Adhiraj Gadgil

With real estate becoming costlier and no signs of it becoming stable, cost and space optimisation continue to remain the major challenges faced by facilities managers of any IT company. Moreover convincing and seeking budgets is another critical task. With long working hours that the industry demands, it becomes critical to provide the best of the amenities, where people feel content and in turn help improve the productivity at work.

Gadgil explains that some of the key integrations have been to bring natural light indoors, in a bid to enhance the liveliness; provide sufficient work space with ergonomically designed chairs; installing latest technology air-conditioners with Variable Refrigerant Flow, etc. In-house breakout zones such as recreation rooms, cafeterias, pantries and retiring rooms provide employees with extra comfort, especially during hectic work schedules and long days at work. Such new infrastructure has helped Harbinger Group to reduce operational costs while increasing efficiency as well as employee satisfaction.

Some of other challenges include – non availability of adequate and dedicated parking space for employees and co-ordination and co-operation between all the occupant companies in a shared building. Elaborating on the same, Gadgil says, “While public transport is prevalent in Pune, most employees opt for using their own individual cars, which makes non-availability of enough parking space a major issue faced by facilitators. Another challenge is ensuring that shared buildings operate smoothly, which requires close coordination with all occupant-companies. This not only helps to manage within the available space but also to collectively discuss concerns and requirements with the property developer.”