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  I have long advocated employee progression and development as a vital tool for boosting organisational productivity and performance. Having seen this work well in my organisation, EFS Facilities Services Group, I believe enterprises can build high-performance organisations by embracing a robust staff progression policy. A Progression Plan for employees is a Must I have

The world is buzzing with startup stories. They talk about the mixed share of successes and failures of startup companies and their entrepreneurial pursuits. However, the success of the startups is eclipsed by their global fatality rate, with 90% of startups falling within a few years of their establishment. Considering such a dismal failure rate,

There is an increasing trend of media and publication companies blitz scaling businesses and its leaders with awards and rankings. What is concerning here is the utter disregard for due merits in many of these recognitions. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, media and publication houses undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping public

  I have always advocated to Facilities Managers about the critical need of mastering the art of mobilization in order to build the foundation of a sustainable service delivery model and successful contract performance. All stakeholders in contract management must fully understand the dynamics of mobilization, which is the key transition stage of any contract.

In the FM business, the role of Document Controllers OR Project Administrators is crucial, but very few people acknowledge this. In fact, this is amongst the most understated roles. A transactional approach is taken from their appointment to day-to-day engagement. Instead of leveraging them by mapping their role in staff engagement and payroll, procurement support

  There is a technology sales overdose in today’s overcharged technological landscape. Companies are bombarded with an overwhelming array of technology solutions. As the EFS Group CEO, I have been receiving hundreds of emails every week. Some are aggressive, putting me in a professional fix to respond.  For instance, today, I saw an email with

  Government, Academic Institutions and Private Companies to Forge Partnerships One of the biggest challenges countries and businesses face globally is the availability of skilled resources. Is this because of the surge in demand due to economic development or the deficit between employment and employability? Perhaps it may be both. While more new jobs are

  The Art of Bidding and Managing the Bid Process Organizations seeking to procure facility management (FM) services should introspect on reforming their processes and strategies with an eye on deriving the ultimate benefits of FM. At the same time, it is equally essential for FM service providers to build comprehensive standard operating procedures to

The three ‘Ps’, people, passion, and precision, remain the perpetual pillars of our enterprise. Tariq Chauhan, CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group, shares the group’s journey to transformation and the enduring importance of people, passion, and precision to its success. When I was entrusted with the company transition in 2009, global and local economies were at

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is very much in the news, and only recently has this become a go-to measure with businesses realizing its importance. However, my suggestion for businesses is not only to focus and be overwhelmed on its implementation from a compliance perspective but leverage its compliance requirement as an opportunity to strengthen

Talking lean or making selective lean measures is only good enough if the organizational leadership embraces the holistic principles of LEAN management by building a lean culture. In companies that traditionally come from the low-profit margin sector or all those struggling due to adverse market conditions, like the current context of Facilities Management, going lean

In the backdrop of US economic worries, with the looming clouds of global recession, the jobs markets are wobbly with mounting concerns of job insecurity. This uncertainty is significantly impacting the working class more so the young professionals, one in every three, consider that a threat. They are not sure which way the economy is heading,

Facilities Management (FM) continues to reel under pressure of lower margins. As a result of this downtrend, it is struggling hard to maintain a healthy bottom line as well as uphold quality standards. Clients for various reasons remain determined to cut costs with consequence of its spiral impact on industry hardships. To further understand this trend

The Three C’s: Clients, Cost, and Competition are all playing havoc on the Facilities Management Industry, which is already struggling to deal with the onslaught of the aforementioned pressures. The industry was marked as the “Sunrise” industry with exponential growth prospects. However, the whirlwind from the Three C’s above points the industry to adopt a

Quality needs to strike a balance between client satisfaction and global best practice. I am a great proponent and advocate of quality. Quality consists of multiple measures, each working in tandem to achieve the desired standards. Quality has numerous key components, from global standards, compliance, safety, and customer feedback to end-user ease. Quality is synonymous

Facility Management (FM) is seriously lagging in its maintenance data management. Despite the extensive use of CAFM systems and much-hyped technology solutions, there is no unified interface, and essential data is often missed for various reasons. There are multiple platforms where data is captured, needing proper integration with each other. It is not only a

