Facilities Management or FM for short, is what keeps buildings running. From fixing leaks and maintaining lifts to cleaning offices and making sure heating and lighting work safely, FM staff keep workplaces and public spaces in order.
Over the last few years, the UK has seen a big increase in the need for skilled FM workers. More buildings, stricter safety rules, and the push for greener, more efficient workplaces mean good maintenance people are harder to find.
What Facilities Management Really Means
Facilities Management covers both hard services and soft services.
-
Hard services are the technical jobs — fixing electrical issues, maintaining boilers, checking ventilation systems, and carrying out planned maintenance.
-
Soft services cover cleaning, security, waste management, catering, and keeping workspaces safe and comfortable.
Both sides are essential. A broken heating system or an unsafe lift can stop business operations, just as much as poor cleaning or missing security staff can cause complaints and risk.
Why Demand for FM Workers is Rising
1. More Workplaces, More Complexity
Modern buildings have advanced systems — automatic lighting, temperature controls, alarms, and data-linked sensors. These need regular maintenance and people who understand how they work. That’s why skilled technicians and engineers are so valuable.
2. Stricter Safety Rules
Every company is responsible for the safety of their buildings and staff. Regular inspections, PAT testing, fire safety checks, and planned maintenance are legal requirements — and someone has to do them properly.
3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Businesses are under pressure to cut energy use and carbon emissions. Facilities teams handle recycling, efficient heating, and smart building systems. This shift creates a growing need for workers who understand sustainable maintenance.
4. The Retirement Gap
Many experienced FM professionals are retiring, leaving a shortage of skilled workers. The younger generation isn’t joining the trade fast enough to replace them, leading to more open vacancies.
5. Outsourcing and Flexibility
Instead of handling maintenance in-house, many organisations now hire external FM providers. These providers depend on reliable, trained staff who can cover different client sites — creating constant demand for experienced workers.
The Skills Employers Are Looking For
-
Technical know-how – Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, or general maintenance experience.
-
Health and safety awareness – Understanding of risk assessments, safe work methods, and use of PPE.
-
Problem-solving – Quick, practical thinking when something breaks down.
-
Communication skills – Speaking clearly with managers, tenants, or clients.
-
Adaptability – Being able to handle multiple sites or switch tasks quickly.
-
Certificates – 18th Edition for electricians, F-Gas for HVAC, IOSH or CSCS for general site safety.
Having the right training makes a huge difference — not just for safety, but also for trust and reliability.
Where Facilities Staff Are Needed Most
Skilled FM workers are needed almost everywhere, but especially in:
-
Hospitals and healthcare centres – Safety and hygiene are critical.
-
Schools and universities – Ongoing maintenance and seasonal upgrades.
-
Warehouses and factories – 24-hour operations need constant upkeep.
-
Offices and business parks – Comfort, safety, and presentation matter daily.
-
Retail and hospitality – Quick fixes and good presentation affect customer experience.
-
Public buildings – Local councils and housing associations need FM support every day.
The Real Hiring Challenge
Many companies struggle to find and keep skilled FM workers because:
-
Job adverts are often too vague or demanding.
-
Pay doesn’t always match the responsibility.
-
Workers are asked to cover too many sites.
-
There’s little focus on career growth or training.
-
Onboarding (first-day support) is weak — people leave early.
How Employers Can Hire Better
1. Be Clear About the Job
Explain exactly what the role involves: hours, locations, shift patterns, and duties. Workers appreciate honesty. Avoid vague phrases like “flexible duties” — spell it out.
2. Pay Fairly
FM work is skilled labour. Competitive pay keeps people motivated and reduces turnover. Include overtime rates and travel allowances if the role involves moving between sites.
3. Check the Right Things
When hiring, focus on safety awareness, attendance history, and willingness to learn — not just qualifications. Good attitude and reliability matter more than a perfect CV.
4. Move Quickly
If you find a good candidate, don’t delay. Skilled workers often have several offers. Have contracts and start dates ready to go.
5. Train and Upskill
Provide short, job-based training such as manual handling, first aid, or electrical safety. Small investments in training pay off by reducing accidents and improving staff confidence.
How to Keep Good Facilities Workers
Once you find reliable people, keeping them is just as important as hiring them.
-
Give recognition – A simple thank-you or a mention in team meetings goes a long way.
-
Offer stability – Predictable shifts help people plan their lives.
-
Provide proper tools – Faulty equipment causes stress and slows the job down.
-
Keep communication open – Listen to staff feedback and fix small issues before they become big ones.
-
Encourage growth – Offer clear paths for moving up, such as becoming a team leader or site supervisor.
When workers feel respected, supported, and safe, they stay longer.
How to Prepare for the Skills Shortage
Employers can get ahead of the shortage by:
-
Partnering with reliable recruitment agencies like NTR to access pre-checked candidates.
-
Building relationships with local colleges or training centres to support apprenticeships.
-
Keeping pay fair and competitive to attract experienced tradespeople.
-
Offering flexible roles for semi-retired or part-time workers.
-
Promoting safety and respect as part of company culture.
These steps build loyalty and help secure the skilled workers every site needs.
FAQs
1. Why are facilities management workers in such high demand?
Buildings are getting more complex, and businesses need skilled people to handle safety checks, maintenance, and energy efficiency. That’s why demand is rising.
2. What kind of jobs come under facilities management?
It includes technical work like electrical or plumbing maintenance, as well as cleaning, security, and keeping workplaces safe and running smoothly.
3. Do facilities management roles require special qualifications?
Some roles do, especially in technical areas. Certificates like 18th Edition, F-Gas, or IOSH are common, but training can also be provided on the job.
4. How can employers find reliable FM workers quickly?
Working with a trusted agency like National Temping Recruitment helps — we pre-check skills, safety training, and availability so hiring is faster and safer.
5. Why do facilities staff leave jobs early?
The main reasons are unclear communication, poor equipment, or unfair shifts. Fixing these issues helps companies keep good people longer.
6. What makes a good facilities management worker?
Reliability, safety awareness, practical skills, and teamwork. Employers value people who get the job done without cutting corners.
7. How important is health and safety in FM work?
It’s essential. Every task — from changing lights to operating machinery — involves safety risks that trained FM staff know how to manage properly.
8. Can temporary facilities workers become permanent?
Yes. Many companies use temp-to-perm hiring — once workers prove their reliability, they’re often offered long-term roles.
9. How can companies make their FM team stronger?
Provide regular training, fair pay, clear schedules, and proper tools. It builds loyalty and keeps staff performing well.
10. How does National Temping Recruitment support FM employers?
We connect employers with pre-screened, dependable facilities staff — helping businesses fill gaps quickly and keep sites safe and efficient.
These FAQs address common queries and provide clear, actionable insights for hiring dependable and skilled facilities management staff.
Summary
The demand for skilled facilities management workers in the UK will keep rising. Buildings are getting more complex, safety rules are stricter, and sustainability targets are tougher. That means facilities management teams are more important than ever.
