Cultivating FM Communities With Apps And Associations
Natalie Hofman, Chair of Facility Management Nederland (FMN) and Co-Owner of Cuppa the Network App, emphasizes the importance of building professional relationships in the facilities management sector—particularly in the Netherlands where FM has evolved through integrated outsourcing and education but lacks official recognition—by leveraging associations like FMN and networking apps to connect, support, and advance FM professionals amid growing public awareness and industry development.
Facility Management Nederland (FMN) Chair and Cuppa the Network App Co-Owner Natalie Hofman discusses the value of professional relationship building in facilities management (FM) and beyond.
In an industry like facilities management, where much of the work is done behind the scenes, identifying your peers can be challenging. Natalie Hofman is working to build professional relationships through two main avenues: as Chair of Facility Management Nederland (FMN), an association with 1,400 members representing a wide range of facility professionals, and as Co-Owner of Cuppa the Network App, which connects business professionals.
FM Innovation in the Netherlands
Hofman explains that about 15-20 years ago, the Netherlands began integrated outsourcing in FM, with organizations like Sodexo and ISS professionalizing FM services. Outsourcing FM departments required rapid adaptation to managing these projects. The growth of FM education also contributed to the sector's development, with nine universities in the Netherlands now offering FM programs. This educational focus, along with similar trends in the UK and Nordics, has positioned the Netherlands as a leader in FM.
Advancing the FM Profession
Hofman notes that FM is not officially recognized as a sector in the Netherlands or across Europe, and there are no government-monitored figures for the industry. FM services also operate under several collective labor agreements. As a result, FM professionals must connect and support each other without strong political backing. Associations like FMN and similar groups in the UK play a crucial role in bringing professionals together and elevating FM as a recognized expertise. Hofman observes that public awareness of FM has grown significantly over the past decade.
Maximizing Association Membership
Within FMN, the philosophy is to explore, inspire, and connect. The association conducts research, forms expert teams to investigate trends and developments, publishes articles and research papers, and answers questions to help other FMs. FMN also organizes meetings, events, and business experiences to foster community and knowledge sharing among professionals.
The Cuppa Network App: Inspiration and Value
Hofman describes the inspiration behind Cuppa the Network App as stemming from her and her colleague's experiences working in various locations, such as hotels and co-working spaces, where it was difficult to know who else was present and what their professional backgrounds were. The app was conceived as a way to connect professionals in proximity, similar in concept to Tinder but focused on professional networking.
The app differentiates itself from platforms like LinkedIn by prioritizing privacy and network exclusivity. Users can see who is nearby and what they do, facilitating more meaningful and secure connections.
Technology and Networking
Hofman highlights that technology has normalized networking via smartphones, making it easier for professionals to connect at events and in shared spaces. However, she notes that this shift requires a behavioral change—attendees must be open to using technology to connect, which can be challenging but ultimately rewarding as enthusiasm grows with successful connections.
Future Technologies in FM
Hofman points out that many FMs currently focus on reacting to building issues as they arise. She advocates for a more proactive approach, using data to monitor building performance and address problems before they occur. This preventative strategy is in its early stages but represents a key area for future investment in FM technology.
Find out more about Natalie’s work as the Chair of FMN and her latest innovations as the Co-Owner of Cuppa the Network App.
Do you think there is value for FMs to connect through different apps and associations to advance their careers? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
Related
Making Connections in the Digital FM World | OfficeSpace
Ed Ehlers, CEO of Silver Brook Management and owner of the largest Facilities Management group on LinkedIn with over 127,000 members, emphasizes prioritizing quality over quantity in digital networking, sharing that he founded the group in 2008 initially for his own job search and grew it globally by actively managing focused, valuable discussions despite platform changes.
The deliberate path to facilities management
Tona Khau, Vice President of the IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter, emphasizes that her deliberate pursuit of education—specifically a Certificate in Facilities Management from the University of Washington—has been vital to her successful career by providing essential knowledge and confidence in key FM areas, reflecting a growing trend of professionals intentionally entering facilities management through formal credentials rather than by chance.
Finding Your Fit in Facilities Management
Nicola Robinson, Director of RobinsonsFM, explains that facilities management recruitment is becoming more centralized and complex due to evolving business demands, with a growing trend toward permanent in-house hires for risk reduction and retention, increased outsourcing to trusted smaller providers, and a shift in hiring practices influenced by market conditions and past industry failures like Carillion.
Increase Savings & Efficiency: Cutting Waste & Travel Tips
Tushar Patel, a seasoned facilities management consultant with nearly 20 years of experience including roles at Uber and Boeing, emphasizes the critical role of facilities managers in advancing corporate social responsibility through sustainable practices, as demonstrated by his transformative initiatives at Edifecs and his recent presentation at the IFMA Facility Fusion Conference.
Preventative Maintenance Software
The Preventative Maintenance Software by OfficeSpace uses AI-powered automation to proactively schedule and track maintenance, centralize asset health and service history, automate safety inspections, and ensure regulatory compliance, all through a user-friendly platform tailored for corporate offices and multi-location workplaces to minimize downtime, reduce disruptions, and enhance workplace efficiency.
Holistic Workplace: The Future of Ergonomics
Joy Boese, President of E3 Consulting, leverages over 20 years of expertise in ergonomic office design and holistic wellness programs to help leading organizations like Toyota and Google enhance employee productivity, health, and comfort by integrating adjustable furniture, preventative wellness initiatives, and early ergonomic planning into workplace environments.