As the Saudi economy continues to expand and the government prepares to launch significant infrastructure projects, the building and construction sector growth is all set for a spectacular boom. Among the ambitious projects underway or in the pipeline are New Murabba, Saudi Landbridge, and the new airport in Riyadh, as well as the construction of

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group   Every business leader need not necessarily have their only designation of a CEO. It is a common sight in companies with senior management jostling with a do-or-die zeal to get this slot. People must know that the CEO’s role requires a specific set of

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   FM has long been on the receiving end, waiting for the construction industry to correct its long-awaited reforms that seriously impair its performance. The fundamental requirement in the list of dos is the inclusion of FM standards and inputs at the design stage. Acquisition

  By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group The world looks at India as a nation with abundant resources. It is not just its economy, powered by 1.4 billion people or geopolitical emergence, but its human resources. India has always stood tall for its diversity and culture, fostered over a thousand years

January 20, 2023 In our lives, how often do we get upset by the fallout of relationships, be it personal or business and the emotional toll of such outcomes we all dread? There is no doubt that relationship forms the fundamental ethos of our routine life, and the result of a troubled relationship is the

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   The Risk Leverage Ability in business is a factor to reckon with. Entrepreneurs need to thoroughly vet their ability to take on risk leverage – not only in the context of the business’s debt but as a measure of the company’s overall risk resilience.

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group   I am seeing a worrying trend with young professionals dealing with financial stress at the workplace. What is baffling is that very random these are a result of genuine financial needs but more because of their overindulgence in excessive lifestyle spending, living beyond means.

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   The general economic indicators indicate testing times and remind businesses to adopt a caution mode. With rising interest rates, supply chain disruptions and the conflict in Europe, a global economic slowdown is a reality. Unfortunately, like others, the FM (Facilities Management) industry too is

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   In a recent project engagement, I had to deal with a case that was thought-provoking. The escalation was intriguing, especially in the context of aligning all the stakeholder’s goals on the project. There were emphatic demands from employees who were to be retained around

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   We all know that the COP26 goals are to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, keep global warming below +1.5 °C, and adapt to protect communities and natural habitats severely threatened by climate change. We can overcome the challenges of the climate crisis if everyone

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   For sure, awards and recognitions matter for people and businesses in adding up to their credentials. However, these should not be left just for personal or business branding and showcasing but be used to reinforce self-accountability to raise the standards for which these recognitions

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Airlines hotels are running at full, but what about meeting certain service standards? Having flown 10 million miles and clocked over 3,000 room nights, I have gained some insights. Over the last 30 years, the airline and hospitality industries have seen highs and lows, but something

By Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   The FM industry must review its practices, looking at the continued degradation in the standards dealing with lifecycle management of assets. Unfortunately, this is not an issue in the region, but globally this is the state of affairs. In the process of finding the

by Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group.   In every engagement, personal or business, ethics demands mutual respect. Respect is a fundamental criterion to usher in a long-lasting healthy relationship. There cannot be shorthanded, be it a service quality, compensation issue, or other failures. In every contractual relationship, there are rules of

by Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group   FM has long been on the receiving end, waiting for the construction industry to correct its long-awaited reforms that seriously impair its performance. The fundamental requirement in the list of dos is the inclusion of FM standards and inputs at the design stage itself.

  by Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group In the past decade, as a part of our business development with bidding for over USD150 billion worth of projects in FM across the region, I have seen a steep reduction in FM project costs by most clients. Maybe all of this is market-driven,

by Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group   Undoubtedly, the Facilities Management Industry has its hands full with multiple business continuity challenges, and the continuing onslaught of trailing margins further aggravates the hardships. Modern-day FM has its battles to fight on numerous new fronts, and more so, the needed investment is not

Localization of the workforce in the context of the jobs market is a global issue topping most political debates. No doubt, this has its merits and especially in context to certain countries with demographic imbalance. Politically be it the USA, Europe or UK, it is a sensitive issue with tempers running high and politicians jostling

Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO at EFS Facilities Services Group, gives CBNME an exclusive insight on his thought on the rise of Learning & Development initiatives within the FM industry workforce and the importance of learning new skills will be beneficial in the long run for any organization.  

