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General services are the true unsung heroes: they play a fundamental role in the smooth operation of workspaces. These teams are often overlooked, even though they are at the heart of the system that allows companies to run at full capacity. From infrastructure maintenance to the management of common areas, as well as security and logistics, their scope of action is vast, and their impact is central.
The daily routine of general services teams is marked by a multitude of tasks that are often invisible to employees but essential for ensuring a functional work environment.
Regular maintenance of equipment (such as air conditioning, elevators, and lighting) is one of their central missions. Each intervention and routine check helps prevent major breakdowns that could disrupt the company's operations.
They also manage common areas: meeting rooms, cafeterias, restrooms, relaxation zones, and more. These spaces must not only be functional but also welcoming and tailored to the needs of each employee.
Thus, inventory management (supplies, IT equipment, etc.) and responsiveness to unforeseen requests are key aspects of their role.
At the same time, they ensure the safety of the premises through systems such as alarms, access controls, and surveillance cameras. Their role is to ensure that these tools are constantly functioning and that security protocols are adhered to.
It is through their meticulous work that employees operate in a secure and calm environment.
What sets general services apart is that their work is directly linked to the smoothness of daily operations.
Their goal is to enable every employee to work in an optimal environment without having to worry about logistical aspects. When everything is functioning well, no one notices.
However, as soon as an incident occurs—be it a malfunctioning elevator, a power outage, or a broken coffee machine—their intervention becomes immediately visible and essential.
It is striking to note that the value of their work is often measured by their invisibility. When a workday goes smoothly, general services are seldom on anyone's mind.
This does not mean they are inactive. On the contrary, their effectiveness lies in their ability to anticipate and resolve issues before they even come to light. They are the guardians of operational peace of mind, and their role extends far beyond mere repair of malfunctions.
The connection between the role of general services and quality of life at work (QWL) is often underestimated. However, they are on the front lines of creating and maintaining a pleasant and functional work environment, which is a key factor in employee well-being.
Increasingly, companies are recognising that the performance of their teams partly depends on their comfort at work. An employee working in a clean, well-maintained environment, with spaces tailored to their needs, is more productive and more satisfied.
General services also contribute to enhancing well-being by creating relaxation spaces, optimising work areas to promote concentration, and managing ancillary services such as company restaurants, transportation, and cleanliness.
All these elements, although sometimes regarded as secondary, directly contribute to employee satisfaction.
An ergonomic and well-designed workspace can, for instance, reduce musculoskeletal disorders. A clean and healthy environment is essential for the physical and mental health of employees. In an era where workplace well-being is a major concern, general services have become essential players in companies' HR strategies.
With the advent of new technologies, general services have also shifted towards digitalisation. The management of buildings and workspaces has been significantly modernised, and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions are proliferating.
Sensors enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption, anticipation of equipment failures, and control over the use of spaces.
These digital tools provide better resource management and increased responsiveness to daily challenges.
If a sensor placed in a meeting room can automatically signal that it is not being used, it is an effective way to better manage the use of reservable spaces and overall utilisation of the premises.
Similarly, predictive maintenance made possible by the analysis of collected data allows issues to be addressed before they occur, further enhancing operational continuity and peace of mind.
The role of general services has evolved in recent years, shifting from simply managing infrastructure to taking on a more strategic role within companies.
With priorities such as sustainability, workspace flexibility, and quality of life at work, they have become key players in the transformation of companies.
Environmental challenges are increasingly part of their daily responsibilities, with actions focused on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, optimising energy consumption, and promoting recycling and waste management.
The growing importance of remote work and hybrid working models has also impacted their role. Workspaces must be reorganised to offer greater flexibility and adaptability for employees who are no longer present on-site full-time.
This requires a different approach to managing spaces, with a more dynamic use of shared desks, meeting rooms, and all services to support this transition.
General services, although often invisible, are at the heart of the smooth operation of companies. Their role goes far beyond simple maintenance of the buildings: they are the guarantors of quality of life at work, safety, and the well-being of employees.
Thanks to their daily actions, often discreet, employees can focus on their tasks in a harmonious and optimised setting. At a time when companies are becoming increasingly aware of the challenges of QWL, general services are emerging as strategic partners.
Their ability to innovate, anticipate, and adapt to the new demands of the workplace makes them key players in well-being and collective performance.
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