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ABM confirms accessibility moves

Developments reflect commitment to embed accessibility and inclusion into the company culture.

ISS signs up to sponsor WageMap

Move strengthens commitment to increasing implementation of living wages across the industry.

EMCOR recertified as Disability Confident Employer

Recertification achieved by demonstrating inclusivity throughout business operations.

VIVO gains gold at The 5% Club

Gold rating comes just 10 months after joining the ‘earn & learn’ organisation.

Mitie moves to Silver status at 5% Club

Move recognises consistent commitment to providing earn and learn opportunities.

Sodexo HR director recognised as role model

Laura Purdey, HR director for schools & universities, has been named in the 2024 Outstanding Executives Role Model List.

Atlas rated by its people

A nationwide survey of employees shows best-ever satisfaction and happiness levels.

Sodexo leads in Social Mobility Index

Sodexo UK & Ireland named in the top 75 of the 2024 Social Mobility Employer Index.

Offices: think ‘customer first’ and prioritise experiences

New report says treat workers like customers that need to be acquired and retained.

Pilot targets HR support for SMEs

Many FM companies are SMEs, now facing a raft of new employment laws.

Churchill recognised for social recruitment

The group has been accredited as a gold level member by the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group.

What exactly does ‘wellbeing’ mean?

Lack of an agreed definition is holding employers back from supporting workers better.

Arcus FM publishes first EDI report

A significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive culture and promote diversity, it says.

Churchill secures backing for EoT transition

The group is funding its employees share acquisition via the debt market.

Bringing FM and HR closer together

IFMA collaborating on integrated resources to help drive organisational success.

Deadline set for Deborah Rowland Scholarship

The closing date to apply for this new opportunity for FM is 14 September.

Sodexo now menopause-friendly employer accredited

The accreditation is awarded in recognition of efforts to foster an inclusive culture and provide robust support.

Security industry: highlight opportunities for women

More needs to be done to promote security as an industry for women, Danhouse Security’s John Fitzpatrick argues.

Mitie named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer

Recognition for the third year reflecting a comprehensive offering and commitment to building sustainable careers.

OCS to increase apprenticeship placements

Pathways in cleaning, catering, security, hospitality and hard services will develop future talent and support career progression.

Too much change all at once, say UK workers

UK employees are optimistic about new opportunities and ways of working, but the pace and magnitude of change is overwhelming for many.

Sodexo recognised for gender equality

Sodexo UK & Ireland listed in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024.

Churchill championing inclusivity

The group is partnering with the Social Value Portal and has joined the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group.

What do young people want?

Nearly half of Millennials in the UK have rejected a potential employer because of their values and beliefs.

Whatever happened to ‘The Great Resignation’?

It’s given way to ‘The Big Stay’, says CIPD.

Health and flexibility top workforce concerns

Global study finds employee health and employer flexibility are key elements in harnessing an age-diverse workforce.

Acas offers flexible working code of practice

In addition to the CoP, the advisory service has published guidance on changed regulations.

Carlisle commits to self-delivery

Firm says it will no longer use subcontractors to fill core roles across its contracts.

Equans launches data apprenticeships academy

The new Digital & Energy Services Data Academy aims to enhance data and digital literacy.

IWFM redoubles EDI commitment

Publicly committed to EDI since 2021, the Institute is taking further action following the recent publication of new research.

Mental health tool offered to hospitality sector

The assessment tool aims to help employers identify what factors are impacting the wellbeing of their workforce.

Sodexo scores top sector ranking for EDI

The UK & Ireland business is the highest scoring organisation within the hospitality, travel and leisure industry in the Inclusion in EDI Maturity Curve.

Sodexo launches Starting Fresh toolkit

Move marks the first anniversary of an initiative aiming to bridge the gap between skills shortages and the under-utilised ex-offender talent pool.

Sodexo duo named as Women to Watch

Inna Lim and Jo Eagling have been recognised in the 2024 Women to Watch index. 

ABM launches women’s impact group

News of the move coincides with this year’s International Women’s Day. 

Sodexo signs up to refugee initiative

Sodexo UK & Ireland is one of 70 major businesses joining forces to advance the labour market integration of refugees in the UK.

Andron FM joins refugee campaign

The company has joined Tent UK, signalling a commitment to helping refugees become job-ready and secure employment.

RICS launches new DEI guidance

The six-document guidance has been developed by RICS members and DEI experts.

T Levels: fostering talent and bridging skills gaps

Today is T Level Thursday of 2024’s National Apprenticeship Week.

Labour shortage: a potential solution

Under-represented groups, upskilling and cross-skilling could have considerable benefits.

Sodexo Live! acts for gender equality

Joining Women in Football as a corporate member reaffirms its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The mental health challenge in FM

Survey shows overwork is a major issue for the sector.

Sodexo taking a lead on skills gap

A roundtable event brought together businesses in the energy sector and prison personnel.

Pareto vice chair recognised in Global Diversity list

Andrew Hulbert, founder and vice chair of Pareto FM, has been recognised as an Inspirational Role Model.

IWFM launches digital learning platform 

The new platform will upgrade the experience of online learners and open new opportunities, the Institute says.

HSE launches work-related stress tool

The 'much needed' online learning tool aims to help businesses understand and address stress.

Integral signs Armed Forces Covenant

The building services and engineering firm commits to supporting fair treatment for ex-armed forces personnel and their families.

Novus marks wellbeing milestones

Novus Property Solutions is celebrating a trio of milestones in its campaign to support and improve wellbeing and health.

Arcus releases EDI strategy

The company also says that the FM industry more broadly could do better

Security: mental health event announced

The event, the second this year, will address the stigma around mental health in the industry.

CIPD publishes ‘Manifesto for Good Work’

The focus is HR but much of this extends into FM, too.

Unique networking event returns

Tomorrow Meets Today focuses on promoting diversity and creating unique opportunities for FM’s future leaders.

Amey in SWAPs role for DWP

Amey is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme.

Is homeworking bad for your health?

Homeworkers are more likely to make questionable dietary decisions, but they are also likely to get more exercise.

Compass launches career hub

The new platform is designed specifically for people who are struggling to gain employment.

SBFM tackles employment challenge

A new initiative from the soft FM specialist aims to provide sustainable employment opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups.

Amey unveils leadership D&I programme

Amey has launched its inaugural Multicultural Leadership Development Programme. 

Acas consulting on flexible working code

The workplace advisory group has opened consultation on updates to its statutory Code of Practice on handling requests for flexible working.

Atlas Security launches people strategy

New strategy aims to demonstrate a commitment to improving the wellbeing of all employees, including frontline officers.

ISS commits to hire 1,000 refugees in Europe

This new pledge builds on the group’s ongoing commitment to hire, train and upskill immigrants and refugees.

Urgent action needed on job quality

As FM clients grapple with changing work patterns and FM providers worry about recruitment issues, new research tracks falling engagement and rising stress.

Flexible working key to recruitment & retention

New research from the CIPD finds that an estimated 4m people have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.

Satvir Bungar on the Empower Role Model list

Satvir Bungar, M&A managing director at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, has been named as one of the top 100 leaders for his work in supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Younger workers driving wellbeing trends

Younger generations of workers across the UK are calling for enhanced wellbeing, sustainable and digital workplace practices.

