Creating a better world at work
Facilities management covers everything needed to keep buildings and assets in tip-top shape. These services typically fall into two core categories:
- Hard facilities management: Services related to the physical structure and statutory compliance of the built environment.
- Soft facilities management: Services focused on the comfort, safety and experience of those who use the building.
Understanding the difference between the two, and how they complement each other, can help you make smarter outsourcing decisions and ensure your operations stay compliant and cost-effective.
What comes under soft FM services?
Soft FM focuses on the people and comfort aspects of a facility, such as cleaning, catering and security. These are essential for creating a safe and pleasant environment for employees, guests and customers. Key soft FM services include:
What services are included in a hard FM contract?
Hard FM refers to the essential technical services that keep a building safe, operational and structurally sound. Hard services typically include:
- HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
- Building maintenance and structural repairs
- Lighting and electrical systems
- Fire safety systems
- Plumbing
How do I choose between hard FM and soft FM for office maintenance?
In most cases, it's not about choosing one over the other. Most buildings benefit from a blend of both, and the right mix will depend on your office setup, size and location. The benefit about working with an integrated FM partner like 14forty is that we can flex our soft and hard FM services to meet your evolving needs. If you're still unsure, we'd be happy to chat through our recommendations for your site.
The benefits of soft FM services
From spick-and-span communal spaces to a friendly face at reception, soft FM services shape the everyday experience for people who walk through the door. These essential services greatly impact how visitors and users feel. They can also influence how your business is perceived.
For example, a workplace restaurant does more than fuel teams for the day ahead. It gives colleagues a chance to connect and recharge, which ultimately pays off in a happier, more productive workforce. Workplace catering is also a desirable employee perk, which can help with employee attraction and retention in a competitive job market.
The importance of hard FM services
Hard FM includes services that can't be removed from your workplace or premises because they directly relate to the building's infrastructure. These are essential to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of your employees.
Many hard FM services are required by law under the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992. This ensures employers take responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work. We hold ourselves to the highest industry standards, as reflected by our RoSPA Gold Achievement Award for Health and Safety performance.
What does IFM stand for?
Integrated facilities management (IFM) brings all your building services under one roof. Rather than managing separate contracts for hard FM and soft FM, you deal with a single, dedicated partner, like 14forty.
This holistic approach gives you full visibility across your operations, enabling you to schedule services more effectively, boosting efficiency and reducing overall costs.
Does 14forty offer 24/7 support?
Thanks to the scale of our operational footprint, we're able to provide support around the clock. Whether you need reactive repairs or 24/7 on-site support, we bring together hard and soft FM services to keep your buildings performing at their very best.
Why choose 14forty for hard and soft FM services?
Working with a multidisciplinary FM team that covers both hard and soft services removes the complexity of juggling multiple suppliers.
We're an award-winning facilities management partner, working for the good of people and the planet. Our team is made up of well-trained, friendly FM specialists who get to know your business inside and out. Backed by the right tools, data and technology, we pride ourselves on the exceptional quality of service we provide to our clients across the UK.
Hard FM & soft FM services in action
We love the fact that no two challenges are the same. Browse our case studies below to see how our comprehensive FM services have supported clients across complex estates.