FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
By Kate Lovell, ESG and Client Experience Director, Cleanology
Facilities Management has traditionally been viewed as a male dominated industry, and while progress has undoubtedly been made over the years, there is still a long way to go when it comes to creating truly inclusive spaces for women to thrive.
Having worked within FM for nearly four years, I have personally experienced both the challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in the sector. In that relatively short time, I have seen how talented and ambitious women are helping to transform the industry by bringing empathy, innovation, collaboration and fresh thinking into spaces that have historically lacked diversity.
One thing that still stands out to me is the lack of genuine networking opportunities specifically designed for women in FM. Many industry events remain heavily male dominated, which can feel intimidating for women entering the sector or even those already established within it. I have spoken to many women who feel uncomfortable attending networking events alone, worried about not being taken seriously or simply feeling out of place in environments where they are vastly outnumbered.
What is even more surprising is that, historically, some “women in FM” events have themselves been organised predominantly by men. While often well intentioned, it highlights a wider issue within the industry. Women still don’t have ownership of conversations surrounding their own progression and professional development.
This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women entering facilities management. Representation matters enormously. Seeing women in leadership roles, women speaking confidently within the industry and women supporting one another creates a ripple effect that encourages others to step forward and believe there is space for them too.
At the same time, I believe it is equally important to provide safe and supportive spaces where women can network comfortably, share experiences openly and support one another without feeling judged or overlooked. Having a trusted community around you can make an enormous difference, particularly within industries that have historically been male led.
One of the biggest strengths women bring to FM is collaboration as it’s fundamentally a people focused industry aimed at creating environments where people can work, thrive and feel supported. Women often bring exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence and relationship building abilities that are hugely valuable within client facing, operational and leadership roles alike.
The industry itself has evolved significantly in recent years. More women are stepping into senior positions, more businesses are recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion, and conversations around wellbeing and workplace culture are becoming far more prominent. Social media and professional platforms have also made it easier for women across the sector to connect, share knowledge and build supportive communities.
However, there is still more progress to be made. The industry needs continued investment in female leadership development and mentorship opportunities. Businesses need to ensure women are represented not only in support functions, but also in strategic and decision-making positions. More inclusive networking opportunities and women led communities would also provide invaluable support for both established professionals and those entering the industry for the first time.
I genuinely believe the future of facilities management is changing for the better. The next generation of women entering the industry are ambitious, innovative and eager to make meaningful change. FM offers an incredible career path with opportunities to lead, influence and shape workplaces and experiences in a very tangible way.
By continuing to create supportive spaces and empowering women to lead and connect with one another, we can help shape an industry that is not only more diverse, but stronger because of it.
