As the job market continues to evolve and more maintenance managers look at retirement, it’s time to recruit the next generation. Attracting prospects, retaining candidates, and grooming employees to move into management is the secret to creating a successful team with a younger generation.
Studies show that the average age of maintenance managers is 48 years old, and as demographics shift, many of today’s maintenance managers will be looking to retire in the next 10 to 15 years. This means that while there may be years before retirement, the next generation needs time to be trained and learn from today’s managers to avoid a labour shortage down the line.
Attracting new talent
If you’re looking to draw in younger candidates, you need to communicate with them in a way they can relate to, and in the places where they spend their time. Starting to educate kids and get them onto that path means you may need to visit high schools and reach out to kids on social media. Succession planning starts with drawing in candidates who are interested in that path, and that comes from connecting, storytelling, and engaging with the next generation of maintenance candidates. Technology can also play a role in attracting a younger generation, so educating candidates on smart tools, data management, and AI may also help to engage a younger audience and show them that maintenance management is a progressive industry.
Creating a path
Giving students a look at the future can really help set them on a path to success. If they simply see maintenance as unclogging toilets or making repairs, this job may start to look less like a career. Offering internships, co-op opportunities, and a look at where maintenance can lead will help students understand the broader scope of the position and its importance for facilities.
Prioritizing what’s important
Today’s workforce is looking for a strong company culture, work-life balance, and advancement. These are important factors in drawing in top candidates and keeping them in the field. Company culture is a set of shared values, behaviours, and standards that are practiced in the workplace. Along with work-life balance, a strong company culture shows potential maintenance managers that this field is something that they might like to make a life-long career.
As demographics shift and many of today’s maintenance management exit the workforce, finding the next generation needs to be a priority. By informing, engaging, and creating a foreseeable future, maintenance managers can attract and retain their successors.
