
The Middle East Facility Management Association Awards 2023
United Facilities Management (UFM) is a leading organization in the facilities management sector, dedicating a portion of its role to generating a positive impact on the social, ethical, and environmental aspects of the community. Recognizing its responsibility to support the communities it serves, UFM has implemented numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to fulfill this commitment.
Examples of UFM's CSR initiatives include:
- Annual allocation of a portion of the company's profits to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), a private, non-profit organization.
- Sponsorship of student graduation ceremonies and providing introductions to the facilities management industry.
- Financial support to the Ministry of Education for the development of French language curricula.
- Participation in clean-up campaigns in collaboration with "Omnia".
- Distribution of meals to those in need during the month of Ramadan, both internally and externally.
- Provision of training in facilities management for 40 engineers from Kuwait University.
- Conducting training sessions for 90 engineers over three consecutive years in partnership with the Public Authority for Youth.
- Provision of a football pitch for weekly employee use.
Establishment, Development, and Implementation:
UFM has strived to bring excellence to the Corporate Social Responsibility within the facilities management sector. The company has faced several challenges in its efforts to positively influence the social, ethical, and environmental dimensions of the community. These challenges include an increasing number of employees, leading to higher costs for CSR initiatives, and difficulties in selecting the most appropriate initiatives for support due to a lack of awareness regarding the facilities management industry within Kuwaiti society.
Innovation in Facilities Management:
At UFM, excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility is evaluated and measured through internally applied criteria. The company compares its current performance against past performance to assess its level of excellence.
UFM's financial commitment to CSR initiatives has demonstrated continuous improvement over the years, evident in the increasing amounts allocated to this area. In 2020, UFM spent $146,926.00 on CSR initiatives, a figure that rose to $243,657.6 in 2021 and further to $267,630.0 in 2022. This progression underscores UFM's dedication to making a positive impact on the social, ethical, and environmental well-being of the community.
Organizational Outcomes:
UFM's commitment to excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility yields numerous benefits. While it may not have a direct financial impact, engaging in initiatives that benefit society and the environment allows UFM to enhance its reputation and build a positive brand image. This, in turn, helps attract new clients, increases the retention rate of existing clients, and attracts talented individuals to work for the company.
Leadership and Success in Facilities Management:
At UFM, excellence and innovation are at the forefront of all endeavors. The company's leadership recognizes that delivering excellence and innovation requires a combination of processes, products, services, behavioral change, and training. To this end, UFM has implemented various initiatives to support its goal of providing the highest quality facilities management services to its clients. A key method through which UFM delivers excellence and innovation is by focusing on the improvement of its operational processes.
Contribution to Facilities Management Globally:
UFM's achievements in facilities management can be readily replicated by other companies, organizations, and even countries. This is because UFM's approach to facilities management is based on best practices, innovative technologies, and a commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. By sharing its expertise and knowledge with others, UFM has the potential to assist other entities in achieving similar levels of excellence in facilities management.
Finally, UFM has reinforced its excellence in facilities management through its commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. By leading by example, UFM has demonstrated the positive impact that responsible corporate conduct can have on the environment and society. Furthermore, UFM has encouraged other companies within the industry to adopt similar practices, thereby fostering a more sustainable and ethical facilities management sector.