Sodexo extends employee support

The service provider has appointed Salary Finance to offer its UK employees a new financial wellbeing benefit.

Corps Security to host mental health event

Registration is now open for Mental Health - Security’s Invisible Enemy, which marks May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Is hybrid working good for you?

Employers and employees have a differing opinion about the health and wellbeing impact of hybrid working, according to new research.

Employers look to hire ex-offenders

New research reveals how recruitment challenges are encouraging employers to consider ex-offenders.

SBFM reinforces commitment to employees

The ambitious soft services provider has joined the industry-led young persons recruitment initiative, The 5% Club.

Firms struggle with people data: research

Workforce issues feature in three of the top four business concerns, but people data and discussion aren’t regularly on senior management or boardroom agendas.

Apprenticeship levy: still a subject of debate

While many companies have done good things with their levy funds, the programme has been plagued by calls for change.

Team Software partners with Orka Works

The partnership brings together two growing firms, both with a focus on the facilities management industry.

Back pain trend rises with homeworking

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational illnesses, with back pain topping the list.

ISS commits to being age-friendly employer

As part of its commitment to providing diverse, inclusive workspaces the group has signed up to the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge.

Mitie marks 5 years as Top Employer

The 2023 UK Top Employers list includes the FM group for the fifth year running.

Sodexo’s Raj Jones shortlisted for diversity award

Jones, head of DE&I for Sodexo UK & Ireland, has been selected as a finalist in the 2023 Burberry Diversity Awards.

Compass commits £1.6m in levy funding

Compass Group UK & Ireland has committed over £1.6m of its Apprenticeship Levy funds to support over 100 SMEs, charities and social enterprises.

Planon secures WELL certification

The Planon Innovation Campus has been awarded certification at the Platinum level by the International WELL Building Institute.

More emphasis needed on inclusive workplaces

The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report.

Kat Parsons, a woman to watch

Head of diversity, inclusion and belonging for ISS UK and Ireland, Parsons has been recognised in a key industry listing.

Mitie named as Top 50 employer

The FM group has made the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list for the fifth year running.

SBFM launches employee L&D platform

Unify is part of the soft service provider’s investment in training to help address long-term skill and labour shortages across the industry.

ISS fostering diverse management talent

The facilities management group has joined the Generation Valuable training and mentorship programme.

ABM launches pan-disability forum

The move is seen as a critical step in deepening the company’s commitment to creating inclusive venues and workplaces.

SBFM provides financial wellbeing support

The soft services provider has introduced Bravo Benefits, a new financial wellness programme to better support its colleagues amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

Wellbeing: 14forty proves the benefits of action

Plantilicious, an entirely plant-based menu, was launched in 2021 and proved to be the start of a revolution for the FM services provider.

SBFM signs Race at Work Charter

The fast growing soft services provider has joined over 800 employers in committing to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Compass opens reverse mentoring programme

The ‘Mentor Up’ programme aims to help create a shared understanding of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for colleagues from ethnic minority groups.

CIPD: money isn’t enough

As businesses across the country face rising costs, new research warns that using pay to attract talent simply isn’t enough to tackle ongoing skills shortages.

ABM expands social mobility initiative

ABM has opened its doors to the fifth cohort to take part in its Junior Engineering Engagement Programme, with an additional school on the roster. 

ABM extends suicide prevention commitment

The facilities services firm is lending its security expertise and experience to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Churchill extends care commitments

Churchill Services has signed the Care Leavers Covenant and the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant.

Churchill’s Louisa Clarke joins Veterans Advisory Board

Louisa Clarke, managing director for the North and Scotland in Churchill’s cleaning business, has been successful in being appointed to this key position.

Zero-hours contracts: not all bad

CIPD research shows zero-hours contract workers report better work-life balance and wellbeing than other workers.

Atalian Servest deploys Wagestream

The FM provider has begun a phased roll-out of the financial wellbeing app to its workforce.

ISS Warsaw HQ scoops platinum award

The ISS Hub has received top marks for accessibility and usability, making it the first to ever reach Platinum status.

73% of FMs are struggling to source labour

Labour sourcing is the top obstacle for FM professionals when providing cleaning services of the right quality.

Compass publishes new equalities targets

The food and support services provider has announced a new strategy to address the inequalities that create barriers to progress.

Sustainability Tool adds diversity survey 

The software application designed to help organisations and their supply chains measure and monitor their sustainability performance has launched the 2022 employee diversity benchmarking survey.

Three-quarters of employers offer hybrid working

New data from the CIPD shows that more than three-quarters of organisations have embraced hybrid working through a mix of formal and informal arrangements.

Eurest and 14forty in charity donation

Compass Group’s workplace caterer and facilities management provider have donated £21,000 to Mental Health UK.

Mid-market firms struggle with hybrid working

New research from business advisers Grant Thornton finds that since the lifting of Covid restrictions in February, the number of firms reporting hybrid working solutions has fallen.

Workplace: coping with new realities

PwC’s new Workforce Hopes and Fears survey is a reminder of just how much things have changed over the past couple of years.

Workplace investment aims to drive engagement

Employee engagement is the top priority for global businesses and nearly two-thirds are investing in their offices with this in mind.

Majority still favour hybrid working

In CBRE’s latest EMEA Occupier Sentiment Survey 72% of companies said they are moving towards a hybrid workplace model.

i-FM Technology in FM Award: entry open

Doing great things with technology in FM? We want to hear from you.

Full EMCOR team on Real Living Wage

EMCOR UK has announced that from 1 April all its employees are earning the Real Living Wage or above.

Hybrid working: productivity on the rise

The number of employers who report that an increase in homeworking has increased their organisation’s productivity or efficiency has jumped significantly over the last year.

ISS wins RoSPA Initiative of the Year award

ISS UK’s new menopause awareness programme has scooped a key industry award.

Elior launches family friendly policy

The contract caterer’s new policy includes a range of elements designed to aid employee wellbeing.

Wellbeing slipping down the agenda?

Employee mental health and wellbeing must remain a business priority and should not be de-prioritised as ‘nice to haves’.

Amey partners with refugee agency

Refugees arriving in the UK can find themselves facing continued hardship, often including long-term unemployment. 

Living Wage accreditation for Richard Irvin FM

The Stirling-based hard services provider has pledged to pay the voluntary rate to help staff with the cost of living.

Hybrid working: there’s no going back

We are not the same people who went home to work in early 2020: the past two years have left a lasting imprint.

10 lessons from the pandemic

Two years ago we were moving into Covid-19 lockdown, setting off what has been called the largest change in how people work in living memory.

Sodexo gets a Vital Spaces makeover

New investment in the London headquarters prioritises the employee experience and creates a showcase for the company’s eco-system of workplace services.

Workplace: generations ‘not on the same page’

An extensive survey finds 60% of professionals reporting a rise in new challenges post-pandemic when working with colleagues from different generations.

Surveillance risks ‘spiralling out of control’

Intrusive worker surveillance technology needs stronger regulation to ensure protection, warns the TUC.

Sodexo receives Stonewall Silver Employer Award

The award marks the service provider’s commitment and efforts in being an LGBT+ inclusive employer.

