Bangalore: Lease transactions of office space, running into tens of thousands of square metres and lakhs of rupees, take place every few months in Bangalore and its suburbs, which now extend up to Whitefield.

Most of the companies occupying such space, usually "built-to-order," belong to the information technology, biotechnology and IT-enabled services sectors. The role of builders and developers is over once the lease or sale agreements have been executed. After this stage step in the new class of professionals, "facility managers," not to be confused with housekeeping or janitorial agencies. In fact, facility management is one of the fastest growing job opportunities in the tech sector where those without IT qualifications are eminently suitable. All they may need to know is how to clean equipment and call professionals when repairs/servicing becomes necessary.

Speaking at a panel discussion on "Opportunities for non-IT people in IT" held on Tuesday, Ujjal Gangopadhaya of Air Deccan explained the kind of chores facility mangers deal with. Making the working environment comfortable and safe for all those IT professionals is their primary responsibility.

The facility manager has to deal with electricity availability and backups, communications, transport, office cafeterias, telephones, fax machines, wiring and cables connecting equipment and computers and their peripherals and arrange better use of available floor space by re-arranging work stations where possible. At the end of it all, they provide both a better working environment and even enhance productivity.

It is a tough job that demands 24-hour work, because most IT and ITES firms now work around the clock. "It is a challenging job but also a thankless one because there are always bound to be complaints from the staff," Mr. Gangopadhaya said.

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