Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. In 2026, the skilled trades are facing a reality check that is impossible to ignore: A significant rift has opened between the priorities of organizational leaders and the priorities of their employees, especially as […]
Ask almost any facilities leader about their biggest challenge right now and the workforce will be near the top of the list. Across the industry, it has become harder to recruit and retain skilled trades. Buildings are becoming more complex and require technicians with a wider range of skills. Electricians, HVAC technicians, maintenance engineers, and […]
As the United States grapples with aging building stock and the need for infrastructure modernization, a critical workforce challenge threatens the commercial real estate sector’s ability to maintain, modernize, and operate the built environment. JLL’s latest skilled trades talent research reveals that by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions for electricians, HVAC technicians, […]
Skilled trades are considered a strong foundation for a facilities management career. As the U.S. confronts a critical shortage of skilled trade workers, the Lowe’s Foundation announced an expanded $250 million commitment to help train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035 through its Gable Grants program. This announcement follows a $100 million initiative from financial giant BlackRock to support the next […]
Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. UConn Stadium Makeover Among other things, March is known for the beginning of spring, Women’s History Month, and of course, college basketball. As both its men’s and women’s teams fought their way to the March Madness Final […]
Facility leaders today operate under significant pressure. Budgets are tight, labor is scarce, and ESG commitments are under scrutiny. Executive teams want proof (not promises) that facilities are performing efficiently and safely. Instinct is no longer enough. The leaders who are gaining ground aren’t necessarily those with the largest teams or the newest buildings, but […]
The $3 trillion global facilities management (FM) industry supports employee and occupant experience, business continuity, enterprise resilience, and more. The field is also constantly evolving and adapting to economic shifts, digital transformation, and other factors. According to the recent JLL Global State of Facilities Management Report, three key trends for industry stakeholders to stay on […]
Editor’s note: Originally published in 2025, this FM Perspectives op-ed is being reposted in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (observed March 8). 22: The percentage of women in the global FM labor force. 45: The average age of women in FM. These two pieces of data are from IFMA’s “Women in Facility Management: A […]
New Year’s resolutions are a great opportunity to set professional goals. Are you looking to hone your facilities management skills, boost your career, or stand out in a competitive job market in 2026? Earning an industry certification can not only sharpen your FM expertise but also help you climb that company ladder or become a […]
In facilities management, peer-to-peer connections are among the strongest found in any industry. These relationships are sustained by a shared mission to “roll up our sleeves” and “get our hands dirty” while tackling the complex operational, technical, and organizational issues facing educational and commercial properties. While the unique challenges of this field promote strong bonds, […]