Living wage: first livery company accredited

The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners is the first such body to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

Grant Thornton: hybrid working works

Internal research shows the business adviser’s UK staff reporting increased productivity and wellbeing.

Tough recruitment conditions driving up pay

UK employers anticipate increasing pay and focusing on flexibility and wellbeing as they look to combat increasing recruitment and retention difficulties.

Designing inclusive workplaces

A new white paper delivers insights and inspiration for DE&I, HR and business leaders.

Sodexo and OCS launch modern slavery group

Sodexo has joined forces with OCS to spearhead the creation of a new council for a dedicated cross-industry group.

Pareto offers MHFA advice

Pareto FM has released its mental health first aider guidance to coincide with today’s ‘Time To Talk Day’.

Sodexo forges health and wellbeing partnership

A strategic health and wellbeing partnership will see the Spectrum.Life Employee Assistance Programme provided to all employees.

Hybrid working: Deloitte confirms strategy

The business advisor has embraced the future and outlined how its 22,000 UK employees will see work and the workplace change.

EMCOR UK launches parental leave policy

The company says its new policy is one of the best in the industry.

Many companies not ready for workplace change

A new report finds that organisations risk losing out on key talent unless they improve the quality of their real estate and embed flexible working post-Covid.

Churchill and Penguin in cross-company mentoring

Churchill Group and Penguin FM are teaming up on a mentoring and coaching programme designed to develop their teams for success in 2022 and beyond.

Kingdom Cleaning joins Inclusive Companies network

The network brings together organisations leading the field in commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion.

IWFM warns on worker welfare

As employees return to work following the holidays, many will not be returning to the office as they had previously expected.

Two Sodexo women recognised as ‘ones to watch’

Aoife Wycherley and Deirdre Saunders have been recognised as role models in the third Women to Watch & Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index 2021.

Atalian Servest signs mental health commitment

Created by the charity Mind, the Mental Health at Work Commitment defines six fundamental standards for a business.

Majority of employers favour day-one flexible working

Over two-fifths of employers say they will be more likely to grant requests for flexible working after the end of pandemic restrictions than they were before Covid-19.

Corps launches D&I initiative

The security services company has launched Corps Together, a campaign to improve equality, diversity and inclusion engagement across the organisation.

Cleaning industry: a solution to staffing shortages?

Employers in the cleaning sector need to adapt to a rapidly changing workforce if they are to win the battle for workers.

Property spreads recruitment message to young people

A new website, backed by 12 major firms, aims to educate a new generation of young people about career choices in the built environment sector.

Bidvest Noonan partners for employee engagement

The company is working with employee engagement and wellness specialists Wrkit in a move designed to enhance the wellbeing and engagement of its 27,000 people.

EMCOR commits to wellbeing in the workplace

The UK business is the first organisation in the world to be certified against a new BSI scheme based on the ISO standard for psychological health and safety.

Hybrid working could boost social mobility

New research has uncovered another potential benefit of a more flexible approach to work and the workplace.

Wellbeing: UK FM sector not doing enough

FM is not taking a strategic approach or taking enough specific action to address its responsibilities towards the wellbeing of individuals and the planet as a whole.

ISS signs up to UN women’s principles

ISS has signed the CEO statement for the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, reinforcing its commitment to advancing gender equality.

Sodexo re-accredited as Disability Confident Leader

The accreditation is an external validation of the company’s commitment to promote the recruitment, engagement and development of people with disabilities.

Healthcare: staff wellbeing top priority

Hospital leaders say they now see staff wellbeing as one of their top two most pressing priorities amid concerns of burn-out brought about by Covid-19.

Employers expect more flexible work requests

A new survey from Acas has found that half of employers in Great Britain expect an increase in demand for flexible forms of working post-pandemic.

Amey exceeds funding target for mentoring

Amey’s Secure Infrastructure business has raised over £300,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to support its mentoring programme.

EMCOR supports wellbeing at work report

The FM company was among a number of collaborators working with Business in the Community to produce the report.

Workplace expectations: trouble ahead?

Staff may be officially returning to the office, but if employers don’t offer the right working experience 60% will leave or become less motivated, according to new research.

Ground Control accredited as a Living Wage Employer

The UK’s largest landscape and maintenance contractor has committed to paying its workers the real Living Wage.

Redefining ‘Freedom Day’

Freedom Day shouldn’t signal a mass return to workplaces, but it could signal the start of greater freedom and flexibility in how, when and where people work.

New IOSH course on health and wellbeing

Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing is a key addition to its course portfolio, says learning solutions provider International Workplace.

Slattery named D&I ambassador

Margot Slattery, ISS group head of diversity & inclusion, has been appointed global ambassador for diversity & inclusion 2021 by the All Ireland Business Foundation.

FM: career match for ex-military personnel

According to new research from Mitie, over two-thirds of people who served in the military and moved into facilities management found that FM roles were a good match for their skills.

Wates adopts flexible working

The company, which employs nearly 4,000 people across the UK, is encouraging them all to experiment with different working patterns that improve their working life.

Research: job quality still falling short

As Covid shines a new light on people, work and workplace, employers are being urged to better understand job quality and to focus on making work a force for good.

Living Wage: EMCOR UK signs on

EMCOR UK has been accredited as a Living Wage Foundation Recognised Service Provider.

Sodexo appoints new inclusion head

Raj Jones has been named permanent head of diversity & inclusion at the UK & Ireland business.

Sodexo publishes ethnicity pay gap report

The move is voluntarily and marks Sodexo out as the first company in the hospitality and FM industry to do this.

Sodexo forms modern slavery forum

Sodexo UK and Ireland has teamed up with its four largest strategic suppliers to highlight risks, share best practice and agree common commitments.

New normal: old ways won’t work

To succeed in a hybrid future, organisations must stop duplicating office-centric practices and shift to a human-centric model.

Sodexo’s Harpreet Cheema named to leaders list

Cheema has been listed on the EMpower 2021 Ethnic Minority Future Leader Role Model list.

Mental health first aid programme for ABM

The facilities services provider has introduced a mental health first aid training programme across its aviation and business & industry divisions.

Employers need a post-Covid new deal

Employment contracts and HR policies will need to be overhauled to create a ‘new deal’ for employers and employees reflecting changed ways of working.

BCO calls for multisensory design

New research from the British Council for Offices argues that a multisensory approach to workplace design can help improve wellbeing.

Mitie offers workplace return advice

With the prospect of a return to the workplace climbing the corporate agenda businesses must adapt their premises to recover quickly, according to a new guide.

New tools to prevent, reduce and manage stress

As more organisations begin to think about post-lockdown plans the Health & Safety Executive is urging employers to review stress-causing factors in work and workplaces.

WFH: more employers seeing increased productivity

The productivity benefits of homeworking have increased over the past year for some organisations, according to research from CIPD.

Managing employee experience in a hybrid world

Covid-19 has transformed both the nature of work and the role of the workplace. A new report looks at how businesses can overcome the emerging employee experience challenges.

Sodexo and IUF commit to H&S priorities

The group has joined a global trade union federation for workers throughout the food chain in signing a declaration of intent on health and safety.

Compass plan to close opportunity gap

Compass Group UK and Ireland has unveiled an action plan to increase access to career opportunities across the UK.

ISS UK reports lowest gender pay gap to date

The pay gap for ISS UK is currently the lowest it has ever been, at 7% on both a mean and median basis.

