Should You Play The Counter-Offer Game in Facilities Management?

Should You Play The Counter-Offer Game in Facilities Management?

In facilities management, retaining top talent is as crucial as the state-of-the-art technology that powers our buildings. The moment a star member of your facilities management team hands in their resignation, a whirlwind of thoughts hits you. Is a counter-offer the right move?  While it seems like an immediate fix, the strategic implications for your facilities operations can be vast.

Join us as we dig deep into the effective strategies of talent retention, ensuring that your operations wheel keeps turning without a hitch.

Understanding the Core Issues Beyond Counter-Offers in Facilities Management

Facilities management has evolved from not just fixing what’s broken but to anticipating and preventing future issues. Similarly, when an employee considers leaving, it often points to broader issues than what a simple salary increase can resolve. These can range from seeking advancement opportunities not available in their current role, desiring a more flexible working environment that’s increasingly becoming vital in the facilities management industry, to needing a role that aligns more closely with their personal and professional growth aspirations.

Addressing these aspects requires a thoughtful approach that goes beyond the immediate gratification of a counter-offer. It demands a detailed look into the employee experience, understanding what facilities management professionals value in their careers, and creating an environment that fosters growth, satisfaction, and loyalty.

counter-offer

Here’s a real world example –

Alex, a facilities management professional had over five years of experience in a well-regarded property management firm. Known for his proactive approach in preventative maintenance, Alex had played a pivotal role in implementing new technologies that significantly reduced downtime and maintenance costs. Despite his accomplishments, he found himself contemplating a job offer from another company.

Alex’s journey to this crossroad was not sudden. Over time, he realised that his career progression had plateaued. He sought more than just routine checks and maintenance tasks; he aimed to strategise sustainability practices and spearhead projects that integrated smart building technologies. However, his current role offered limited scope for such advancement.

When Alex handed in his resignation, his manager, surprised and concerned, immediately counter-offered with a salary increase. While tempted, Alex understood that the core issues prompting his departure extended beyond financial compensation. He yearned for a role that aligned with his aspirations for innovation and sustainability in facilities management.

Alex’s story illustrates the broader trends within the facilities management industry. Today’s professionals seek roles that not only acknowledge their expertise but also provide pathways for growth, embrace flexible work models, and align with their values concerning sustainability and technology.

What happened next?

Recognising these underlying issues, Alex’s employer took a step back to reassess their employee retention strategy. They realised that counter-offers were a short-term solution that failed to address the root causes of dissatisfaction. This epiphany led to a shift towards a more holistic approach to employee engagement.

The company initiated regular career development discussions, offering clearer pathways for progression and training in emerging areas like energy efficiency and IoT integration in facilities management. Flexible working arrangements were formalised, acknowledging the changing dynamics of the workplace. Additionally, an innovation hub was created where employees could pitch and develop projects that leveraged technology to enhance building management and operations.

Months later, Alex found himself leading a pilot project that aimed to increase the energy efficiency of the company’s property portfolio through smart technologies. His role had transformed, aligning closely with his personal and professional aspirations, countering the feeling of stagnation that had initially driven him to consider leaving.

Alex’s story underscores the necessity of understanding and addressing the core issues beyond counter-offers in facilities management. It demonstrates how businesses that listen to and act on their employees’ aspirations can foster an environment of growth, satisfaction, and loyalty, turning potential departures into opportunities for development and innovation.

The Sustainable Approach vs. Quick Fixes in Facilities Management

Opting for a quick counter-offer might seem like plugging a leak temporarily, but without fixing the underlying issues, it’s only a matter of time before the dam breaks. A staggering 80% of employees who accept a counter-offer end up leaving within a year, highlighting the need for more sustainable staffing solutions in the facilities management sector.

This sustainability extends beyond just retention strategies; it encompasses a holistic approach to employee engagement, career development paths that align with individual aspirations, and fostering a workplace culture that champions transparency, inclusivity, and recognition. In facilities management, where the efficiency of operations relies heavily on the well-being and motivation of the team, creating a vibrant workplace culture is not just beneficial but essential.

Fostering a workplace culture that champions transparency, inclusivity, and recognition goes a long way in solidifying the foundation of a sustainable working environment. It’s about building trust through clear communication, celebrating diversity within the team, and recognising the contributions of each member. In facilities management, where the operational efficiency is intricately linked to the team’s morale and motivation, such a culture isn’t just beneficial; it’s pivotal. It propels the business forward, ensuring that the team not only maintains the physical infrastructure but also upholds the values and vision of the company, thereby embodying the essence of true sustainability in facilities management.

In essence, moving beyond the quick fix of counter-offers and embracing a holistic, sustainable approach in facilities management is about recognizing and addressing the deeper needs and aspirations of employees. It’s about creating a workspace where individuals are engaged, motivated, and aligned with the businesses’ goals – ensuring not just the maintenance of facilities, but the cultivation of an environment where both employees and the business can achieve their fullest potential.

counter-offerThe Ripple Effect of Counter-Offers in Facilities Management Teams

One overlooked aspect of counter-offers is their impact on team dynamics and overall morale. When one employee’s departure leads to a better offer, it can inadvertently sow seeds of discontent or raise questions among the rest of the team. This scenario can be particularly challenging in the close-knit environment of facilities management, where teamwork and mutual respect are the backbones of efficient operations. Balancing equitable treatment with individual recognition requires nuanced leadership skills and a fair, transparent approach to talent management.

Moreover, proactive engagement in understanding and addressing the aspirations and concerns of each team member can prevent situations where a counter-offer becomes a last resort. Regular check-ins, performance discussions, and a genuine open-door policy can contribute significantly to a culture where employees feel valued and heard. This is especially relevant in facilities management, where the day-to-day challenges and achievements are deeply interconnected, and every team member’s contribution is vital to the collective success.

In essence, working with the delicate dynamics associated with counter-offers requires a blend of strategic foresight, empathetic leadership, and a steadfast commitment to fairness and transparency. It is through such balanced leadership that businesses can foster a thriving, motivated, and cohesive team, capable of meeting the complex demands of modern facilities management with unity and resilience.

Catch 22: Your Expert in Facilities Management Recruitment

Aligning with a seasoned partner like Catch 22 can help improve your facilities management recruitment and retention strategies. With a finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends and a deep understanding of what drives facilities management professionals, we’re here to help you successfully manage the complexities of staffing. Whether it’s integrating sustainable practices into your operations, harnessing the power of the latest technology, or constructing a talent pipeline that aligns with your business’s future vision, our expertise is your asset.

In a rapidly evolving domain like facilities management, where the only constant is change, making informed, strategic decisions about your team’s composition and happiness can set you apart as an employer of choice.

Get in touch with our team today to learn more –

For London & The South, call us on 020 7220 8900 or email london@c22.co.uk.

If you’re in Yorkshire & the North East, reach out at 0113 242 8055 or leeds@c22.co.uk.

Based in the Midlands & the North West? Contact us at 0161 470 2160 or manchester@c22.co.uk.

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

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Intelligence 07 August 2024 Written by Marketing