According to a recent survey, a quarter of facilities management professionals in the United Kingdom report feeling stressed at work, amidst growing industry challenges including a skills shortage, supply chain issues and pressure to improve the overall workplace experience.
Commissioned by industrial coating manufacturer and building materials supplier Watco, the survey reports that over 1 in 4 (29%) of respondents in the sample have had an increase in their workload over the past year, and almost a third (28%) admitted that they often make mistakes as they have too much on their plate.
On top of this, a further third (32%) said that stress has 'often' made them feel like leaving their role. These realities pose problems not just to the smooth, safe operations of a facility but can also result in significant costs to businesses. The UK's Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) annual report in 2022 revealed almost 1 million workers in Great Britain suffering from a work-related illness caused by stress, depression, and anxiety. It also brought to light that stress-induced absences cost employers over 5 billion a year in this country.
These realities pose problems not just to the smooth, safe operations of a facility but can also result in significant costs to businesses. The UK's Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) annual report in 2022 revealed almost 1 million workers in Great Britain suffering from a work-related illness caused by stress, depression, and anxiety.
The survey of 250 facilities management professionals also uncovered that despite the current difficulties in sourcing skilled workers and accessing EU labour pools, reflected in the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) 2022 report, less than a quarter of businesses (22%) are prioritising investing in the workplace experience, and over 60% of respondents reported that they do not feel valued by their employer.
Lisa O’Neill, Watco marketing director, says: “We know that FMs cannot be expected to solve every challenge that they are facing.
However, the research revealed a common result where tasks and responsibilities are getting more unmanageable.
Therefore, shifting approach and incorporating simple tools such as a maintenance checklist can help to stop minor issues growing into big problems and ultimately, start to control ever-growing to-do lists.
This can save money on repairs and free up time for the more complex tasks and priorities such as health and safety.”
The survey of 250 facilities management professionals also uncovered that despite the current difficulties in sourcing skilled workers and accessing EU labour pools, reflected in the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) 2022 report, less than a quarter of businesses (22%) are prioritising investing in the workplace experience, and over 60% of respondents reported that they do not feel valued by their employer.
“Assessing the broader picture, steps must be taken to maintain the safe and smooth running of operations while navigating this skills shortage.
FMs must support the employees they already have while working to improve the overall workplace experience.
For example, taking steps to address workloads, offering professional development via industry resources, or demonstrating a commitment to safety regulations and legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act, ensuring that the facility supports all employees in feeling both happy and safe.”
