Watco’s latest study sheds light on facilities management challenges

Watco, a leading industrial paint and repair products specialist in the UK, has conducted a study titled “Lifting the Lid”, which delves into the complexities of the facilities management (FM) industry.

This research explores how these complexities affect the safety and efficiency of modern facilities.

The study, surveying 250 senior FM professionals, found that 60% of facilities managers have seen their budgets cut by up to 25% over the past year, with an additional 20% experiencing reductions of 26-50%.

A significant finding from the research is that a third of respondents believe these budget cuts have compromised safety within their businesses.

Moreover, over a third (36%) reported that the use of materials handling equipment had led to accidents or near-misses, highlighting the tangible impact of budget constraints on workplace safety.

Additionally, slips, trips, and falls continue to be prevalent issues, with only a quarter of those surveyed stating their facilities were unaffected by these incidents in the last year.

Increased workloads and safety concerns among facilities managers

The report also points to other factors exacerbating safety issues, including a lack of employee awareness and insufficient time for repairs.

Around 40% of facilities managers struggle to find time for immediate repair jobs, and 36% frequently exceed their budgets to fix urgent hazards that could have been addressed earlier.

Compared to Watco’s 2022 survey, the recent findings indicate a notable increase in workload for nearly half (41%) of facilities managers, up from 29% the previous year.

This increase has led more than one in three to consider leaving their roles due to the stress associated with their workload.

Watco insights on addressing FM challenges

Scott Saunders, Technical Service Manager at Watco, reflecting on the data, stated: “Last year’s data highlighted the FM challenges with substantial amounts of time and money being lost. This year, we’ve dug even deeper into the impacts on today’s facility.”

He further explained how addressing one aspect of FM responsibilities can lead to multiple positive outcomes.

By adopting digital tools for hazard and damage reporting and coupling this with training for the facility team, the process of identifying and addressing safety hazards becomes more efficient.

This approach not only reduces the strain on FM teams but also promotes a culture of shared responsibility for safety and maintenance within the facility.

IFSJ Comment

The findings from Watco’s latest research underscore the pressing challenges faced by the facilities management industry, particularly in light of budget cuts and increasing workloads.

The study highlights the critical role of innovative solutions, such as digital tools and comprehensive training, in mitigating these issues.

By fostering a collaborative approach to facility maintenance and safety, organisations can enhance the well-being of their employees and ensure the smooth operation of their facilities.

This initiative by Watco is a step forward in understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the facilities management sector.