  Dubai is charting an exciting course for urban and economic growth, while preserving the emirate’s rich cultural heritage. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is a robust blueprint centered on holistic and inclusive development. The plan touches upon culture and quality of life for residents while emphasizing the importance of sustainability, infrastructure development, and

Even if they do manage to tap bank funds, make sure to count the cost of capital. The state of SMEs’ financial management is a matter of concern and one that needs urgent attention. Especially in the post-pandemic era, this has assumed a colossal proportion – but there is no quick recovery in sight. We need

In the current state of the world economy, there is an endless list of industries in distress. Some of them are in deep turmoil, especially Aviation and Hotel. These are going through callous times, and going is getting more and more difficult. The pandemic and its after-effects have put their business model under intense scrutiny.

Only HR related costs are still under control, and even that not for too long Inflationary costs are starting to weigh down FM businesses in the UAE. Some of these cost gains relate to imported cost escalations. With concerns of inflation on the rise, it is time for the FM (facilities management) industry to guard

Most businesses have a common business challenge managing their account receivables as clients continue to drag their feet on timely payments. This is always a matter of great concern for each business stakeholder as cash flow duress is a significant business sustainability deterrent. However, depending on the industry, business and sector, cash flow aberration has

For years, I have been advocating the case of a much more emphatic transformation of technology in the FM industry. In the wake of recent challenges faced by the industry such as a drop in gross margins due to client pressure, demand for a linear organization to cut overheads, rising skills gaps, workforce availability and

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the dynamics of how organizations operate, no matter their size. Priorities have switched, strategies were redesigned, and even though the future is uncertain, introspection has made it possible to identify the basic requirements needed to be in place to ensure the survival of businesses as the pandemic rages on.

If you put more effort and do your best to give your brand a unique service offering, you can do a much better job handling competition and achieving solid customer retention. As per Webster, the definition of competition is “the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third

After the pandemic, job opportunities have shrunk across sectors. Which is why, companies, their HR personnel and recruitment entities must give a bit more thought about his this is handled. When somebody is looking for a job, seconds become minutes, minutes are hours, and days turn into months. It is never easy to go through

Gender diversity, for long, has been ignored. In recent times, the conversation intensified around the topic, but it still lacks a translation into actionable steps and real change. We don’t see its desired visibility other than in advertisements of multinationals or corporate sustainability dashboards. There is no doubt lots more is needed to be done

Costs are not being shared in their right mix, and this will damage real estate The world of UAE’s real estate sure has its opportunities… and challenges Its stakeholders must rise to these challenges in a more concerted way than in the past. The barrage of issues they are confronted with requires wholesale transformation –

  Periods of history will tell us that economies and individuals have done it before Time and again, I emphasize to employees that we must rise from the current fear syndrome. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, there are looming uncertainties, but we must not sulk and instead for awaiting opportunities. I don’t recollect if there has

  The Rulers and the UAE government have indeed raised the bar of excellence in leadership. In all aspects of good governance, the government and its leaders have proved their mettle. In this post-pandemic era, when the world has seen plummeting public confidence levels in their leaders, the UAE’s rulers rose to them with their path-breaking

  Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Group, explains the significance of emotion management for leadership success and earning respect in the workplace. Recently in my conversation, with a senior C-suite executive from another firm, we discussed the importance of respect in corporate environments. Indeed, every individual deserves respect, and no one, irrespective of their

I believe that a CEO’s real test lies in his or her role to engage and motivate the C-suite to lead their teams. They need not be lone sharks to be seen as inspiring and leading the Company but be led by a team of dedicated and inspiring peers executing their plans and vision. Company

The fate of fresh college graduates and job interns is getting murkier by the day. The ongoing economic slump has intensified their struggle to cope with all the resultant uncertainty. How to address this complex problem is on the minds of all, especially the political leadership and government officials. What should the policymakers and other

The corporate learning and development (L&D) landscape is changing fast. It requires deep introspection, especially in context to mounting challenges that businesses are facing, there is an imminent need for change. A paradigm shift is the need of the hour to step away from the traditional approach, moving away from training regimes to holistic learning

