2022 FM TRAINING OUTLOOK SURVEY KEY FINDING 2
THE VALUE OF FM TRAINING
FM managers and staff agree that training is needed for job performance and growth. More employers are adding training to their budgets in recognition of the confidence and credibility boost it provides.
SURVEY STATISTICS
If it wasn’t clear before, the past two years have taught organizations, across industries and around the globe, that facility managers are essential to the continuity of their strategic operations. Their broad range of skills are in high demand, but as we’ve just learned, it has been difficult for employers to find and keep top talent.
FM training offers a win-win solution, increasing job performance, confidence, and retention while building the workforce employers need for the future.
According to FM managers, the top 3 benefits of FM training and credentials are better job performance, increased confidence, and increased credibility.
Better job performance
Increased confidence
Increased credibility
The Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Gap is Persistent.
85% of FM staff say they could use more FM knowledge, skills, or training for their current job.
74% of FM staff say they could use more FM knowledge/ skills/training to advance in their job or organization.
86% of FM managers say there’s a gap between the skills and knowledge their team has and what they need to excel.
- FM Training Benefits Employers & Staff.
of FM managers say FM training and credentials result in better job performance.
of FM managers say FM training and credentials result in increased confidence.
- Forward-Thinking Employers Are Making Training Accessible to Staff.
of employers are planning to implement FM training this year.
of employers say they provide funding for staff to pursue external FM training or credentials/qualifications.
INDUSTRY REACTIONS
Join the conversation by reviewing some of the additional insights shared on this topic or by sharing your own.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
Other than rental costs, what’s typically your largest expenditure? Your PEOPLE. So it’s really not a question of can you afford to train and invest in your people, it’s can you afford not to?
John Hajduk, ProFM
Executive Director, Facilities Operations, Sodexo
We’ve officially entered the new frontier work environment and FM leaders face the challenge of finding and recruiting qualified staff. One solution is to assess the internal talent gaps and determine how to upskill and reskill their current staff. Developing FM staff knowledge, skills and abilities will elevate their job performance and contribute to the FM organization’s overall success.
Stormy Friday, MPA, Hon. FMA, IFMA Fellow
President, The Friday Group
ProFMI Commission Chair
As a government agency, we can’t compete with the money being offered to FMs in the private sector right now. We need to find people looking for the stability, hours, professional development, and retirement benefits we bring to the table. FM training and career development is something that can differentiate us as an employer.
Keith Tate, ProFM, AIA, CPM, LEED GA
Facilities Management Director, Polk County BoCC
If we train and support our people, they’ll be able to take care of our customers, and in turn our shareholders. By building capability first, you provide a foundation of confidence to grow in their role and in the organization.
Kurt Gnessin
Vice President, Facility Services, Extra Space Storage
Every facility manager has a unique job, a unique blend of skills and a broad set of experiences. Building a skills ecosystem is a collaborative effort and we must collectively come together as employers, educators and industry professionals to make an impact and prepare for the future. It’s vitally important that, as FMs, we understand that we can’t possibly be experts in all things facilities, rather we need to have a broad knowledge base, fortify our networks of experts, and speak the same language. We can lead this effort and prepare for the future by recognizing that industry-focused education can lead to better job performance and providing training that fills the skills gap. When we learn new things, there is a sense of achievement which drives ability and confidence to do things better.
Ericka A. Westgard, CFM, ProFM
Vice President of Operations, Southeast Region
C&W Services
My company is benefiting directly from my credential. I’ve enhanced my leadership skills and every day, I put into practice my knowledge of the five cross-functional competencies and four functional FM knowledge areas. In addition, a knowledgeable and educated workforce improves the company’s image and contributes to the company’s bottom line.
George Smith, ProFM
Cushman & Wakefield