Sodexo marks International Women’s Day

The support services company is launching a series of virtual engagement events designed to help female prison leavers get back into employment.

Women of the built environment

Women on the built environment frontline are uniting this International Women’s Day to challenge the status quo and celebrate the vast impact women contribute to the sector.

Mitie named top UK Employer

The group has been included on the annual list for the third year running.

Workplace change: communication guide offered

Magenta, the communications agency for the built environment, has launched a guide to help businesses to communicate better as many think again about plans for a return to the office.

Derwent makes inclusive employers list

Derwent FM has been ranked 40th in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List.

Sodexo offers insights on disability and inclusion

Sodexo has published a report on the findings of a survey into the lived experience of employees and customers with disabilities.

Mitie on inclusive employer list for third year

Mitie has been ranked 10th in the list of Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, marking the third year running it has been recognised in this way.

Catch 22 targets FM growth opportunities

The facilities management recruitment specialist has announced a new management structure to implement its plans for future growth.

HR: key trends shaping the future

A new report identifies the trends that will have an impact on organisations, work and workers.

Compass commits to Living Wage

Compass Group UK and Ireland has been awarded Recognised Service Provider status by the Living Wage Foundation.

Atalian Servest signs Race Charter

The FM group has signed the Race at Work Charter as part of its new diversity and inclusion platform and its commitment to race equality.

Sodexo backs young people on careers

The company has partnered with Generation Success to help empower 40 young people to achieve their career aspirations through a 14-month mentorship programme.

Bennett Hay launches support network

Forward Together has been created to support, mentor and help up-skill members of the team who have been made redundant or face the prospect of redundancy. 

Wates names October inclusion month

The construction to services group says this is set to become an annual thing.

OCS names training partner

The facilities services group has appointed Qube Learning to support its strategy to upskill, develop and retain staff.

Sodexo IFM academy sees 19 graduates

The group’s Global Integrated Facilities Management Academy has awarded Level 4 diplomas to nineteen managers.

Hybrid workplaces will not work for everyone

Organisations could be caught up in a matrix of pain if they do not carefully manage the new realities of hybrid working.

Atalian Servest launches D&I platform

The initiative is designed to give all employees a voice, promote individuality and drive the company's approach to diversity and inclusion.

Home-working works, but mental health support needed

New research from the CIPD shows the shift to home-working over the lockdown period has been a positive experience for most employers.

Frontline heroes: Mitie awards extra day of holiday

Mitie has awarded an extra day of holiday to more than 25,000 frontline non-management staff.

Caterer commits to Living Wage

Independent business and industry caterer Houston & Hawkes has become a Living Wage Employer following accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.

ISS revalidated under Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The facilities services group has announced the renewal of its Corporate Covenant, which has been validated for a further five years as a Gold award holder.

Sodexo named top employer for women

The company has been recognised as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women in 2020, its seventh consecutive year on the list.

Union presents Interserve with Living Wage pay claim

PCS has brought its claim for improved pay and benefits into a single package for the outsourcer instead of the previous contract by contract negotiations.

Autonomy makes the world go round

Pandemic lockdown or not, the key to good performance, and to success for every business, is employee happiness powered by autonomy.

Sodexo launches on-site counselling service

On-site counselling is now available to 6,000 Sodexo healthcare employees to help them deal with the pressures of working through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sitemark launches home-working tool

The independent benchmarking service has launched a working from home wellness assessment tool to support businesses and employees.

Sodexo highly commended in enei awards

Sodexo UK & Ireland's Diversity and Inclusion team has been highly commended in the enei awards' Team of the Year category.

IWFM makes the case for fair pay

Working in partnership with the Living Wage Foundation, the IWFM has published new guidance on the real Living Wage.

Security officers and Covid-19: new research

One strange and worrying fact emerging from the current pandemic is that security has one of the highest death rates of any occupation. New research explores the reasons why.

Webinar: supporting your workforce

With frontline employees hard up against it throughout the pandemic, their financial wellbeing has never been more important.

Sodexo joins mentor scheme

Senior HR figures are backing a mentoring programme aimed at helping service personnel leaving the Armed Forces transition into civilian life.

TCFM increases support for employees

The facilities management firm has partnered with Wagestream to enable colleagues to access up to 50% of their pay as it is earned. 

Sodexo's Raj Verma named top role model

Raj Verma, Global Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate Services, has, for the third consecutive year, been listed in the EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Role Model List.

Bungar named as Empower role model

Satvir Bungar, Managing Director & BDO's Head of Facilities Sector M&A, has been recognised in this year's EMpower Ethnic Minority Role Model List.

Bullock joins Living Wage Leadership Group

Corps Security CEO Mike Bullock has been appointed to the Living Wage Foundation's Recognised Service Provider Leadership Group.

The downside of working remotely

Trust, social cohesion and information sharing are the areas most potentially vulnerable to damage when people work virtually.

L&D in FM: the impact of Covid-19

What impact has the pandemic had on learning and development in FM? That's the question that learning provider International Workplace is seeking to answer for a key conference this month.

Sodexo introduces new Medical Advisory Council

Sodexo is committing to a clinically-informed approach to the development of new protocols and standards, supported by the newly appointed council.

Return to work: employee experience gets high priority

A survey of HR professionals finds almost two-thirds prioritising employee experience more highly now than before the coronavirus outbreak.

Sodexo introduces employee reward scheme

The company has announced that it will redirect funds from its annual bonus scheme to a special fund that will reward frontline staff who have worked through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Medirest ups frontline employee pay

Compass Group UK & Ireland's healthcare division has announced that it will be paying all its frontline employees, who support the NHS, the equivalent of the NHS Agenda for Change rate of pay.

CIPD: three tests before bringing people back

The UK HR body says employers should not bring their people back into the workplace until they have taken all practical steps to ensure employees feel safe 

Innovise in new partnership with Wagestream

The tech companies are teaming up to provide a new solution for how facilities staff work and get paid.

Anxious about returning to the workplace?

If so, you are not alone. Over 40% of employees share that feeling because of Covid-19, according to a new survey published by the CIPD. 

Employers call for changes to furlough scheme

A new CIPD survey of 1,000 employers highlights a need for furloughed workers to be able to work reduced hours.

BCO: looking at change in the workplace

Screens to protect receptionists, touchless unisex toilets and reduced occupational density are all likely to be features of the post Covid-19 workplace.

Chartwells partners with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust

Compass Group UK & Ireland's specialist provider of catering to the education sector has launched a partnership with the youth sports charity, supporting 11-25 year olds.

Sodexo signs up to C-19 Business Pledge

Sodexo has signed the C-19 Business Pledge created by former Cabinet minister Rt Hon Justine Greening and entrepreneur David Harrison.

Pandemic sees Interserve on recruitment drive

Interserve will be recruiting in the region of 1,500 people to undertake essential roles to support the government's response to covid-19.

LGBT+ in FM: how to stay connected

The successful LGBT+ in FM group has stepped up to provide community support during the coronavirus crisis.

CIPD: employers must step up mental health support

Employers need to act now to help prevent their employees from being at serious risk of mental ill health during and after the covid-19 pandemic.

