Facilities @ Management

2.23 Irene’s FM Journey “Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone.” Neale Donald Walsch

Irene Thomas-Johnson

There is a growing diversity of individuals entering the workforce, bringing different perspectives to the workplace, and dramatically altering how and with whom business gets done. Beyond demographics, diversity is about leveraging strengths and varying ideas, points of view and experiences. Coupled with inclusion – incorporating what makes each person unique to create an environment that engages, welcomes, and values diverse characteristics – diversity provides equal opportunities for career development and success, powering the relationships and experiences that will become more valuable in a changing world.

The facility management profession has evolved beyond buildings to touch nearly every aspect of a company, from operations and human resources to finance and technology. Facility Managers work across business functions, making strategic and tactical decisions that impact space, services, costs, and risk. Yet Facilities Management does not necessarily require an advanced educational degree or years-long training to get started or a prescribed progression from one job title to the next to advance. This presents incumbent workers, the unemployed and underemployed, and youth seeking career direction with an opportunity to enter an industry facing a significant labor shortage.

The gap between available FM talent and job demand is widening. The IFMA Foundation’s ...