Soft Skills Matter: The Human Element in Facilities Management Recruitment

Welcome to Catch 22, your trusted partner in Facilities Management recruitment. With over 40 years of dedicated service, we’ve been at the forefront of shaping the industry, providing real recruitment solutions that stand the test of time. In this blog, we delve into a critical aspect of recruitment often overlooked—the significance of soft skills in Facilities Management roles.

The Human Element: Beyond Technical Proficiency

Facilities Management is an intricate dance of technical prowess and the human touch. In a world dominated by machinery and digital interfaces, the heartbeat of any successful Facilities Management operation is the people who make it happen. Beyond the blueprints and maintenance schedules, it’s the human element that breathes life into the infrastructure we manage.

Connecting the Dots: Humanising Facilities Management

Imagine a scenario where technical problems arise simultaneously with tight deadlines looming. In such moments, it’s not just about troubleshooting systems; it’s about fostering collaboration, effective communication, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. The human element becomes the thread that weaves through the fabric of efficiency.

Soft skills are the conduits through which Facilities Management professionals engage with each other, clients, and the broader community. It’s the art of translating technical jargon into clear, concise communication that resonates with diverse stakeholders. This human touch transforms complex projects into collaborative endeavors, enhancing not only operational success but also job satisfaction.

Understanding Soft Skills in Facilities Management

Soft skills in Facilities Management are akin to the gears that allow machinery to function seamlessly. They encompass a spectrum of attributes that go beyond the traditional realms of expertise. Let’s unravel the layers of these essential qualities and understand why they are indispensable in the Facilities Management landscape.

Communication: 

• Effective communication in Facilities Management goes beyond relaying information. It’s about creating a shared understanding, fostering transparent dialogues, and ensuring that every team member feels heard. From conveying safety protocols to articulating project timelines, effective communication is the lighthouse guiding the team through stormy challenges.

Teamwork: 

• Facilities Management is a collaborative symphony where every team member plays a crucial note. The ability to work seamlessly with colleagues, contractors, and clients is vital. Teamwork ensures that everyone is moving in harmony, leveraging individual strengths to create a collective masterpiece in operational efficiency.

Adaptability: 

• In the ever-evolving landscape of Facilities Management, adaptability is not just a virtue; it’s a necessity. Soft skills like adaptability empower professionals to navigate unforeseen challenges, pivot strategies, and ensure that operations remain resilient in the face of change.

Problem-Solving: 

Soft skills transform Facilities Managers from problem fixers to problem solvers. It’s about approaching challenges with a strategic mindset, thinking beyond immediate solutions, and crafting sustainable answers that prevent recurring issues.Client

Relationship Management:

• Facilities Managers often serve as the face of the operation to clients. Exceptional soft skills in client relationship management build trust, foster long-term partnerships, and ensure that the human element of empathy and understanding is woven into every interaction.

Assessing Soft Skills: A Guide for Hiring Managers

Now that we’ve established the importance of soft skills, let’s guide hiring managers on how to assess and prioritise these qualities in Facilities Management candidates.

1. Behavioural Interviewing Techniques:
   • Structure interviews to elicit examples of past behavior. Ask candidates to share instances where their soft skills played a crucial role in resolving conflicts, improving team dynamics, or enhancing client relationships.
2. Simulated Work Scenarios:
   • Create scenarios that mirror real-world Facilities Management challenges. This allows candidates to showcase their problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills in a practical setting.
3. Reference Checks:
   • Dive deep into a candidate’s past work experiences. Speak with previous employers or colleagues to gain insights into how the candidate demonstrated soft skills in a professional setting.
4. Role-Specific Assessments:
   • Tailor assessments to the specific soft skills required for the role. For instance, if client interaction is a key aspect, include scenarios that evaluate a candidate’s ability to build and maintain positive client relationships.

Catch 22: Your Facilities Management Recruitment Partner

At Catch 22, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, providing equal opportunities, and celebrating the richness that diversity brings to our industry.

We’re been helping companies recruit facilities management talent for 40 years and we’re extremely proud of our reputation. Talk to our team today and see what we can do for you.

London & The South – 020 7220 8900
london@c22.co.uk

Yorkshire & North East – 0113 242 8055
leeds@c22.co.uk

Midlands & North West – 0161 470 2160
manchester@c22.co.uk

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Choose Catch 22—where expertise meets excellence in Facilities Management recruitment.