The Demographic Cliff: What Workforce Shifts Mean for the Future of FM

As experienced facility professionals retire and workforce demographics shift, the FM industry is approaching what many are calling a demographic cliff. In today's episode, host Wayne Whitzell is joined by researcher and associate professor Dr. Jake Smithwick to break down the data behind shrinking labor pools, rising safety risks and productivity challenges, and why so many new technicians are entering the field without hands-on experience. They explore the growing gap between generational work expectations, the critical role mentorship plays in knowledge transfer and retention, and how AI can act as a powerful support tool. 

 

00:00 Introduction

01:37 Meet Dr. Jake Smithwick

01:56 Jake's Background and Experience

03:46 The Role of IFMA in Jake's Career

07:23 The Impact of Demographic Shifts

12:06 COVID-19 and Workforce Changes

17:48 Generational Differences in the Workforce

21:16 Building Relationships with Experienced Colleagues

21:36 The Urgency of Knowledge Transfer in FM

22:18 IFMA's Facility Fusion Conference

22:58 Opportunities for Young Professionals

23:14 The Role of Authenticity in the Workplace

26:32 The Impact of AI on Mentoring and Workforce

27:21 Augmented Intelligence: A New Perspective on AI

29:26 The Future of AI in the Workforce

30:43 Mentoring: A Key to Job Satisfaction

36:21 IFMA's Research and Data Collection

40:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

 

Resources mentioned:

• Interested in having Jake speak at your next component meeting? Contact him at jake.smithwick@charlotte.edu
• FMJ article "Building Better Leaders in FM" https://fmj.ifma.org/building-better-leaders-in-fm

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