Facilities Management Talent Shortages: What’s the Latest?

“It’s a candidate-driven market”, according to Glenn Steed, Associate Director and CBRE Account Director. Recent figures seem to confirm this statement, with Facilities Management recruitment on the rise –  April to June 2022 was 1,294,000, according to the ONS, and the number of people in full-time employment is at an all-time high. 

But what does this mean for the Facilities Management market? How can the industry flex and adapt to keep up with the expected growth of USD 660.29 bn from 2020 to 2025? 

FM – the career of choice 

Facilities Management careers are varied and exciting, with plenty of opportunities to develop skills, but many people fall into it. In Glenn’s opinion, the key is to make the industry more attractive to young people, and with good reason: a report by FMA recently stated that the average age of a Facilities Manager is 49. 

The industry must actively promote FM as a viable and rewarding career option. It must showcase the diverse roles within FM, from technical maintenance to strategic management, and highlight the potential for career progression. Companies can engage with schools, colleges, and universities to present FM as a dynamic field integrating technology, sustainability, and people management.

Glenn also promotes a career in FM that can be recession-proof:  “For example, in the construction industry during a recession, the work can just dry up, but buildings always need to be maintained.”

Education 

A person can take many routes into an FM role and work up. A Facilities Manager doesn’t necessarily need a formal degree or specific education qualifications, with employers often having talent acquisition systems to hire people with relevant qualifications or FM experience instead.

Glenn believes the industry needs more programmes like the one run by the IWFM called Our Career of Choice, which attracts young people’s interest in a career in FM.  

They have teamed up with education consultancy Class of Your Own to offer tailored advice and guidance to encourage and inspire young people to explore the many pathways into the profession.

Our Career of Choice programme is helping to develop the next generation of workplace and facilities management professionals. These young people will create better workplaces that benefit businesses, the economy and society.

Tech – the future of FM 

Facilities managers’ future is digital. In-house, the growing Internet of Things (IoT) will help them manage hot desks, flex spaces and other elements of an agile office. Therefore, ongoing on-the-job training and development are vital. 

Glenn says, “One of our biggest clients, CBRE, is good at supporting career-hungry people. There is a fantastic career path available at CBRE. They often take on people from a non-technical background and train them up. They offer exceptional training programmes.”

Hybrid working 

It’s impossible to discuss the workplace in 2024 without discussing hybrid working. FM is typically a site/office-based profession, with staff needing access to the buildings they maintain; this is not an option in some roles, such as security and concierge. 

Glenn has found that the market demands more hybrid working models, and candidates expect to see this element in the roles. They have had it in their current positions since COVID-19 and want to continue it in their new roles. 

However, as an industry, instead of making work from home accessible and flexible, Facilities Managers are now in the situation of shifting the paradigm; they have to make work from the office not only accessible but also secure and even desirable in certain circumstances.

Addressing the talent shortage

Despite the talent shortage, facilities management recruiters believe the future is positive; Glenn can still find white-collar workers, such as Project Managers, Contract Managers and Directors for his clients.

“This is down to the strong relationships we’ve nurtured with our candidates and industry connections over the last 24 years. We’re not one of multiple agencies that call a candidate the minute their CV goes on a job board. We’re constantly talking to passive candidates we know have the skills and experience to make a difference to our clients.”

Attracting and retaining talent in FM requires a multifaceted approach. Companies must offer competitive salaries, clear career progression and continuous learning and development opportunities. They should also foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and supports work-life balance.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by technological advancements, Facilities Management Recruiters can attract a new generation of professionals and ensure its growth and sustainability in future years. Whether through innovative training programmes, strategic recruitment efforts or embracing the latest technologies, the future of FM looks bright.

Are you looking for FM talent?

Our specialist recruitment team operates across the UK and is ready to connect you with various FM professionals at all skill and experience levels. We can answer any questions and learn more about your precise talent needs. Drop us a line at 0207 553 5660 or email glenn.steed@prsjobs.com