Adaptive FM strategies in small and medium enterprises (SMEs): ensuring workplace continuity during business interruptions

Purpose This study aims to examine best practices in facilities management (FM) service operations to address business interruptions by adapting workplace strategies, particularly within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, it identifies effective adaptation practices, examines the challenges and barriers to implementation and proposes a framework to strengthen workplace resilience and business continuity. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted with SMEs, yielding 390 valid responses. The data were analysed using descriptive and ranking analyses to identify FM adaptation practices and the key organisational challenges and barriers to sustaining workplace operations during business interruptions. Findings Results show six effective FM adaptation practices include aligning workplace strategies with organisational vision and culture, driving team performance, optimising space, reducing costs, prioritising employee well-being and embedding sustainability. The challenges include ensuring employee safety, sanitation and financial stability, while barriers involve shortages of digital talent, new hygiene requirements and compliance with preventive measures. Practical implications The proposed framework provides SMEs and FM practitioners with a structured decision-making tool to align workplace adaptation strategies with organisational challenges, thereby strengthening resilience and business continuity during future disruptions. Crucially, the study demonstrates that effective workplace adaptation requires shifting from isolated crisis fixes to a synchronised approach that balances physical spatial changes with staff readiness. Social implications FM adaptations can safeguard health, support employee morale and foster safer, sustainable workplaces, contributing to community resilience. Effective FM adaptation can protect employee health and well-being, foster safer and more sustainable workplaces and contribute to broader organisational and community resilience. Originality/value Unlike general studies on business transitions, this research uniquely emphasises FM service operations, offering novel insights into workplace adaptation as a driver of organisational agility and survivability.