For facility managers, the job continues to evolve as priorities shift and recovery from post-pandemic conditions persists. From deferred budgets to sustainability to technology and labour, facility managers are dealing with many new and continuing challenges as they perform their daily duties.
Environmental
Going greener is something that many companies are mandating, from equipment to cleaning and more. Studies show that buildings contribute about 40 per cent of global carbon emissions, and facility managers can impact those numbers with their actions. As facility managers are tasked with prioritizing ESG goals, using green products, and adding sustainable practices, it may become more difficult for managers to continue to demonstrate ROI and perform to budget.
Technology
With so much technology emerging and smart buildings growing in popularity, facility managers are faced with transforming operations to embrace the digital world and bridge the gap between existing infrastructure and today’s digital solutions.
And when the investment is made and technology is added, managers are tasked with upskilling teams to maximize the results of that investment.
RELATED: Is your smart building worth the investment?
Labour
As in many other sectors, facility managers are dealing with gaps in skillsets, absenteeism, candidate shortage, high turnover, and low morale. With such a diverse skill set required, many managers are finding it difficult to find qualified candidates. As well, with the rise in remote work, facility managers may have difficulty filling full-time in-person positions. According to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the average age of today’s facility manager is 49, and within the next decade, half of the workforce will be retired. As we look to the future, professionals are concerned with how to attract the next generation of candidates to fill their spots.
These issues are on-going, but in this ever-evolving field, opportunities abound for the next generation of managers. Today’s labour shortages make way for an exciting field of employment for the interested, qualified candidates of tomorrow.
