Tackling Stress in Facilities Management

Working in the world of facilities management, you’ve likely had your fair share of those edge-of-your-seat moments. Maybe it was that late-night call about a busted water pipe or juggling multiple contractors with only one you to go around. Trust us, we get it. At Catch 22, we’ve seen it all throughout our 40 years in the FM recruitment space, and we understand that while stress can sometimes fuel us to get the job done, it can also, well, catch up with us (pun intended!).

Recognising the Signs of Stress

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of managing stress, it’s essential to spot it. Stress can be as sneaky as a concealed leak in a ceiling void – you don’t know it’s there until the signs are impossible to ignore. From sleepless nights wondering if you’ve locked all the doors, to that third cup of coffee just to get through your emails, the indications are there, waving red flags.

We remember a time where you almost missed your child’s birthday because you were caught up resolving an HVAC system failure? Or when you had to pull together a superhero effort to fill an urgent staffing gap due to unforeseen staff shortages? These examples aren’t just tales from the FM frontline; they’re real-life signs of stress that we’ve all experienced in one way or another.

It might start with that tight feeling in your chest when the daily to-do list looks more like a novel, or perhaps it’s the restless thoughts that interrupt your sleep at 2 a.m. Whatever shape it takes, recognising stress is the first step in taming the beast. In facilities management, with the unpredictability of the job, this is vital.

We remember one FM professional telling us how they laughed off their constant headaches and irritability, chalking it up to ‘just a part of the job,’ until a broken fire alarm at 3 a.m. led to a not-so-funny-overload breakdown. The lesson? Pay attention to the early warning signs, and don’t brush off what your body and mind are telling you.

Ready to Combat Stress?

We know that ‘stress’ isn’t just a keyword to optimise on a webpage or a buzzword in the workplace wellbeing space. It’s a real challenge that demands real solutions. So, if you’re ready to take control and learn some stress-busting strategies tailored to the unique pressures of the FM world, keep reading. We’re here to share some wisdom, a few laughs, and maybe even a personal blunder or two. Because at Catch 22, we believe that sharing is caring, especially when it comes to keeping cool under pressure.

Now, take a deep breath, and let’s jump in!

Effective Stress Management Techniques for Facilities Management Professionals

Prioritisation and Delegation

The art of knowing the difference between ‘urgent’ and ‘important’ is key in our line of work. There’s a funny anecdote we recall where an FM—with a diary chock-full of appointments—mistakenly prioritised a staff birthday party over a critical equipment inspection. Sounds silly, right? But in the blur of the FM hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of priorities. The takeaway? Make a list, check it twice, and hand off whatever tasks you can. Remember, you’re managing facilities, not cloning sheep; you can’t do it all alone.

Communication Skills

Clear and assertive communication is your shield against the arrows of stress. It’s about speaking up before you feel buried under a pile of work orders. We once watched an FM expertly navigate a tense meeting where tempers flared over delayed maintenance schedules. Her secret? She kept her cool, made sure everyone felt heard, and steered the conversation with tact. Effective communication can deescalate stress before it escalates, every time.

Crisis Management

When crises strike—and they will—it’s all about adopting a mindset that sees solutions rather than problems. Picture this: An unexpected power outage during a high-profile event. Total nightmare, right? But you can jump into action with a calm head and a pre-emptive contingency plan, turning potential chaos into a textbook example of grace under fire. Be that person who has a plan B (and C and D).

Building a Personal Stress Management Toolkit

Stress is as personal as your favorite brand of coffee. What soothes one person might not work for another. Hence, building a personal stress-management toolkit is essential. This could be a meditation app that you use during breaks or a journal for reflecting on the day’s wins (and learning moments). One of our team swears by her daily lunchtime walks, rain or shine. Find what works for you, and make it as routine as checking fire alarm systems.

Incorporating Work-Life Balance

It’s tempting to be ‘always on,’ especially in a role where the line between ‘at work’ and ‘on call’ blurs. But here’s the thing: A well-rested Facilities Manager is a more effective Facilities Manager. We’ve seen Facilities Managers transform their life by setting firm boundaries—turning off email notifications post-6 p.m. and protecting their weekends for recharging sans work interruptions. It might take practice, but your personal life will thank you.

The Role of the Workplace in Stress Management

A supportive work environment is to stress what a well-maintained HVAC system is to a building: absolutely critical. Encouraging a culture where it’s okay to say, “I need a hand with this,” makes a world of difference in managing stress levels. We’ve watched companies thrive when they prioritise employee wellbeing—ranging from flexible work arrangements to bringing leafy plants into the office space.

Final Thoughts

Listen, dealing with stress isn’t about dodging every curveball thrown your way; it’s about learning to catch them (yep, that’s another Catch 22 reference for you). If you’re a Facilities Management professional feeling the heat, take these tips, try them out, and see what cools down that workplace pressure.

And remember, whether you’re searching for support or seeking a new opportunity that better fits your stress-management needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Catch 22. With over 40 years of experience in FM recruitment, we’re here to help you find a placement where the only thing high pressure is the water for your morning coffee.

So if you’re ready to make a change, or just need some advice, get in touch.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always yoga. Or chocolate. Sometimes both.

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Learn more about Catch 22 – Your Partner in Facilities Management Recruitment.