COVID economics is putting unprecedented emphasis on businesses to cut costs, resulting in pressure on deployed resources for higher productivity and efficiencies. The Services & Facilities Management Industry in particular impacted by this is therefore desperately seeking for ways and means to innovate their service delivery models. In the list of to-do things to mitigate

But even with all the evidence available, the easy money fixation never wanes. Driven by greed, people tend to speculate. However, when done on a gut feel without any due diligence, it is bound to go wrong. In the list of human vices, speculation is listed as most indulging habit. Unfortunately, people don’t consider this

Diversity and inclusivity are evolving considerations that matter in both public and work life. In recent years, they have gained traction, but a lot still needs to be done. Evolving perspectives need to feed into a sustainable movement with more emphatic milestones. Be it personal, family, community, business or public, inclusivity matters. It goes a

CBNME’S Power Hour Annual List of the Middle East’s Top 60 features the most prominent Contractors, Real estate Developers, Consultants, Architects, Facilities Management, Asset Management Companies, and so much more that encapsulates the construction industry. These influential leaders have reshaped the industry with their introduction of new innovative strategies and thought leadership that makes them stand apart

With the growing needs of effective corporate governance, Board and CEOs need to be engaged in the audit process and take charge of their financial statements. They must not leave it for their CFOs and auditors but owe up to its stipulations. It does not mean that they have to guard their balance sheets or

Being CEO of a company with an 18,000-strong facilities management workforce, the employee engagement process has been intense and rewarding. But it is complex to manage their expectations and gain trust. But I have had some life-learning experiences that helped me to align my organizational priorities with those who work for it. This provided me

/ Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group, discusses how tech has become a positive new way of life amidst the COVID-19.   Amidst the ongoing trauma that the market is facing, there are indeed traces of positivity. In this turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope on many fronts, and technology is

It is a perfect opportunity to ram home that advantage with suppliers Supply chain teams have to decimate all conventional approaches. Technology, process optimization, out-of-the-box strategies, and tactical alliances are necessary to set the tone. Businesses need to get into an express mode on savings. This is already the best time to unleash bargains. Never

But even as economic activity returns, this is not the time for memories to fade Amidst the uncertainty set off in the past four months, the world has become a different place. With over 150 million job losses and trillion dollar plus losses to the global economy, it is an unprecedented situation. Governments, businesses, communities

Sure, it will lead to increased costs short-term, but benefits will be apparent soon. Businesses are looking at all available options to managing their risks as a result of the ongoing slowdown and chain of uncertainties. This is not enough as the need is move away from defensive postures to transformative leaps. This needs to be

Communications has assumed centre-stage in the COVID-19 crisis management at most organizations. Be it a government entity, business or a family unit, the role of communications is playing a pivotal role in confidence-building measures. However, many world leaders have been under public scrutiny for their apathy and unclear communication. Their failures in these testing times

COVID-19 fears put many of us on the backfoot. The moot question that baffles us is how to tackle its spiraling effect. Among the many elements is how to manage the financial aspect. I assume that austerity is one word that will be the order of the day… and the way forward. It shall apply

Business-Leadership-A-Predicament-Between-Saving-Bottom-Line-And-Retaining-Jobs

FM economics needs an innovative approach to counter COVID-19 impact. Post-COVID 19, the FM industry landscape and its economics will see a paradigm shift. The industry needs to prepare itself to combat its fallout well in advance. It would require a comprehensive plan to mitigate these risks and has to build resilience during these testing times

In crisis times, businesses must re-negotiate on more equal terms. During these times of crisis, I remain concerned that certain people in businesses are deviating from ethical obligations. Suppliers are resorting to artificial price escalations, some traders hoard citing supply challenges, and even clients are gouging suppliers with unrealistic demands. These are times for respect, transparency,

COVID-19 pandemic fear is playing on everybody’s mind. When it comes to poor and the most vulnerable, this is indeed true in their context and not just a panic . Across the globe, wherever these people live, it is engulfing their daily livelihoods not just the risk of their health. Their financial vulnerability is a

Coronavirus impact has exposed the soft contingency foundations businesses have on The pandemic spread of Covid-19 has brought almost two-thirds of the world to a standstill. Governments, global organizations and the businesses are all jostling for solutions on how to manage this pandemic outbreak. Its spread has put everyone in exigency mode. Government and international

