How to Recruit More Women to Join Facilities Management
Human resources play a vital role when it comes to recruiting more women to facilities management. January 15, 2025
By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor
It is not secret that the facilities management industry is currently experiencing a detrimental labor shortage. More and more older facility managers are starting to retire, leaving a wide gap in experienced employees. This number only grows when referring to women in the industry.
It has been a goal for many companies to widen their diversity, equity and inclusion measures in order to better combat the labor shortage. However, many are falling flat when it comes to hiring more women on the job. FacilitiesNet recently spoke to Maia Renshaw, HR Manager, SSC Services for Education on how she recruits women to join the facilities management industry and what strategies have been the most successful.
FacilitiesNet: What strategies do you use to specifically attract women to roles in facility management?
Maia Renshaw: We focus on representing women actively within SSC who thrive in facility management roles. Our ads highlight growth opportunities, flexible schedules, and the supportive team environment they’d join. We also showcase stories of women succeeding in these roles, helping potential candidates see the possibilities for themselves.
FacilitiesNet: What are some common misconceptions about facility management that might deter women, and how do you address these in recruitment?
Renshaw: One common misconception is that facility management requires previous experience in FM to be able to go into the field, which can be intimidating. To counter this, we emphasize the diverse career paths available, including roles that don’t require previous experience. During recruitment, we share stories of women in various roles within SSC to show the many paths to success in this field.
FacilitiesNet: What are the key challenges that women face in facility management, and how do you support them in overcoming these barriers?
Renshaw: Some women feel isolated in male-dominated spaces or lack visible representation in leadership roles. We address this through programs like Women in Facilities, High-Potential (HIPO) initiatives, and New Manager Training, creating networks where women can connect and find support, even across accounts.
FacilitiesNet: Have you found specific channels (online platforms, job fairs, etc.) more effective in reaching women candidates?
Renshaw: Online advertising has been most effective, reaching a broad, diverse audience. We also participate in college career fairs, which provide valuable opportunities to connect with students who may not have previously considered facility management as a career path.
FacilitiesNet: What advice would you give to other female facility managers looking to recruit more women into the industry?
Renshaw: They can make a significant impact by sharing their stories, showing potential recruits the supportive community they’d be joining, and highlighting the rewards of building a career in facilities management.
FacilitiesNet: How do you think the industry can shift its culture to be more welcoming to women, particularly in operational or hands-on roles?
Renshaw: Creating mentorship programs and partnerships for women is essential to building a more welcoming industry culture. Additionally, raising awareness about the diversity of backgrounds and experiences welcomed in facilities management will help create a more inclusive environment.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.
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