Within the next 5 to 15 years, more than half of today’s facilities management (FM) workforce is expected to retire and leave a major gap to fill, according to the International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) global workforce survey.
Facilities Management Advisor talked to Joshua Rivas, Facilities Manager from Removery, who has more than 15 years of global facilities management experience, to get his take on how to fill the workforce gap, and encourage more people into the FM industry.
Below Rivas gives practical, bite-sized nuggets of advice for recruiting into the FM industry.
Q: How can we encourage more people to enter the FM industry?
Rivas: Encouraging more people to enter the facilities management industry can be rewarding. Here’s how we can do it:
Spread the Word
- Raise awareness: Share the vital role facilities management plays in keeping businesses running smoothly and sustainably.
- Educational opportunities: Partner with schools to offer courses and degrees in facilities management. Host industry talks and workshops to inspire and educate.
Build Clear Career Paths
- Career progression: Show how you can grow from an entry-level position to a senior role.
- Mentorship: Connect newcomers with experienced professionals for guidance and support.
- Certifications and training: Promote ongoing education and certifications to boost skills and confidence. IFMA is one of my favorite facilities resources.
Showcase the Industry
- Diverse roles: Highlight the variety of positions available, from operations and maintenance to sustainability and tech integration.
- Success stories: Share inspiring stories from professionals in the field.
Engage and Reach Out
- Social media: Use social platforms to share insights, job postings, and educational content.
- Career fairs: Participate in career fairs to connect directly with potential candidates.
Partner with Businesses
- Internships and apprenticeships: Collaborate with businesses to provide hands-on experience for students and young professionals.
- Professional associations: Work with associations to advocate for the industry and provide networking opportunities.
Offer Attractive Benefits
- Competitive salaries: Ensure attractive compensation and benefits.
- Work-life balance: Highlight the flexibility and balance that facilities management can offer.
Embrace Innovation
- Technology: Show how technology is making the industry more dynamic and appealing.
- Sustainability: Emphasize the role in promoting green practices and sustainability.
Q: How do we reach both young people who want to enter the FM industry and those looking to change careers into FM?
Rivas: For young people…
Educational Outreach
- High schools and colleges: Partner for career days, workshops, and internships.
- Scholarships and courses: Offer scholarships and specialized courses in facilities management.
Social Media and Online Presence
- Engaging content: Use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share day-in-the-life videos, success stories, and industry innovations.
- Influencers: Collaborate with young influencers in the field.
Career Fairs and Events
- Career fairs: Attend and sponsor high school and college career fairs.
- Open days: Host open days [at your facilities] to show what the job is like.
Mentorship Programs
- Peer mentorship: Pair young professionals with mentors close in age.
For career changers…
Targeted Marketing
- Online ads: Use LinkedIn and Facebook to target professionals seeking career changes.
- Success stories: Share stories of successful career transitions.
Training and Certification Programs
- Short-term courses: Offer quick training programs and certifications.
- Flexible learning: Provide online and part-time course options.
Networking Opportunities
- Industry events: Encourage attendance at conferences and seminars.
- Professional associations: Promote memberships that offer resources for career changers.
Support and Resources
- Career counseling: Offer services to identify transferable skills.
- Job placement: Partner with recruitment agencies for job placements.
3 Common Approaches to Take:
1. Highlight the Benefits
- Stability and growth: Emphasize the stable and growing job market.
- Impact: Showcase contributions to sustainability and efficiency.
2. Innovative Technology
- Tech integration: Highlight the use of modern technology in the field.
3. Community and Culture
- Inclusive environment: Promote a welcoming, diverse work culture.
- Employee testimonials: Share positive experiences from current employees.
Q: How would you encourage women and underrepresented groups to go into the FM field?
Rivas:
Promote Inclusivity and Diversity
- Diverse representation: Highlight successful women and diverse professionals in marketing and events.
- Mentorship and networking: Establish mentorship programs and support employee resource groups.
Create Opportunities
- Scholarships and internships: Offer scholarships and targeted internships for underrepresented groups.
- Inclusive recruitment: Implement diverse hiring practices and partner with organizations focusing on diversity.
Foster an Inclusive Culture
- Training and education: Provide regular diversity training and cultural competency education.
- Family-friendly policies: Support work-life balance with flexible hours and parental leave.
Highlight Benefits and Opportunities
- Career advancement: Clearly outline career pathways and offer professional development.
- Community impact: Emphasize the positive impact of facilities management on communities and sustainability.
Q: What would you advise and tell people about the industry?
Rivas: My advice for those entering the facilities management industry is to take your time learning before attempting to climb the ladder too quickly. This field can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be taxing and stressful. Embrace the ups and downs, one step at a time, and remember that after every storm, the sun will shine again.
I have a deep love for this industry because it closely mirrors my experiences in the military and law enforcement. One day, I’m focused on saving the company money; the next, I’m dealing with the adrenaline rush of a major leak at one location, an elevator malfunction trapping people, and an HVAC failure in Miami all at once. It’s the perfect storm, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q: What incentives are there in FM?
Rivas: The top 5 incentives of a career in facilities management are:
1. Diverse Career Opportunities
Facilities management offers a wide range of roles, from operations and maintenance to sustainability and technology integration, ensuring varied and dynamic career paths.
2. Job Stability and Growth
The industry is essential to many sectors, providing strong job security and numerous opportunities for career advancement.
3. Competitive Compensation
Facilities management positions often come with attractive salaries and benefits packages, making it a financially rewarding field.
4. Impactful Work
Professionals in this field play a crucial role in creating efficient, safe, and sustainable environments, contributing positively to businesses and communities.
5. Skill Development
The job involves continuous learning and development, enhancing both technical and soft skills, and offering professional growth.
Are you an FM interested in being interviewed for “Expert Q&A”? We would love to talk to you, and your peers can learn from you. Please contact Associate Editor Corey Sipe at csipe@BLR.com.