Procedures do protect homes and communities against the unforeseen The management of facilities is integral to protecting and easing people’s lives. Moreover, facilities management as an industry has to do so on an institutional level which involves multiple stakeholders, including individual property owners, end users, and communities. Whether it be during times of crisis in

Like many other issues, the falling standards of customer service are a concern for all. These days quality customer service is indeed a rare phenomenon that we experience. It is not just the premium category that needs focus; even routine customer service is in the doldrums. If I look at the global average of the

But with costs stretched, businesses find it difficult to go all out on this. Technology disruptions, margin battles, increasing regulations, and complex labour dynamics are pushing facilities management businesses to seek out-of-the-box solutions to maintain their viability. These changes are also making the sector vulnerable and compelling it to explore alternative approaches to sustain growth. Upskilling

At workplaces, there is such a fixation with the building and less on employees The traditional role of health, safety and environment (HSE) management is to plan, implement, monitor, optimize, and manage performance in occupational areas. But it is time for HSE organizations to shift from a fixation on safety and bring in a shift

A corporate-wide culture will mean nothing if there is a disconnect with each employee. It is a commonly held belief that motivation and high-performance emanates from a company’s policies and culture. However, it requires a value-driven workforce that shares a similar ethical code. To bolster this, organisations must put sufficient checks and balances in their hiring

Ratings need to be assigned to all construction and not just the specials Sustainability pledges are no more a matter of grandstanding. The real estate industry and its players need to take the lead at the time of design, development, construction and operations. Even end-users need to forge alliances for the greater good. But where

This is right in most organizations; There is always a mix between its employees as regards their performance and the roles they play in the organization’s hierarchy.  Their outputs also set the demarcation between leaders, managers, and executives. There are outperformers, those performing to the best of their capability, while some may be lagging in delivering

The role of Facilities Management and its impact on our daily lives is underscored by many. In our routine walks of life, the necessary knowledge and awareness of Facilities Management can help to reduce household costs and ease of our lifestyle. This can help in saving money and tweaking the maintenance budgets. It is not

Employees’ expectations for a salary raise in line with any spike in the cost of living index is fair and must not be ignored. And when it’s not done, this is cited as a usual employee grievance. This demand must not be lost in translation, citing market conditions, or comparative salary index to tone down

Employee performance trackers need a complete overhaul and fast A burning issue companies are facing is dealing with rising discontent among employees over their compensation and its appraisal processes. To boost morale and productivity, companies have to overhaul their performance management processes. They need to take giant leaps to correct the way HR and line

Transformed organizations truly value data in decision-making. However, executives still rely on their experience and gut feeling for critical decisions. This approach does not help – because there are undeniable benefits to use data analysis into daily operations. Within facility management, it can help facility managers identify areas, where the money is being wasted or

  Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group, discusses why parents or elder siblings may not necessarily make great bosses. Many business owners in this family-focused region aspire to have their siblings or other family members manage their business affairs and help lead and build the empire that they have founded. It is

Accountants Beyond Book-Keeping They should have a direct say in business management! Accounting professionals have the responsibility to maintain an enterprise’s financial health and hygiene. There is a growing demand for their deeper insight – and intervention to ensure greater business remains buoyant. Traditional accounting is slowly phasing out from its custodial and book-keeping fixation. Finance professionals

BUSINESSES OF ANY SIZE CANNOT AFFORD SUCH COMMITMENTS BASED ON SHEER ENTHUSIASM   CEOs and companies’ IT leadership must apply caution while deciding on in-house technology advances. A company must only delve into such projects based on a strong business case, wherein all the merits of such projects are mapped out and other prerequisites complied

There is much activism about training at most workplaces. Private and government organizations have been factoring in how best to leverage its impact. These are not just postures, but heightened awareness influenced by many factors. The conventional approach to training is transforming. There are evolving narratives on how to strengthen the developmental aspects of training,

IT IS AN INDUSTRY PUTTING IN DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH AND NOW REQUIRES AMPLE SKILLED MANPOWER   Unlike many other sectors that are under pressure due to market headwinds, facilities management (FM) continues to be in an expansion mode. Despite internal challenges and pressure on margins, its surge is there for a long run. More landlords are

