aren’t secondary concerns — they’re mission-critical components for the future of facilities management.
Corinne Zudonyi is the editor-in-chief of the cleaning market, which includes Facility Cleaning Decisions, a sister publication to Facility Maintenance Decisions.
