How is ARC Facilities elevating the FM field?

We’re building community through interviews, podcasts, and content including our Women in Facilities series and our Facility Voices podcast. We’re publishing articles in FMJ, doing webinars, and speaking at conferences. We contributed a podcast recording to IFMA and look forward to providing content in 2024. 

Where is the next generation of facilities professionals coming from?

Facilithon and SkillsUSA teach young people about the industry through competition and skills training. Community colleges, the military and the skilled trades are important avenues for training and leadership. 

How will the facilities management industry evolve?

Technology is a key element in the industry’s growth and sophistication. Having tools to make critical equipment and building maintenance decisions rather than relying on guesswork means better customer service, less time wasted, money saved and better performing buildings – all contributing to greater career satisfaction. AI and machine learning will provide better predictive maintenance to extend the life of infrastructures and eliminate downtime. 

What are your thoughts on recruitment, retention, and retirement?

Organizational recruitment starts with building a culture that attracts the right candidates. FM leaders need to work with HR and recruitment teams to refine hiring criteria with accurate job descriptions and eliminate obstacles such as education restrictions that are irrelevant, e.g. requiring a bachelor’s degree for a skilled trade position and disregarding certifications and/or experience. Other successful recruitment methods include apprenticeships and job fairs. 

Career growth ladder programs help retain team members. These programs provide achievable benchmarks for employees to “level up” including salary, bonuses, benefits, and responsibilities.    

Succession strategies begin with cultural shifts. Many organizations rely on key team members for critical building details. Transitioning this knowledge to a “Team knowledge” approach takes the burden off the individuals and the company and keeps information with the building.