Learning technical skills and embracing concepts such as sustainability and the built environment and being comfortable with change are all important ideas to embrace for anyone interested in joining the facilities management (FM) profession.
For women, not only is it important to understand these concepts, but to also show peers that their knowledge of these and many other FM topics enable them to stand out in a crowd.
“Let your ideas and accomplishments be seen and heard and embrace challenges as opportunities,” says Paula Spiese, the principal of a boutique workplace consultancy, and one of three panelists scheduled to appear as part of the popular Women in FM session at NFMT in Baltimore on Wednesday, March 13, at 3:10 p.m.
Spiese will be joined by Karen Jones, VP, Learning & Partner Solutions for NextUp, and Jennifer Treter, LEED A, principal, Hendrick, Inc., on the Women in FM panel.
For International Women’s Day, Spiese and Treter recently answered some questions from FacilitiesNet about the challenges women face to succeed in the FM profession in advance of the session.
FN: What are some of the perceived hurdles of working in a male-dominated industry?
Spiese: I think there are challenges that women can face in any industry where they are underrepresented, such as difficulty finding role models and mentors, as and stereotypes, even when unconscious, and challenges with organizational culture, work-life balance, and overall workplace health may not always be prioritized in male-dominated industries, yet improvements here benefit everyone, not just women.
Treter: Careers in facilities management continue to be male dominated. With women being a smaller portion of the workforce, employers may want to consider recruitment of women as a strategic opportunity. Recognizing the contributions of women can help to highlight the rewarding opportunities and growth opportunities for women in the industry.
FN: What's your advice or words of wisdom to young women looking to thrive in facilities management?
Treter: In a report shared by IFMA on women in FM, women fill only 20 percent of the facility management labor force. However, women receive similar pay to men or slightly higher in certain roles. In addition, women appear to be finding roles faster than men in the industry. However, the survey is showing there are less women staying in the industry. It is important to understand why women tend to leave the FM industry early in their careers, and what can be done to better retain them.
Spiese: Some general advice is to seek mentors in the industry who can provide guidance and support, network actively within the industry, advocate for yourself and your achievements. In other words, speak up, even if it's hard. Let your ideas and accomplishments be seen and heard and embrace challenges as opportunities.
Beyond that specifically for careers in FM:
FN: Why do you think it's important for women to be recognized and celebrated in this industry?
Spiese: I think it's important for people to see others that they relate to, and that they see themselves in, be recognized and celebrated, and this is especially true in areas where they may be under-represented. Celebrating women's achievements sends a powerful message that success is attainable, providing motivation and hope to those who see themselves reflected in those accomplishments.
Treter: The world is changing, and women are excelling in careers once dominated by men. Even though the industry is currently dominated by men, there is a great opportunity to grow in the profession. Like other industries, facilities management faces a shortage of workforce talent, and women are increasingly filling these roles as companies recognize the value of more diverse teams.
Engage with professional organizations that help support women in the FM profession. The networking and educational events bring professionals together to expand your knowledge base, learn best practices, share project successes and grow your professional network.
There is still time to register for the NFMT show. Click here or register on-site.
Dave Lubach is the executive editor for the facilities market.
