If you are a facility manager, I'm sure these nightmares haunt you (or have haunted you) night after night challenging your balance and sanity. 

But fear not, because we'll unravel the six most common nightmares that haunt facility managers and, more importantly, provide you with tools to turn them into simple scares or growth opportunities.

The Cafeteria as a Battlefield:

• Problem: In addition to long lines and lack of variety, cafeterias often generate a high volume of waste, which implies an additional cost for the company and a significant environmental impact. Managing special diets and food allergies is also a challenge.
• Solution:

1. Personalization: Implement customized online ordering systems that allow employees to pre-order their food and beverages, reducing waiting times.
2. Sustainability: Adopt more efficient waste management practices, such as composting and recycling, and offer organic and local food options.
3. Health and wellness: Collaborate with nutritionists to develop healthy and balanced menus, and offer options for different types of diets.

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Parking: A Daily Chaos:

• Problem: Shortage of spaces and congestion can lead to stress and frustration among employees and increase the risk of accidents. Parking management for visitors and suppliers can also be a challenge.

• Solution:

1. Sustainable mobility: Encourage the use of public transportation, bicycles and electric vehicles through incentives and bike-sharing programs.
2. Space optimization: Use intelligent parking systems to maximize parking lot capacity and reduce space search times.
3. Visitor management: Implement an online visitor registration system to facilitate access and control the flow of people.

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Shared Spaces: The Challenge of Collaboration:

• Problem: The growing trend toward teamwork and collaboration requires flexible and adaptable spaces. However, lack of privacy and excessive noise can affect concentration and productivity.
• Solution:

1. Acoustic design: Implement acoustic solutions to reduce noise and improve sound quality in shared spaces.
2. Technology: Use mobile applications to reserve meeting rooms and workspaces, and offer online collaboration tools.
3. Biophilia: Incorporating natural elements in work spaces to improve employee well-being and encourage creativity.

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Public transportation: the nightmare of working in person.

• Challenge: Attracting and retaining talent in a competitive labor market requires offering attractive benefits, such as flexible transportation options. However, managing these programs can be complex and costly.
• Solution:

1. Mobility as a service: Offer employees a variety of transportation options, such as subsidized public transportation, bike-sharing and ride-sharing services through a platform.
2. Teleworking: Implement flexible teleworking policies to reduce the need for commuting and improve work-life balance.

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The Lobby: A frightening first impression:

• Problem: The lobby is the first impression visitors have of a company. An outdated or dysfunctional lobby can convey a negative image of the organization.
• Solution:

1. Experiential design: Create a lobby that reflects the company's culture and values, using visual and technological elements to surprise and delight visitors.
2. Digitalization: Implement digital signage systems, kiosks and apps with interactive maps to facilitate visitor orientation and management.

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Office Supply: A Game of Constant Ghoulishness:

• Problem: Office and workspace layouts must adapt to changing business needs. However, making changes to office layouts can be costly and disruptive.
• Solution:

1. Modular spaces: Use modular furniture and partitions that allow for quick and easy reconfiguration of workspaces.
2. Space management: Implement a space management system to visualize and manage office occupancy in real time.

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While a facility manager's nightmares may seem far-fetched, the reality is that facility managers face constant challenges that test their patience and creativity. However, with the help of technology and a good dose of dark humor, it is possible to survive the nightmares and make the facility a safer and more efficient place.

Are you interested in technological solutions to these problems? In PARSO we are experts and we have helped more than 50 recognized companies throughout LATAM. You can contact us at www.parso.co/contact to arrange a meeting and present our proposals.