How To Upskill Talent In The FM Industry?

Most industries today are undergoing an overhaul and have become more competitive. Because of this, there has been an increased focus on resource optimization and improved handling of responsibilities. Facilities managers play a core role in the day-to-day operations and their role is also under heavy scrutiny. 

Modern-day facility managers have to face extreme challenges because of their non-standardized role and the increased use of cutting-edge technology. Thus, we see an increased focus on reskilling and upskilling workforce in the FM Industry. Getting it right would prove beneficial for both the workforce and the clients where they have been deployed. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses struggle to understand how to upskill talent in the FM industry and where to start. 

This article discusses the areas to cover while upskilling talent in the facilities management industry and the benefits on offer if done right. 

Benefit of Upskilling Talent in the Facilities Management Industry

Upskilling your team's talent is one of the best ways to drive improved operational efficiency and results. Here are some benefits - 

• Improved Retention - Upgrading your team's skills can directly result in enhanced employee, customer and other stakeholder retention. With employees getting better facilities and room to improve, they are more likely to remain with the organization for longer. This, in turn, helps in a better customer experience as your employees are well acquainted with their work and feel at home. It directly contributes to higher customer retention and more profits for the business.
• Instilling Values and Beliefs - Upskilling also includes instilling organizational values and beliefs, which are key to establishing collaboration, inclusivity, and a sense of respect among the workforce. These beliefs help develop a sense of purpose and identity, which is vital for the workforce and the organization to produce better results. 
• Facilitates Better Communication - Establishing a transparent and open work environment where employees feel valued and heard begins with effective communication. Communication skills, conflict resolution techniques and strategies for nurturing trust and transparency are emphasized in facilities management training and upskilling sessions.  

To sum up, upskilling in the FM industry can prove beneficial in more ways than one and organizations worldwide have started recognizing the need to focus on it. 

Ways to Improve Facility Manager's Skills

With FMs and the site team providing hard and soft services to their clients, there needs to be a careful balance when it comes to their upskilling. Here are some ways to improve the skills of the team members.

Track Productivity and Identify Skill Gaps

Facilities managers ensure optimal functioning and operations and undertake many diverse and undocumented responsibilities. They often manage large teams, and it becomes important to track their productivity using data and other available resources. Tracking employees’ productivity enables the managers to figure out patterns which opens up avenues for improvement. In addition, this exercise also provides invaluable insights that let the leaders identify potential skill gaps and address them timely.  

Develop Customized Training and Provide Feedback

Facility management has a wide range of roles and seniority levels, which require different training for upskilling and improvement. Thus, it’s vital to have a customized approach to cater to your entire workforce and help them improve. Many courses, like Facility Management Professional (FMP) from IFMA, offer customizable training and module-based preparation, enabling your team to address specific issues. 

Undertake a Blended Learning Approach

Upskill exercises, which feel like training, can often seem dull and end up having your workforce demotivated and bored. To keep their enthusiasm levels up, consider incorporating diverse learning methods that use different learning styles. 

For example, several courses combine classroom-style training (modules) with real-life simulations and hands-on workshops. These blended courses would ensure that your team finds ways to stay interested and committed to upskilling and building better reception while being on their job. 

Stay Updated with Workplace Trends

The last few years have seen massive changes in the way we look at workplaces and the old definitions of how they ought to function no longer hold good. So, facility managers have to analyze and be in sync with the latest workplace trends, including those that affect the health, productivity and well-being of their employees and the customers, to ensure they get the most from their workforce. 

Make the most of Technology

Modern-day technology has become the cornerstone of innovation and improvement. Consider introducing eLearning modules and a range of facility management tools that enable your team to work efficiently and effortlessly. 

Many Facility management companies have introduced time management and productivity tools and project management applications, which let the workforce prioritize and be in constant touch with their deliverables. These applications often come laden with advanced features, such as task automation, the ability to create team rosters and more, that contribute significantly to improving the capabilities of your team. 

Technology need not be limited to the workforce; it can also be used to optimize the facility and its services. facility managers can analyze various aspects, such as energy consumption, maintenance costs, and space utilization, to identify trends and unearth patterns to make better decisions and improve workplace productivity. 

Provide Opportunities to Attend Workshops and Conferences

Your workforce grows when it gets the right exposure, which comes in the form of industry conferences and events. Push them to go out, network with their FM peers and industry experts, and thrive. 

Many FM companies also provide their employees with access to experienced mentors and professional coaches to provide specific guidance which enables them to develop leadership and strategic thinking necessary to succeed in the long run. 

Conclusion

As the FM industry continues to expand its wings, it becomes extremely important that the current and future talent remain on their toes and cope well with the changing landscape. 

For this, getting their skills ramped up and in sync with the changing times is the need of the hour, and FM companies need to undertake a proactive approach to nurturing young talent and making them ready for the challenges ahead. Thankfully, there are many professional certifications and other options available that act as perfect partners to ensure that the upskilling part is taken care of.