Introduction

The gig economy has reshaped the workforce, with an increasing number of workers operating as independent contractors rather than full-time employees. This shift presents unique challenges and opportunities for facilities management (FM) professionals. In this course, we will explore how the gig economy impacts facility operations, workforce management, and service delivery. Participants will learn how to adapt FM strategies to work with a flexible, often remote workforce, incorporate technology for streamlined management, and leverage gig-based services to improve efficiency and reduce costs in facility operations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key characteristics and trends of the gig economy.
• Develop strategies for managing a flexible workforce in facilities management.
• Integrate gig-based services into facility operations to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Leverage technology and digital platforms to manage gig workers and optimize service delivery.
• Create policies and procedures that support a gig-based FM model while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.
• Explore the future of FM in the gig economy, including opportunities for innovation and growth.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Facilities Managers responsible for managing day-to-day operations and services in buildings or facilities.
• Human Resources and Workforce Managers involved in managing flexible and gig-based workforces.
• Contractors and Service Providers offering outsourced services within the facilities management sector.
• Operations Managers looking to optimize service delivery with a gig-based approach.
• Business Owners and Entrepreneurs in facilities management looking to adapt to the gig economy.
• Technology and Innovation Managers focused on implementing digital solutions in FM.

Day 1: Introduction to the Gig Economy and Its Impact on FM

• Defining the Gig Economy
  • Understanding the gig economy: Key characteristics, drivers, and trends.
  • How the gig economy is changing work dynamics and business models.
  • The role of independent contractors, freelancers, and remote workers in FM.
• Impact of the Gig Economy on Facilities Management
  • How gig work is transforming facilities operations and service delivery.
  • Adapting FM models to accommodate a flexible workforce.
  • Opportunities and challenges for facilities managers in a gig economy.
• Case Studies of Gig Economy in FM
  • Real-world examples of businesses successfully integrating gig work into FM operations.
  • Lessons learned from companies using gig workers for maintenance, cleaning, and other FM services.
  • Best practices and pitfalls to avoid when managing gig-based FM services.

Day 2: Managing a Flexible and Remote Workforce

• Managing Gig Workers in Facilities Operations
  • Key differences between traditional employees and gig workers in FM.
  • Strategies for recruiting and retaining gig workers: Attracting talent and building a reliable pool of workers.
  • Legal considerations: Contracts, payment structures, and labor laws in the gig economy.
• Creating Flexible Work Models for FM
  • Designing flexible work models that align with the gig economy while ensuring efficient operations.
  • Managing part-time, temporary, and remote workers in facility management.
  • Balancing in-house teams and gig workers to maintain service continuity and quality.
• Technology for Managing Gig Workers
  • Tools and platforms for scheduling, task management, and communication with gig workers.
  • Leveraging apps and software for real-time updates and tracking of gig-based services.
  • Benefits and challenges of using technology to manage decentralized, flexible workforces.

Day 3: Integrating Gig-Based Services into Facility Operations

• Outsourcing Facility Services to the Gig Economy
  • Identifying services that can be effectively outsourced to gig workers (e.g., cleaning, maintenance, security).
  • Pros and cons of using gig workers versus full-time employees for specific FM services.
  • Managing quality, consistency, and accountability in outsourced services.
• Technology-Driven FM Models in the Gig Economy
  • Leveraging digital platforms for facility management: IoT sensors, smart buildings, and automation.
  • How digital solutions support gig work in facility operations, from remote monitoring to automated service delivery.
  • Integrating gig-based service models with facility management software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Cost Management and Efficiency in a Gig Economy
  • How gig-based FM models help reduce operational costs and improve resource allocation.
  • Optimizing staffing levels with flexible, on-demand workers.
  • Cost-benefit analysis: Balancing gig-based services with in-house teams for maximum efficiency.

Day 4: Building Policies and Processes for Gig-Based FM

• Developing Policies for Managing Gig Workers
  • Crafting policies that support gig workers while maintaining consistency in service delivery.
  • Setting expectations for performance, payment, and communication with gig workers.
  • Addressing liability, insurance, and safety concerns in gig-based work arrangements.
• Compliance and Legal Considerations in the Gig Economy
  • Understanding labor laws and regulations that impact gig workers in facilities management.
  • Navigating tax implications, worker classification, and contractor rights.
  • How to ensure compliance with local and international labor laws in a globalized gig economy.
• Health and Safety in Gig-Based FM
  • Ensuring health and safety standards are maintained for gig workers.
  • Risk management: Identifying and addressing potential hazards for gig workers in FM environments.
  • Providing necessary training and resources to gig workers to ensure safe and efficient work practices.

Day 5: The Future of Facility Management in the Gig Economy

• Innovations and Trends Shaping FM in the Gig Economy
  • Emerging trends in technology, automation, and sustainability that support gig-based FM models.
  • How FM is evolving to meet the needs of a gig-driven workforce.
  • The future of flexible work arrangements in FM: Increased adoption of remote monitoring, robotics, and AI.
• Building a Sustainable Gig-Based FM Strategy
  • Developing a long-term strategy for incorporating gig work into FM operations.
  • Integrating sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in gig-based service models.
  • Scaling gig economy models across multiple locations and facilities.
• Preparing for the Future: Innovation, Adaptability, and Growth
  • How facilities managers can stay ahead of the curve in an evolving gig economy.
  • Adapting to future disruptions and leveraging emerging technologies.
  • Collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement in FM.

Course Methodology

• Interactive Lectures and Discussions
• Case Studies and Real-World Examples
• Practical Workshops on Managing Gig Workers
• Role-Playing and Scenario-Based Exercises
• Q&A Sessions with Industry Experts
• Technology Demonstrations and Hands-On Tools