Many facilities management (FM) teams are aging, creating an urgent need to attract and retain Gen Z talent to sustain operations and drive future innovation. This generation brings fresh perspectives on digital tools and flexible workflows.
Companies must adopt practical strategies beyond traditional hiring and retention methods to stay competitive. Bridging generational skill gaps and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration will ensure that FM teams remain adaptable and ready for the challenges ahead.
Why Gen Z Is Key to the Future of Facilities Management
FM faces a significant demographic shift, with many seasoned professionals approaching retirement. This trend highlights the pressing need to attract and integrate younger talent. Gen Z is a digitally native generation and offers exactly what FM teams need to evolve. They bring fluency in the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and smart building technologies that can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Gen Z seeks purpose-driven work that aligns with their values. This condition aligns with FM’s growing focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, workplace wellness, and community impact. For organizations ready to bridge this generational gap, the opportunity to build more innovative and socially conscious FM teams has never been greater.
How to Attract Gen Z to Facilities Management Roles
Attracting Gen Z to FM takes more than posting job ads and hoping for the best. Organizations must modernize their approach and highlight the aspects of FM that resonate with this generation’s values and career aspirations.
Modernize Job Marketing and Messaging
FM teams must rethink how they present the field to capture Gen Z’s attention. Digital platforms—like social media and interactive virtual tours—allow companies to meet younger candidates on familiar ground while showcasing the real-world impact of FM roles.
Instead of listing tasks, organizations should spotlight clear career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and the meaningful contributions FM professionals make to safety and workplace experience. This approach captures attention and connects with Gen Z’s desire for career growth and purpose.
Emphasize Culture and Values
FM teams can attract Gen Z by promoting a culture that values diversity and sustainability, which are priorities that deeply matter to this generation. Highlighting inclusive policies, green initiatives, and hybrid work options helps show that the organization is forward-thinking.
Research shows that 80% of employees would rather work for a global company. Showcasing FM’s international reach and impact can also significantly draw younger generations. Emphasizing how the field leverages technology—such as smart systems, automation, and data-driven solutions—adds another layer of appeal for Gen Z professionals seeking innovative and meaningful careers.
How to Retain Gen Z in Facilities Management
Attracting Gen Z is only half the challenge. Keeping them engaged and motivated is just as important. FM teams must create work environments that support growth and collaboration to retain this new generation of talent.
Leverage Technology for Engagement
FM teams must embrace mobile-first communication and digital workflows that match how this generation prefers to work and collaborate. With 57% of companies already adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance and gain a competitive edge, organizations have a clear opportunity to modernize operations and stay competitive.
Giving Gen Z a chance to lead or contribute to technology-driven projects—like IoT pilots and smart building initiatives—taps into their digital strengths. It fosters a sense of ownership and innovation. This active involvement helps create a more dynamic, future-ready FM workforce.
Support Continuous Learning and Growth
Gen Z values growth and development, like structured learning opportunities. Providing certifications, access to online training platforms, and strong mentorship programs shows a clear investment in their long-term success.
Just as important, organizations should outline transparent advancement paths and skill-building roadmaps that help Gen Z professionals see where their careers are headed and how to get there. This support builds trust, loyalty, and a strong sense of purpose in the workplace.
Bridging Facilities Management Skill Gaps
As seasoned professionals retire, FM faces a growing skill gap that can disrupt operations and stall innovation. Bridging this divide requires intentional strategies that connect the experience of older workers with the digital fluency of Gen Z.
Create Structured Knowledge Transfer Programs
Bridging generational skill gaps in FM starts with capturing and preserving valuable institutional knowledge before it leaves the organization. With 78% of leaders recognizing capability building as vital to long-term organizational growth, investing in knowledge transfer is practical.
Documenting legacy practices through video training, accessible digital playbooks, and collaborative workshops ensures current and future FM professionals can build a strong foundation. These tools make it easier for Gen Z employees to learn from experienced colleagues while contributing fresh ideas and perspectives.
Promote a Culture of Mutual Respect and Curiosity
Addressing generational stereotypes openly is essential to building a collaborative and respectful workplace culture. When unchecked, generational labels can create division, leading to poor collaboration and a toxic environment that stifles productivity.
Encouraging open dialogue about communication preferences and learning approaches fosters mutual understanding and shared respect. This inclusive mindset helps bridge differences and turns a multi-generational workforce into a strategic advantage.
Maximizing the Potential of the Gen Z Workforce
Attracting and retraining Gen Z is a major opportunity for FM leaders looking to build resilient, future-ready teams. Organizations can close skill gaps, boost innovation, and ensure long-term success by taking small, actionable steps today.
Zac Amos covers smart homes, cybersecurity, and other trending tech topics and is the features editor at ReHack. For more of his work, follow him on X or LinkedIn.
To learn more about labor issues, make sure to sign up for Facilities Management Advisor‘s upcoming webinar, “Bridging the Gap: Next-Gen Workforce Development in Facilities Management.” Details and FREE registration are available here.