Living Wage change for Carlisle

Carlisle Support Service employees working on its Northern Trains contract will be paid the Real Living Wage from 1 April.

Anabas launches employee assistance programme

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the company says it is looking inward to ensure employees are being as well cared for as possible.

Leesman unveils covid-19 research initiative

The workplace assessment specialist, backed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the International Facility Management Association, has launched a fast-track initiative to look into the impacts of covid-19 on FM and real estate.

Calls for key worker status grow

Following the publication of the key worker list last week the government has been on the receiving end of appeals to add further disciplines, initially cleaning and security and now FM.

Coronavirus: UK not prepared for homeworking

Figures released by the workplace analysis firm Leesman suggest that the UK is one of the least prepared countries to weather a mass homeworking strategy.

Wates overhauls family friendly policies

The company says it is now offering industry-leading benefits to staff after committing to making a number of significant changes.

CIBSE updates health and wellbeing guidance

The revision reflects significant changes in the environmental conditions we are exposed to and advances in our knowledge of how these affect our health, comfort and cognitive performance, CIBSE says.

BCC doubles down on staff shortage warning

The British Cleaning Council has warned that new immigration rules proposed for next year will cause "a severe shortage of staff" in the cleaning and tourism industries in and around London.

Churchill launches wellbeing strategy

Churchill's new WellMe initiative is a comprehensive internal programme aligned with its core value of 'do the right thing'.

Atalian Servest launches the ONE project

The FM company has invited its 27,000 employees to join in a competition that will identify the company's top in-house entrepreneur.

Compass backs mental wellness programme

Compass Group UK & Ireland has joined forces with Hospitality Action to support the industry charity's major new mental health awareness programme.

SIA takes stand against violence

​The Security Industry Authority has launched a campaign to promote safer workplaces for security staff.

International Workplace launches new service

The learning provider has launched Workplace DNA, an innovative news-driven digital update service designed to promote continuous learning at work.

Women in FM: slow progress at the top

New research from i-FM indicates that half of FM businesses in the UK have no female representation at board level.

Wates FM signs up to Living Wage

The business has achieved Recognised Service Provider status with the Living Wage Foundation.

Workplace wellbeing: the time is now

"It was so different only ten years ago…" was a recurring phrase in this year's Make a Difference World Summit. Ellie Davis reports.

CIPD warns on "post-Brexit labour shock"

Employers are not ready for the introduction of new immigration restrictions planned for January 2021, according to research from the professional body for HR.

Westgrove teams up with retailTRUST on welfare

Westgrove Group, the Warrington-based FM company, has engaged with charity retailTRUST to support the welfare of its employees.

Compass blazes trail with pledge on social mobility

Compass Group UK & Ireland has become the first big player within the hospitality sector to sign up to the Social Mobility Pledge, underlining its commitment to equal opportunities.

Flexible working tops RICS poll

Flexible working options are key in making construction a more attractive and progressive career choice for women. It's not hard to see that applying to all built environment professions.

Managing the issues around sleep-in workers

International Workplace, the training and consultancy group, has issued a new white paper on the payment terms and benefits of sleep-in workers.

Sodexo to develop military network

The services group has announced its intention to launch an employee network specifically aimed at staff with a military background or who are reservists.

Living Wage backers launch Living Hours campaign

The Living Wage Foundation has introduced a new programme to tackle insecurity over hours, aiming to provide workers with more control over their lives.

FM firms among Living Wage award winners

The Living Wage Champion Awards recognise employers and individuals that are showing leadership by promoting the real Living Wage in their industries, supply chains, areas and communities.

We need to get comfortable talking about race

Sodexo has hosted an event at its London headquarters on the subject of 'modern racism in the workplace' in recognition of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

IoD concerned for remote workers' mental health

The Institute of Directors has urged the government to provide clearer guidance to businesses for supporting remote workers, voicing concerns that official advice pays little or no attention to workers' mental wellbeing.

Good mental health: a concern for us all

This is Mental Health Awareness Week, a timely reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and needs to be a concern, and a policy area, for every organisation.

Kingdom buys second recruitment business

Kingdom Services Group has added to its recruitment service 'sideline' with the acquisition of Oldham-based Xpress Solutions Ltd.

Apleona commits to disability initiative

Apleona HSG Facility Management UK has formally committed to being a Disability Confident Employer.

UK productivity slump linked to the employee experience

Only half of UK employees consider their organisations to be effective at creating a positive work environment and only two-fifths consider their employer to be effective at creating meaningful work.

Sodexo in Times Top 50 Employers for Women list

The services company has been named as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women for the sixth consecutive year. 

Sodexo supports students in raising mental health awareness

Sodexo's Schools and Universities business is supporting the next generation of socially-minded leaders as they raise awareness of mental health issues, as part of its platinum partnership with Enactus UK.

ENGIE ranked 10th in top UK companies to work for

The energy and services company has been ranked as 10th in the LinkedIn Top Companies 2019, a list of the top 25 companies where UK professionals want to work, and where they remain once they've joined.

RICS members confident despite market uncertainties

The 20th RICS and Macdonald & Company Rewards and Attitudes Survey has found that professionals in the industry are mostly positive about the outlook for 2019, despite concerns around Brexit.

Sodexo launches initiatives to support women in FM

Two new initiatives have been unveiled to mark International Women's Day 2019.

New accreditation for Cloudfm Academy

City & Guilds has accredited the facilities management company's training centre to deliver qualifications on behalf of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Mental health guidance for employers offered

Mental Health First Aid England has launched best-practice guidance for employers on how to implement mental health first aid in the workplace.

Government and employers to kick-start flexible working

The Flexible Working Task Force, a partnership across government departments, business groups, trade unions and charities, has launched a campaign to increase uptake.

Parliament to focus on mental health in the workplace

Debate is expected today around the concept of mental health first aid in the workplace. This could be the start of significant change.

Double recognition for gender balance at Sodexo

The services group has won praise for the representation and presence of women at senior levels across the business.

Mitie named leading D&I employer

Mitie's approach to diversity and inclusion has been praised, with the company named on the list of the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, the only facilities management company on the list.

75,650 workers getting Living Wage pay boost

More than 75,000 UK workers in the service provider industry have received a pay packet boost this week as the Living Wage Foundation announced its new voluntary Living Wage rates.

Sodexo's Margot Slattery named LGBT role model

Sodexo country president for Ireland Margot Slattery is number nine on the list of the top 100 LGBT executives, published in partnership with the Financial Times.

RICS welcomes ethnicity pay gap reporting

The government's proposals to implement ethnicity pay gap legislation have been welcomed by RICS, which says this will help construction and professional services firms identify actions needed to create a more inclusive workforce.

BESA welcomes boost for Apprenticeship Levy

The Building Engineering Services Association has welcomed an unexpected improvement to the Apprenticeship Levy announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

FM salary levels are well above UK average

A new report from recruitment specialists Deverell Smith has found that facilities managers are some of the UK's highest earners, with an average income for mid-tier FM professionals 63% higher than the national average.

Sodexo recognises customer-facing employees

The services group has recognised the achievement of around 100 of its most outstanding customer-facing employees in its seventh annual Service Excellence Awards.

Migration recommendations won't help FM skills shortage

That's the view of the BIFM, commenting on the independent Migration Advisory Committee final report on European Economic Area migration into the UK.