BUSINESSES NEED TO HAVE A CONSTANT HANDLE ON RISK MANAGEMENT TO MAKE THE COVERAGE WORK   Insurance is an integral part of risk management strategy at any business. It is meant to mitigate the financial impact associated with risks taken by a company, including legal action, delinquencies and disasters. Insurance provision is intended to minimize

THESE ASPIRANTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED SPACE AND TIME TO GET INTO THE GROOVE   Thinking of a job is every student’s worst nightmare. Especially when nearing their graduation, it becomes a haunting reality. In most cases, barring those in need of financial security, this job syndrome is just a self-imposed psychological push, an unnecessary worry

FOR FAR TOO LONG THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FESTERING WITH NO SOLUTION IN SIGHT   Payment delays by clients are a common issue. This trend of inordinate delays shows no signs of resolution in the near future. This has a disastrous impact on businesses, and small enterprises are already on the edge. Bureaucratic delays, red-tapism,

ANY MISMANAGEMENT WOULD IMMEDIATELY SET OFF LONG-TERM CHALLENGES FOR THEM   Debt has been an integral part of any business to grow and sustain itself. Some consider it as a necessary evil that needs to be managed carefully. It is not just about the five Cs — character, capacity, conditions, capital and collateral — that

  NO CITY CAN AFFORD TO HAVE A SKYLINE OF DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS   For far too long, the FM (facilities management) industry has been facing stiff resistance from developers and landlords to put in requisite investments towards a building’s asset life cycle. The pressures on the real estate markets have seen a trend where less

  UAE BUSINESSES NEED TO ENGAGE THEIR WORKFORCES TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS   Years of recessionary headwinds and impasse are putting many businesses in a quandary on how to manage these crises. It is high time businesses stand up to this challenge to transform instead of waiting for disasters to unfold. Find ways to

LENDERS MUST MAKE USE OF THEIR ACCESS TO CLIENT’S FINANCIAL STATUS TO PRE-EMPT PROBLEMS   Bankers usually are the first responders when it comes to business turbulences emanating from cash flows, losses, and any other macroeconomic situation. They are supposedly the first to notice the early signs of problems a business may have by way

IT IS BRINGING ABOUT MEASURABLE COST SAVINGS AND HELPING EXTEND BUILDING LIFE CYCLES   Until recently, facilities management was considered by most as an ancillary service for a building’s service maintenance and improvement. It has also been stereotyped by many as an additional cost burden. However, this notion is changing as more people adopt this

As per an old proverb, there is an opportunity in every crisis. I believe that in times of austerity, innovation is the only way out. In moments of introspection and strategy reviews driven by market pressures, Managements do delve into the working of their various departments, devising ways and means for business robustness and agility.

RISING COSTS CAN NO LONGER BE AN EXCUSE TO KEEP OUTDATED PLATFORMS FOR LONGER   Businesses have been struggling for too long due to tech obsolesce and the treatment of these investment provisions in their balance sheets. This colossal waste of monies because of this has managements and auditors embroiled in continuous deliberations on how

When analyzing the root cause of any corporate debacle, it is not fair to focus upon the management’s actions alone but to make a holistic review of the firm’s “governance ecology”, as no outcome can be contemplated without understanding the structural reasons for the failure. The role of the board of directors, internal controls, statutory

Being in a position of leadership can be a double-edged sword. For some, it is a burden that is placed upon them and unwillingly accepted; for others, it is a goal achieved and embraced like an old friend. Either way, when a person finds themselves in a leadership position, their team is looking at them

After having received board approval for a significant strategic change, the management must be considerate of its other stakeholders before pushing for the roll-out. Each stakeholder is bound to be impacted by the changes, though in different ways. The employees and clients, in particular, need to fully understand the rationale of these moves. Most strategies

  In the over 30 years of my work life across different industries, one glaring cautionary tale stems from how to deal with customers so as not to adversely impact that essential relationship. The advice we received constantly is that the customer is always right, and we must not prove them wrong. It is relevant

Chasing timelines for executives and managers is always daunting. But not many measure the apt success criteria for these tasks assigned to them. It is not just the time taken, but the desired outcomes that matters. In our daily work life, too many jobs are left pending as work in progress with no clear visibility

