Market Outlook 2023 research: how EDI measures can help the FM skills crisis

News

On 2 May, we published the IWFM Market Outlook 2023 survey report (exclusively free for IWFM members), providing a ‘state of nation’ report for the workplace and facilities management sector. This latest research – sourced direct from the professionals - provides vital insights into the market’s performance over the past year, the profession’s expectations for the coming year, and for the first time, IWFM’s thinking on navigating the main challenges impacting FMs today.

Among the findings was the continuing growth of EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) in the FM sector: almost seven in ten respondents (69%) indicated they had seen an increased demand for EDI measures within their organisation, while just over half (51%) believe this is true for the market as a whole. The most commonly cited measure to address EDI, accounting for nearly six in ten respondents, was hiring practices (58%).

However, our findings also revealed significant barriers to progress. As was the case in our 2021 and 2022 research, unconscious bias was the top barrier to EDI in 2023 (47%), followed by a lack of support or absence of mentors/role models (34%).

With today being World FM Day, we wanted to help members in ‘Making a difference’ by discussing how EDI measures can help the FM sector manage another of its major challenges: the skills crisis.

Removing barriers to access skills

A section of our 2023 Market Outlook research specifically explored different ways in which the pandemic continues to impact the sector, revealing that the recruitment process (59%) and availability of skills (53%) were among the areas most affected, while over a quarter (26%) indicated a reduced headcount in their team. Further to this, almost two thirds (62%) of respondents cited ‘Access to EU workers’ as a negative impact on the sector over the last year, underlining an ongoing impact of Brexit.

If FM organisations are going to remain competitive and capitalise on fast changing market opportunities, they need to continue working on ways to address the skills crisis. It is IWFM’s view that EDI is a big part of the answer. Continue to prioritise EDI, identify where your barriers lie, and take action to remove them, as this will help employers ensure they can access the best talent and allow their people to shine by rising through a development pathway.

It is critical that organisations do not allow tough market conditions to derail long-term EDI plans. As well as simply being the right thing to do and helping to fill the FM skills gap, the plurality of thought gained from diverse perspectives will support future innovations and vital adaptations, thus supporting long-term business success. In short, implementing effective EDI policies is simply good business.

Find out more by downloading the Market Outlook 2023 survey report

To access our full research findings and discover more of IWFM’s recommendations for managing some of the sector’s greatest challenges, click here to download the Market Outlook 2023 survey report.