Take the initiative

Peek behind the curtain of our sector’s acute labour and skills shortage and you will find it’s the cumulative effect of short-term challenges and long-standing issues. Some of these factors are directly within our spheres of influence while others we can only affect to limited degrees.

As a profession and a professional body, we must keep a keen eye on the drivers we do not directly control – international factors, government policy and the tides of public discourse – and ensure we gather evidence that demonstrates our sector’s broad value, and use an informed voice to influence matters. Our immediate focus should be fixed primarily on where we can create change ourselves, right now.

As IWFM’s Sofie Hooper writes in this issue, breaking down EDI barriers to entry and progression is one such action we can all take. Committing to fostering an inclusive and accessible profession that is welcoming and empowering to all is not only morally right, but also critical from a business perspective. Deterring segments of the talent pool and denying our profession the benefit of diversity is tantamount to self-inflicted harm.

Another key action is making the most of your talent through upskilling and career progression. Learn, advance, fill critical gaps up the chain, and make the business case for new talent to fill any gaps you leave behind.

It’s within our profession’s power to make workplace and facilities management a ‘Career of Choice’ by engaging with and inspiring young people. Find out on our website about how to get involved and help uncover our next generation of facilities professionals.

Linda Hausmanis is CEO of the IWFM 

To read the full September/October 2022 edition, click here.