Understanding the Key Differences between Hard Facilities Management (FM) and Soft FM Services

FM services include cleaning, maintenance, security, health and safety, catering, and other maintenance support services. The UK facilities management sector contributes more than £65 billion to the UK economy and saw a growth of 4.8% in 2022, predicting an increase of 5.1% in 2023. Despite the seemingly significant growth, cost pressures remain a concern for clients and providers, with much of it driven by inflation.

The primary objective of FM services (both hard and soft) is to create an efficient, safe, and comfortable work environment for all employees. Good facilities management services can help businesses increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the overall performance of the building and its occupants.

With continued economic uncertainty upon us, businesses in the UK are likely to turn to FM providers in even greater numbers than they did in 2022. This trend is expected to be driven by the desire to reduce risk, become more streamlined and improve operational efficiency. Supply chain resilience will be paramount, with a renewed focus on business continuity planning.

What are Hard FM Services?

• Hard Facilities Management (FM) Services are the services that cover the maintenance and management of a building's physical infrastructure and systems.
• This includes the routine maintenance and repair of the building's mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems, as well as managing the property’s physical assets such as the building's structure, roofing, windows and doors, and landscaping.
• Hard FM services are essential to ensure that the building is operating at optimal performance and are typically carried out by specialised contractors with the skills and expertise in these areas.

What are Soft FM Services?

• Soft Facilities Management (FM) Services refer to the non-physical services provided to occupants of a building or property.
• These services are typically designed to improve the quality of life and create a comfortable and productive work environment for the occupants.
• Soft FM services include cleaning and janitorial services, pest control, catering and hospitality, waste management, landscaping, health and safety management, and space planning and management.
• Unlike hard FM services, soft FM services do not involve maintenance or repair of physical assets of the building. Instead, soft FM services are focused on ensuring that the building environment is clean, safe, and comfortable for the occupants.

Understanding the Differences between Hard FM and Soft FM

The main difference between soft and hard Facilities Management (FM) Services is that hard FM services are typically related to the physical management, operation, and maintenance of a building's infrastructure. In contrast, soft FM services link to the non-physical services provided to occupants of a building or property.

While both hard and soft FM services are essential to ensure the smooth running of a building or facility, they address different aspects of building management. Hard FM services usually require specific technical expertise. Specialised contractors may carry them out. At the same time, soft FM services tend to be more operational. They can often be performed by in-house staff or outsourced providers to improve the quality of life and create a comfortable and productive work environment for the occupants.

Managing time and attendance is essential in Hard and Soft FM services. A reliable software solution can help you effectively manage service employee attendance, schedules, and payroll. If your business delivers hard or soft FM services, adopting time and attendance software for your workforce will help you gain valuable insights into employee attendance patterns, staffing needs, and labour costs.