ISS introduces the Healthy Eating Award in Ireland

ISS Food and Hospitality Ireland has signed up to an innovative grading system with the Irish Heart Foundation, introducing a new award scheme for staff restaurants.

Outsourced workers rights case secures judicial review

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain has received the go-ahead for a High Court review of its case to broaden the rights of employees working on outsourced services contracts.

BSI offers wellbeing code of practice

The business standards company has launched a new code of practice for organisations to help tackle what it describes as a crisis in the mental health and wellbeing of Britain's workforce.

Total Solutions joins Living Wage campaign

Specialist facilities services provider Total Solutions Group is now a Recognised Service Provider, working together with the Living Wage Foundation.

Unite suing for rights of ex-Carillion workers

The UK's largest union has launched legal action on behalf of 80 staff who were formerly employed by Carillion on a GCHQ contract.

Sodexo achieves Disability Confident Leader status

The services group has achieved Leader status within the government's Disability Confident Scheme. 

Charter success for ISS and Liverpool healthcare clients

In a first for ISS, two NHS Trust clients, Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals and the Walton Centre, have received the Workplace Wellbeing Charter.

Pimlico Plumbers: a little more clarification of the gig economy

The Supreme Court has ruled against the plumbing company, rejecting its argument that one of its staff was not entitled to employment benefits because he was self-employed. However, the ruling may not be widely applicable.

University of London commits to ending zero-hours contracts

The university, which has been the target of both strike action and student demonstrations around its outsourcing policies, has said it intends to eliminate zero-hours contracts by the end of the summer.

BaxterStorey hails training programme graduates

At an event held in London last week the hospitality services provider celebrated the success of staff completing its Graduate Programme and Advanced Management Programme.

Enhance named service provider Living Wage champion

Enhance Office Cleaning Ltd has been announced as a winner of the Living Wage Champion Awards 2018 award for Recognised Service Providers.

BCO publishes guidance on health and wellbeing

A new report from the British Council for Offices promises definitive guidance on supporting key people needs across an office building's lifecycle.

Anabas takes on hot-desking in second white paper

The corporate office FM specialist has published the second in a series of white papers exploring the evolution of agile working.

Sodexo employees among top ethnic minority role models

Four Sodexo employees have been named among top ethnic minority leaders, in a new list published in the Financial Times.

Sodexo top employer for women for fifth year

The services company has been recognised for its leadership in gender equality by being named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2018.

IWGB applies for review on outsourced workers' rights case

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain is challenging the decision by the Central Arbitration Committee not to hear an application that would introduce the concept of a 'joint-employer' to the UK.

TUC calls for joint liability for outsourced employees

The TUC has called on the government to give UK supply chain workers the right to challenge their parent employer, or the client in an outsourced service relationship.

Time running out on apprenticeship levy: CBI

The CBI has responded to publication of the latest apprenticeship start numbers, which have continued to decrease over those seen last year.

Sodexo proves benefits of gender balanced management teams

Global research at the services group has found teams managed by a balanced mix of men and women are more successful across a range of measurements including employee engagement and health and safety.

Harrogate shift in FM structure upsets staff

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust made the decision last autumn to set up its own services provision business, but convincing some staff to go along with the plan has proved to be a challenge.

Sodexo recognised for gender equality

The services group is the only company from the FM sector to be named to the 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, making it one of over 100 companies from 10 sectors headquartered around the world.

Government responds to Taylor Review with focus on 'good work'

The UK will become one of the first countries to address the challenges of the changing world of work in the modern economy, Whitehall has declared.

Call for more health and wellbeing spaces in offices

Property investors seeking to future-proof office assets should consider providing space for gyms, nutritionists and medical consultation centres. Space for health and wellbeing has the most significant potential impact on employee performance, JLL says.

Apprenticeship Levy numbers down again

New Department for Education figures show that the number of apprenticeship starts fell by 27% in the first quarter of this academic year compared to last year.

BIFM survey highlights value of training and qualifications

The results of the Institute's Pay and Prospects Survey show that BIFM membership and qualifications have an impact on facilities managers' career development.

University of London outsourced staff case rejected

A bid by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain to challenge the law around the rights of employees working for outsourced service providers has failed at the first hurdle.

Productivity: change needs a plan and follow-through

A new report from Lancaster University's Work Foundation highlights what it calls "the complex and often strained relationship" between productivity, technology and work.

Majority of employers want change in the apprenticeship levy

It appears the government's flagship apprenticeship programme is not working. Of employers paying the levy, less than a fifth support the current system.


Features - Search found 63 features

How CAFM can support EDI targets

The same digital service management platforms that enhance operations are ideal for supporting EDI policies, too.

Growth, technology, experience: squaring the circle

With ambitions to grow and an increasing appetite for new technologies, are FM providers redefining ‘the workplace experience’?

Mental health in security: are we doing enough?

Poor mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing men in the UK today.

Evolving a better solution

Recruitment is on every FM’s problem list, especially if you are a supplier of labour-intensive soft services.

Positive action on workplace mental health

In recent years, mental health has emerged as a social value positive in the facilities management industry.

Which way forward?

What better candidate for a workplace transformation case study than Which?

OCS shares community recruitment strategy

This month sees the OCS Foundation sharing details of its People into Work programme with the FM industry. If you are a service provider, you’ll want to know about this.

Thinking a bit more creatively

Steve Brewer reflects on this year’s IWFM ‘agents of change’ conference.

Social value: the impact of diversity & inclusion in the workplace

We asked Atalian Servest’s head of HR Sophie Ransome and head of learning & development Kelly Dolphin about their involvement at this month’s Workplace Futures conference.

What FM talent is looking for in 2022

It is clear for all to see that the recruitment market has been turned upside down over the past two years and candidate experience has changed significantly.

Tackling the recruitment challenge

In recent months ‘shortage’ has become a key theme in all sorts of conversations, whether that’s doing the weekly shopping, planning a building project or looking to recruit staff.

What you need to know about ISO 45003

More and more organisations are, rightly, investing more time and resources into the mental wellbeing of their employees.

Branding: the edge in attracting talent

Ensuring that your company stands out among the many others in FM can put you ahead in recruiting from within the sector or beyond.

Atalian Servest’s ONE project relaunched

Adversity sparks creativity: 2020 has certainly demonstrated this. We are all learning resilience in a year that has thrown challenges at us that we never imagined.

Spreading the word

One of the most frequently used words in facilities management must be ‘team’. But team-working requires information and a consistent flow is not an easy thing to achieve.

Addressing the economic impact of Covid-19

In this second instalment in a series examining the challenges UK employers are likely to face in the coming months, solicitors at Faegre Drinker look at how employers can manage the economic impact the pandemic will likely have on many workplaces.

Inclusivity at the frontline

The LGBT+ in FM group supports colleagues from across the FM industry. Committee members got together to tell Fiona Perrin why reaching frontline colleagues with a message of inclusivity is so important.

Working from home: mixed messages, mixed success

Homeworking has rocketed up the agenda at many, if not most, organisations across the public and private sectors as covid-19 forces so much change. But the transition will not be easy for all.

Wellness and FM

The word wellness is everywhere. Type #Wellness into Instagram and you'll find 30 million posts ranging from bowls of green salads, to intense exercise routines, to bottles of activated charcoal. All with a collective 'shine' associated with good health.

