Facilities management (FM) is a rapidly expanding field that encompasses a diverse set of skills to complete each task.
As the industry evolves, not only does technology move forward, but so do the models and methodologies that are used to provide services. In order to succeed, industry leaders have to devote time and effort to respond to changing trends, while providing proper training and development to their employees, a critical aspect that offers more sustainable, cost-effective, and long-term solutions.
Why is training important?
According to industry research and best practices, companies with strong employee learning programmes typically have higher customer satisfaction and better services, as well as greater overall employee retention and satisfaction rates.
Adequately trained and competent staff will help businesses gain a competitive advantage while also improving the image of FM service providers. That is why it is crucial to ensure that employees are constantly educated and informed about health and safety, hard and soft FM skills, latest technology and innovation in the FM industry, and knowledge of life safety equipment, procedures, and government legislation. Employees also have to be properly trained in order to communicate with a wider range of people and end users.
Employee retention and attraction are also ensured by training and development. Instead of hiring new employees, identifying those already on the team can be extremely beneficial, particularly because employees are more loyal to companies that value their development, which leads to improved performance and a lower turnover rate.
Furthermore, the type of training provided is also essential. Every business should have a learning and development programme in place, and management should keep training requirements up to date on a regular basis. When introducing a new method of training to improve employee performance and service delivery, all employees, experienced, existing, or new, should be included.
Training and development remain critical because they provide an understanding of the pivotal role of FM in building and operations management, customer service, and the long-term value of a property asset, as well as exploring the software systems available in the marketplace, discovering the risks and pitfalls in FM, and how to minimise them and protect the company.
However, there still are challenges. One is the integration of increasingly advanced technologies that are playing a more important role in how facilities are managed. Hence, in addition to providing employees with traditional training such multiple hard FM skills including Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), civil services and basic customer service, they should be also aware of the latest FM technologies and know -how and have an understanding of using software solutions such as asset and work order management (CMMS), FM (CAFM), booking software, user access control, and CRM, among others.
Most professional industry associations, offer on-the-job training and certification, which is a cost-effective way for FM service providers to upskill and reskill their employees on the latest industry trends, thereby adding value to their clients and the industry.
Highly skilled workforce yields better results. Developing and fostering talent from within the organisation will boost productivity, employee engagement, and your ability to thrive. Increasing productivity increases returns and overall job satisfaction, so the need for training at all levels of the FM sector, not just those in senior positions, should be on everyone’s mind. But aside from Facility Management training itself, it is critical to stay current on the discipline’s evolution. With the sector evolving at such a rapid pace, those involved in facility management have to invest time and effort in keeping abreast on trends and understanding how new developments may affect them.