What are facilities: discover the 5 main services in a company

There are intermediate tasks in between a company's primary activity and all the services needed for it to operate. These are the 'facilities' that sustain the infrastructure of the business. Are you interested in learning more about what facilities are?

By the name, this service may not sound so familiar, but you must have already hired one for your company.

It is difficult for a business not to need outsourced services such as cleaning, concierge, security, among others.

All of these outsourced services are classified as facilities, that is, infrastructure activities to maintain a company's operations.

Keep reading and understand what facilities are in a company and the main services in this category. Let's go!

What are facilities?

Facilities is an English term that means 'facilities', but in plain Portuguese they are infrastructure services outsourced to other companies.

A company that provides software services has programmers, computer technicians and data programming specialists.

Facilities are the services that maintain the general functioning of the work environment, such as cleaning, reception, doorman, security, among others.

Human resources and training and development services can also be outsourced to Facilities Management companies .

The role of the facilities manager

Now that you know what facilities are, you will understand the importance of the facilities manager within the company.

The facilities manager is the member responsible for managing all of the company's facilities contracts.

In addition to detecting demand in the work environment, he is responsible for finding a supplier and closing a contract with them.

It also monitors the validity of contracts so that none expire without being renewed first.

All outsourced services with facilities companies are essential to keep the infrastructure operating and the interruption of one of them can harm the work environment.

That's why facilities are so important. Cleaning, security, hiring and firing employees are essential processes in the day-to-day running of companies.

Having someone responsible for contracts also helps to achieve the best prices in negotiations.

Outsourcing facilities in a company eliminates the need to hire specific workers and train them, saving valuable financial resources.

Payroll expenses would be much higher if a company hired on its own and had to retain each employee.

When hiring, the manager must check the company's suitability to ensure that it is 100% legal and complies with labor laws.

But which facilities services are most sought after? Discover the main contracted options.

5 useful facilities services for companies

The hiring of facilities depends on the needs of each company to maintain its operational functions.

But there are some basic services that are needed by many companies and are hired more frequently. Discover five examples of the most sought-after facilities.

1. Cleaning service

Outsourced cleaning services are one of the most sought-after facilities by companies to keep the work environment clean and well-maintained.

The industry and service provision area that uses the 5S methodology has cleaning and conservation as one of its pillars.

This facility can be contracted according to need. There are contracts for both full-time and weekly or biweekly work. The facilities manager manages the frequency.

2. Concierge service

A 24-hour concierge service is a security requirement for companies and is also outsourced by most companies.

The concierge is useful both at the entrance to residential and commercial buildings and entrances to large factories.

Companies specialized in this sector have a team of professionals who are trained and up-to-date on safety standards and dealing with the public.

That is why it is more advantageous to outsource this facility than to hire a team and train them, generating a much higher cost for the company than outsourcing.

3. Security service

Another of the most sought-after facilities on the market by companies is the security service.

Along with the concierge service, professionals ensure the property security of the entire perimeter of a factory or commercial building such as shopping centers and banking institutions.

There are several types of this service, such as:

• on-site security at the company;
• remote security with video surveillance and an alarm system;
• combination between the first two.

The facilities manager must be careful when hiring companies in this area, as suppliers must comply with all training standards for professionals who work armed.

4. Equipment maintenance service

Maintenance services are not a type of facility contracted full-time like the activities mentioned above.

A repair can be requested on a one-off basis, only when the company needs repairs or to carry out preventative maintenance work.

In addition to equipment maintenance and painting, gardening services are also facilities that a company needs periodically and can be outsourced when necessary.

5. Human Resources Services

The selection and hiring of new employees is also a type of facility that is highly sought after by companies.

Not every company needs a fixed HR department, which is why outsourcing selection, interviewing and hiring paperwork is very useful.

Companies in this sector also assist with dismissal processes, organize payroll and other routine activities.

People management is one of the key areas for creating a healthy work environment for the entire team.