The Workforce Challenge Facing FM
The facilities management industry, including hygiene services, is facing a significant labour challenge. Post-pandemic workforce shifts, Brexit impacts on labour supply, and changing expectations among workers have all contributed to difficulties in recruitment and retention.
At Doves, we've invested significantly in addressing these challenges, and we want to share what we've learned with our clients and the broader industry.
Understanding the Problem
Several factors contribute to the current situation:
Workforce Availability
The available labour pool has shrunk. EU workers who once filled many FM roles have reduced in number, and domestic recruitment hasn't fully filled the gap.
Competition for Workers
With low unemployment, workers have options. FM roles compete with retail, logistics, and other sectors for the same candidates.
Changing Expectations
Workers increasingly expect better pay, conditions, and career development than FM has traditionally offered. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of frontline workers, raising expectations accordingly.
Industry Image
Cleaning and hygiene roles haven't always been seen as attractive career paths. This perception, while changing, still affects recruitment.
How We're Responding
At Doves, we've implemented several strategies to ensure we can continue delivering excellent service:
Investing in Our People
We pay above the living wage and offer benefits that competitors often don't—pension contributions, paid training time, and career development opportunities. We believe that treating our team well translates directly to better service for our clients.
Technology to Enhance Productivity
Smart technology allows our technicians to work more efficiently. Route optimisation reduces travel time. Digital checklists ensure nothing is missed. Smart sensors in some client facilities help us prioritise where attention is most needed.
This isn't about replacing people with technology—it's about helping our team work smarter and achieve more in the same time.
Training and Development
We invest in comprehensive training that goes beyond basic skills. Our technicians understand the science behind what they do, the regulations that apply, and the importance of their work. This professionalization makes roles more attractive and improves service quality.
Building a Positive Culture
We work hard to create an environment where people want to stay. Low turnover means experienced technicians who know our clients' premises and preferences.
What This Means for Our Clients
Our investment in workforce solutions benefits clients in several ways:
Consistency: Low turnover means you see the same familiar faces, not constant new recruits learning your premises.
Quality: Well-trained, well-paid technicians deliver better service than overworked, under-resourced alternatives.
Reliability: Because we can recruit and retain good people, we can maintain consistent service schedules without the disruption that understaffing causes.
Innovation: Our team actively contribute ideas for improving service—engaged employees think about how to do things better.
Industry-Wide Implications
The labour challenge is reshaping FM in ways that ultimately benefit clients:
Quality Over Price: Clients increasingly understand that the cheapest provider may struggle to deliver reliable service. Quality-focused providers who invest in their workforce are better positioned for long-term success.
Technology Adoption: Labour constraints are accelerating technology adoption, bringing benefits like better monitoring and more efficient service.
Better Working Conditions: The need to compete for workers is raising standards across the industry.
Choosing a Provider That Invests in People
When evaluating hygiene service providers, consider their approach to workforce:
Providers who struggle with staffing will struggle with service quality. Those who invest in their people are better positioned to deliver consistent excellence.
Our Commitment
At Doves, we're committed to being an employer of choice in our industry. This isn't just altruism—it's essential to delivering the service our clients expect and deserve.
If you've experienced inconsistent service from providers struggling with staffing issues, we'd welcome the opportunity to show you a different approach. Contact us on 01480 210999.