Altruism for business leaders and companies is no more just an attribute, but a requirement to keep employees fully engaged and help the organization to realize its wider goals. Conventional employee engagement methods are no longer sufficient to maintain a healthy connection between employees and the organization. It should not just be left to the

  There is a need for a shift in businesses’ perspective of pricing in the project services industry. The dichotomy of pricing and costing may sound complicated, but it is essential people in the business and at large understand the intrinsic cost of any service and the markups. How does one conclude that the price

The market downturn and its onslaught on the bottom-line have left enterprises looking for productivity in pursuit of profits. Of the various cost components that need to be tweaked, foremost is staff productivity. In the construction or maintenance industry, there is always a room for improvement in workforce output. Especially at the project level, the

Do we know who those millennials are? Are they just defined by the fact they became adults in the 21st century? Or is there much more about them that we need to understand? Sure, they tend to be well-informed, independent and do have much more clarity of life, which I am sure only few of

With growing challenges of inadequate asset data, site visit restrictions and limitations and misaligned RFP information, the facilities management industry is compelled to look into benchmarking as a tool for commercial and workforce deployment estimation. The issue is: How to collect, collate and analyze data to arrive at accurate conclusions. It is essential to put

There has been prolonged public debates and deliberations on how to introspect when things go wrong. The day of realization has come when professionals, entrepreneurs, and people are starting to use 360 approaches while looking back to reexamine lessons learnt. These learnings are vital as these ultimately helps also in shaping the future. A definitive

  Transformation in any company requires extraordinary resolve on the part of all stakeholders. The management must re-shape the business by ensuring a complete review of their preparedness. A powerful transformation story only works when employees buy into the idea of change, thus answering their biggest question — “How will change transform the company and

  All supply chain functions ranging from sourcing supplier services, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) management and purchasing goods to their storage and distribution form essential levers in the business of facilities management (FM). The current state of supply chain management is in poor shape and challenges are mounting each day due to the largely fragmented

Home buyers are often lost between the design, façade, location, other facilities and the final price when deciding on the property to live in. While these are essential levers for decision making, very little attention is given to maintenance-friendly options and its intrinsic perpetual maintenance costs. Buyers need to educate themselves on the concept of

Successful companies continue to explore novel ways to keep their employees happy and motivated. “Happiness at workplace” the is a universal truth that directly translates into improved performance, enhanced services, and peak business results. Compensation, workplace environment, work pressure and peer relationships are some of the traditional barometers that HR teams concentrate on while looking

Globally, inflation rates for services have exceeded those for goods in the past 60 years except during periods of substantial oil price increases. Against this backdrop, the facilities management industry has had to adapt to ensure it deals with the pressures of managing inflation, containing operating costs and maintaining a healthy growth and profitability. Facilities

  Energy costs in the Gulf are bound to be impacted due to the increasing movements by governments in enforcing green policies and protecting scarce natural resources. From the removal of fuel subsidies to increasing the cost of water and electricity, the sustainability benchmark has emerged as a critical element within the wider diversification strategy.

The GCC Facilities Management (FM) services industry has huge growth potential and is expected to reach $66 billion by 2020 due to higher infrastructure spending across the region, expert say. Tariq Chauhan, Group Chief Executive Officer at EFS Facilities Services Group, said the FM services industry in the Gulf region remains largely untapped, with an

  Despite sluggish market sentiments and slower economic growth, the mega project announcements in the UAE are creating a positive impact on the overall industry landscape. Emaar Properties’ recent announcement to build a tower in the emirate to surpass the Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building, made global headlines in April. The $1 billion

  Public spending in the GCC is under intense scrutiny. Amid low oil prices and the threat of an average fiscal deficit of 13 per cent, according to the Washington-based IMF, Gulf governments are increasingly seeking to rein in expenditures, and to diversify and shore up revenues. The UAE has been among the first to

A paradigm shift is taking place in the UAE and the rest of the region in the attitude toward employee happiness and wellness. Rather than simply monetary rewards, recent polls have shown that employees in the country care more about career advancement and job satisfaction. Millennials, the youth of today, are increasing their share in