When the lift doesn't go to the top

The subject of emotional intelligence seems to be everywhere, in bookshops, magazines and Twitter feeds. But how relevant is all this to workplace design and management?

Tech that protects our wellbeing

When technology works, it can help us be well and more productive, Graeme Hughes, MD of Innovise, tells Fiona Perrin; but watch out for those applications that can lead to more, rather than less, stress.

Mental health first aiders in action

Bouygues Energies & Services UK has mental health first aiders across its business. Kamil Banse, senior HR manager, told Fiona Perrin about this key initiative to protect colleague wellbeing.

Productivity: new insight into an old problem

New UK research shows high CO2 concentrations in offices are decreasing people’s cognitive capability. John O’Brien explains the background to this and what the findings mean.

Efficiency: where does the money really go?

Resourcing in the world of facilities management certainly comes with its challenges. Juggling timesheets through multiple staffing agencies and a substantial payroll is without doubt an administrative headache.

The work app for employee engagement

Engaging employees has never been more important. Fiona Perrin explores how an application that mirrors those we use as consumers is keeping soft services staff connected.

Workplace wellness now front of mind

Up to five million UK workers have a mental health condition, and UK FMs have a role to play in doing something about it. Fiona Perrin reports. 

More than free food and bean bags

Adapting our working practices to support millennials can play a big role in staff retention, says Sienna Emanuel.

Keeping it real in tech

Artificial intelligence, the rise of the robots, the internet of things, big data: technology is coming to take over. But how much of it is delivering real FM benefits today? Fiona Perrin went in search of those who are keeping it real.

Enhancing team performance

Tim Hysom discusses high performing teams and the best ways to collaborate effectively to achieve common goals.

The three components of excellent service quality

Service quality is one of the most important competitive factors in today’s business landscape. Here's some advice on how to make it excellent from the team at ISS. 

Change vs transition in service outsourcing

Change management and transition management are important processes of any service outsourcing project. But what is the difference between them and what outcomes can they help you to achieve? ISS offers insights and advice.

Bridging the skills gap

As National Apprenticeship Week 2018 draws to a close, we talked to Andy Donnell, Group Managing Director at ABM UK, about where policy on apprentices may be going wrong and why it's worth getting it right.

Maintaining the momentum for change

FM is re-setting its governing compass. Part of that is a new focus on diversity and inclusivity and on attitudes towards delivering facilities services across society. So, International Women's Day could not be celebrated at a better time.

Brexit and employee engagement

Graeme Hughes explains why connecting with your staff works whatever the outcome of Brexit.

Why the future of work is more human than you think

Everyone wants to be happy at work, and a growing number of forward-thinking companies are starting to recognise the importance of happiness in the workplace. Marie Puybaraud explains what's behind this shift in attitude.

Women on the board: FM behind the trend

About 10% of facilities management service providers have women serving as board directors. That puts FM out of step with the wider trend: the average across all companies in the UK is over 20%.

Life lessons

If you're looking for ways to advance your career quickly, you'll learn as much from the mistakes of others as you will from your own. Always good advice, but especially during this Learning at Work Week.

Q&A: Gender pay gap reporting

Gender pay reporting legislation kicked in this month. It's a new and potentially confusing area so we asked legal firm Steptoe & Johnson UK LLP to provide an overview and some insights into the requirements.

Tips for effective change management

The world of work is changing rapidly and, as such, many organisations are trying to work out how to take full advantage of the mobility technology avails their people. Andrew Mawson offers some insights into the challenge.

It's time to talk about mental health

Mental health is now the most common reason for absence in the workplace. What should employers be doing to help their staff's wellbeing and what can businesses and FMs do to decrease stress? Elyse Emanuel investigates.

Does Brexit mean an FM skills shortage?

Trained, motivated and engaged people are central to great facilities management, an industry that depends on a diverse workforce. Elyse Emanuel explores what Brexit could mean for our sector.

Social ergonomics in workplace design

Can our workplace make us more productive? Yes, says Lillian Antonio, senior ergonomist at Herman Miller. The key is simple: be happy.

The graduates

Simon Iatrou explores how one service provider's graduate training scheme is helping young people fulfil their potential in the built environment.   

Healthy workplace, healthy business

Chris Parkes shares some advice on how facilities managers can help improve workplace wellbeing.

Small steps, great leaps

David Kentish explains why the former can result in the latter, and help you to reach your career and life goals.

Plugging the gaps in engineering skills

There is a skills shortage in many areas of facilities management, but none more so than in engineering: there simply are not enough trained and qualified engineers to cope with demand. Chris Wollen looks at how best to attract, develop and retain staff.

Managing Your Employees Through Change

While it may seem obvious that change is difficult and can cause resistance, most managers tend to under-estimate how hard it is for employees to make even small changes to work habits.

Live to Serve

As Living Wage Week draws to a close, Simon Iatrou examines why paying facilities management staff a fair rate is the right thing to do. But will it happen? And what impact will the 'living wage' have?

The Secrets of Successful Recruitment and Training

Despite businesses investing significantly in leadership and development courses, a recent poll by research firm Gallup revealed that only a third of employees based in the UK are satisfied in their jobs.

Motivating Seasonal Workers

Changing work patterns in the UK labour market are never far from the news headlines, with zero-hours and temporary roles frequently creating a wave of negative publicity.

Doing the Right Thing

One great benefit of the Paralympics is the regular boost this event gives to the issues surrounding disabilities, capabilities, prejudice and opportunities.

Inside Information

At one time or another, every job candidate has probably wished for a guide to working with a recruitment consultant. Michael Hewlett obliges.

Online Recruitment Grows Strongly

Monster's Employment Index Europe shows a 21% growth for jobs posted online over the past year.

Mixed Views on Social Media

Anyone on Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter knows only too well that recruitment agencies have piled on the social media bandwagon over the past year or two.

Invest in Retention

With nearly half of facilities managers saying they had no pay rise last year and over a third saying they will change jobs this year, employers should be considering other ways to retain talent.

Making an Impression

Job candidates are increasingly asked to make presentations these days as employers take the extra time to hire the best. Karen Nodwell offers some advice.

The Ageing Workforce Challenge

Hands up all those who admit that at some point during recruitment they have looked at a CV and discarded it immediately on the grounds of candidate age.

Avoiding TUPE Hazards

Nicola Ihnatowicz writes: The £45bn Building Schools for the Future programme offers opportunities to provide long-term services to new and existing schools. But experienced FMs know that contracting with public sector clients can throw up surprises.

What Does it Take to be an FM

Peter Forshaw writes: Let's steer clear of attempting to add yet another view on what facilities management actually is. What I would rather discuss are the changes that have taken place in the industry and what the FM requires in 2007 and beyond.

A Question of Pay?

Robert Smith writes: A poor image that is not attracting young graduates or women into FM, and stagnating salary levels as too many candidates chase too few vacancies, are among the findings of the 2006 Hays Facilities Management Survey for PFM.

Transforming Recruitment

Toby Jenkinson investigates an approach that is breaking new ground for leading FM companies.

Improving employee productivity

Dave Wilson, Director of Consultancy for Mace Macro, considers the importance of facilities management in delivering improved employee productivity.

