SBFMSoft services provider SBFM has launched a white paper on the facilities management sector’s continuing struggle to recruit and retain staff in the post-Brexit, post-pandemic environment.
“Evolve: building a better future” identifies the crisis in recruitment as symptomatic of a wider malaise resulting from the collective failure by the industry to nurture underrepresented individuals on a thriving journey will bring lifechanging outcomes for them individually, allow businesses to evolve and become more diverse, and help the industry evolve, delivering benefits for the wider economy.
The document presents real-world examples including results that showed a two percent increase in ex-offenders successfully steered into jobs within six months of release resulted in cutting crime, reducing spending in the justice system by £18 billion, and a nine per cent reduction in reoffending.
Employers must also see the development of their teams as an opportunity to cross-skill as well as up-skill. The nature of FM service delivery means that it is useful to cross-skill staff across different services, enabling teams to execute an integrated approach. The practice can enhance the customer and occupier / employee experience and offers colleagues an opportunity to progress into management roles, even across different business functions. Whether people stay in FM businesses or find their passions elsewhere, SBFM’s white paper demonstrates that employing people from underrepresented groups is undeniably good for society.
It is unacceptable for anyone to be overlooked, no matter their background. We need to break down barriers, and open minds. It is fundamental we build trust and unity in society, not fuel segregation.
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Matt Chapman, CEO, SBFM, comments: “It is unacceptable for anyone to be overlooked, no matter their background. We need to break down barriers, and open minds. It is fundamental we build trust and unity in society, not fuel segregation.
“FM has an ageing workforce and has experienced difficulties in attracting young talent. It still has a way to go on this front. Meanwhile, there are myriad untapped skillsets and potential in diverse groups. Care leavers, ex-offenders, veterans, people with disabilities, long-term unemployed and ex-sports professionals, to name a few, have so much to give and to teach others. Often, they just need an opportunity and a helping hand to get going.
“Society needs to change. Minds need to open. With the employment and talent challenges we are seeing, means now is a perfect time.”
Download the white paper here (registration required).
Society needs to change. Minds need to open. With the employment and talent challenges we are seeing, means now is a perfect time.
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