Contractual aspects of teleworking

From next April the new Employment Act gives some staff the right to work flexibly. David Whincup looks at the legal implications for employers.


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Don’t let flexible working become a legal headache

In a changing world, more data and better communication between HR and FM are essential.

The value of food and quality perks

In today’s competitive landscape, businesses are starting to recognise that investing in their employees’ quality of life is a strategic move.

A new lunchtime landscape

The workplace has evolved at a rapid rate over the past few years, undoubtedly supercharged by the pandemic.

Starting Fresh: supporting employers and changing lives

To mark the first anniversary of its launch, Sean Haley explains how commitment from organisations and colleagues is plugging skills gaps and keeping lives on track.

Earn and learn: apprenticeships in FM

The trend is up, with more people looking to ‘earn while they learn’ and more organisations putting apprenticeship schemes in place.

Developing skills for life through an apprenticeship 

I’m in a unique position. An apprentice at Integral, I also help run the learning & development programmes that Integral apprentices go through.

Instilling equity in a male-dominated industry

Significant progress has been made to increase opportunities for women working across the fire industry in 2023.

Green talent: the key to meeting sustainability targets

The need for talent skilled in sustainable offerings is ever-growing as governments and businesses face up to change.

Mind the gap: gender equality in the workplace

The impact of the Covid pandemic has been profound, and one area of that impact is the global gender gap.

Challenging bias, fostering opportunity

On International Women’s Day, two views on women in the FM industry, from the team at ABM.

Is this the end of the corporate reception area?

Workplace culture has emerged as a key factor as companies navigate their strategies and try to ensure that their employees are happy and productive in the office.

Why ‘society’ matters for good ESG practice

Many organisations assume that ESG is solely to do with reducing carbon emissions and, yes, this is a key element of good practice. But it is not the only one.

Putting an end to modern slavery

Sodexo recently won the Social Impact & Diversity title at the 2022 Footprint awards for excellence in sustainability. Jayne Nightingale explains the actions and initiatives involved.

Four ways employers can boost their people’s health

The role of an employer in helping to keep their people healthy at work is a difficult one, and one that can’t be achieved with a didactic approach.

ISS puts gender balance firmly on the agenda

Gender balance is one of the five pillars that underpin the company’s new Diversity & Inclusion strategy.

Work and the workplace: what employers need to know

Employment solicitor Daniel Zona offers some advice on the rules covering hybrid and flexible working and how they might change.

Reestablishing the customer journey

For many, September marked a return to the office. And a shock to the system for many, too.

Making engineering an attractive proposition

The UK engineering sector is revered around the world, from Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s exploits during the Industrial Revolution to today’s state-of-the-art aerospace sector.

The power of female leadership

With International Women’s Day upon us, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the female leadership and resilience that has seen us through the pandemic.

Keeping company culture alive

Company culture is often discussed, but with so many organisations dispersed why does it matter now more than ever and how do we maintain it during these challenging times?

The joy of giving

As we continue to emerge from lockdown and ease back into our ‘normal’ routines, we should take a moment to reflect on the past few months. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling like everything since April has been a bit of a blur.

Returning to the workplace: a matter of consent?

The subject of returning to work is on everyone's lips at the moment, following the relaxation in England of restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus.

Employee wellbeing is non-negotiable

That a leading FM industry event, Workplace Futures, has wellness as its theme is testament to the growing recognition of this as a vital part of any business. But why is it so important, and how can businesses ensure their strategies are effective?

Balancing Brexit

The phrase 'business uncertainty' is becoming more prevalent as the implementation of Brexit moves into a more intense phase. Martin Reed, looks at the impact this is having both for his company and the sector as a whole.

Women in FM

Recent research looking at women in facilities management relayed the disappointing finding that half of FM businesses in the UK have no female representation at board level.

Open plan offices: due for disruption

Received wisdom says that open plan offices are good for both employer and employee because they promote face-to-face collaborative working and, as a result, help harness creativity and improve teamwork.

Too much focus on Gen Y?

Lately, there has been loads of copy dedicated to a very specific cohort of the workforce, namely millennials: their personalities, their requirements, what they’ll bring to the workforce and what employers shouldn’t expect from them.

Stepping up support of ex-forces personnel

The FM sector has a lot to gain by employing ex-armed forces personnel. But, the process of moving into a civilian role can be difficult. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that those who have served are given a chance and treated fairly.

Consciously tackling unconscious bias

Unconscious bias has been common parlance in the business world for some years, and it continues to be one of the most important issues for business to recognise and manage.

FM has an image problem

And that is what's stopping our future talent from joining what one student called a 'hidden industry'. Sienna Emanuel asked a group of students what we need to do.

Mental health first aiders: a benefit for us all

Wednesday December 19th will see a debate in the Commons, pushing for the implementation of a mental health first aider in every workplace to help bridge the gap between mental health and physical health care legislation in business.

Showcasing values-based activity in FM and workplace

Today is World Values Day, an opportunity to think about the principles that are important to us and to act on them.

Outsourced workers' rights: what does the test case mean?

The facilities management industry is familiar with the use of outsourced workers, of course. Currently, collective bargaining can only take place with the direct employer of those workers. Could that change?

The Elemental Workplace

The relationship between facilities management and the emerging discipline of Workplace has always been slightly awkward.

The secret to employee engagement

Graeme Hughes explains why the UK leads the way when it comes to keeping the workforce happy and engaged.   

Experience counts

Anthony Bennett discusses the role of the service provider in the employee experience.

Closing the gender gap in engineering

Engineers are everywhere: from creating new cars to designing prosthetic limbs, and of course throughout FM. But the industry is currently facing a challenging skills shortage.

Brexit: final straw for the industry's recruitment crisis?

There has been talk of a skills shortage and recruitment crisis in the FM sector for some years. Guy Pakenham looks at how the emerging political situation changes the discussion.

Engagement or involvement?

It seems many business leaders are able to link productivity improvements to profits. It's interesting to note 75% of all companies' growth in the UK from 1998 to 2007 has come from productivity improvements.

Policies, common sense and defining what's really important

I asked my colleagues in our employment relations team whether they would like to step up to defend the boss of the company that had very publicly been admonished for sending home an employee, without pay, who refused to wear high heels at work.

Appreciating our apprentices

National Apprenticeship Week runs this week from 14-18 March and is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

People Power

Raymond Pugh looks at the various challenges to FM recruitment and how getting it wrong can prove costly to the business.

TUPE regulations: good in parts

On 31 January 2014, new regulations on TUPE came into effect updating the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006.

Shortening the skills gap

Training and on-the-job experience is essential in helping people to stay in work and crucial to improving their chances for career progression.

Living Wage: making a case

You may have noticed increasing coverage in the media and elsewhere recently about the Living Wage, with new rates being announced this week.

SAD days are coming

Next Monday many of us will be going to work in semi-darkness as the clocks go back an hour on Sunday.

The State of the Market

Ashley Adams offers a recruiter's view on the current state of FM in the UK.

Not Just a One-night Stand

We have been there too many times before, lost together in the heady success of a project and forgetting ourselves entirely.

Look After Your People

Read all the HR surveys, listen to all the commentators talk about the biggest challenges we face and somewhere up there you will find the word 'retention'.