Fiona Clugston from Lisburn, Northern Ireland is a Facilities Specialist at Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) who upskilled with a BSc (Hons) in Facilities and Workplace Management at Portobello Institute, graduating with an Outstanding Achievement award.
As a female graduate of this course in a male-dominated sector, we interviewed Fiona about her experiences for International Women's Day which takes place on March 8th, 2025 with the theme #AccelerateAction.
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
Facilities management (FM) is a career focused on ensuring that buildings, workplaces, and infrastructure function efficiently, safely, and sustainably. It involves maintaining services such as security, cleaning, maintenance, catering, and health and safety compliance. It can typically be seen as a male-dominated workforce, but more and more women are changing that.
There are many women who work in FM who are passionate about their roles, the diverse environment they work in and making a difference in sustainability and efficiency. Portobello Institute aims to highlight these women for International Women's Day 2025.
Fiona's Journey to Facilities Management
Fiona started with CCHBC in 2007 and her career has gone from strength to strength moving through various roles until 2017 when she ‘fell in love’ with her Facilities Co-Ordinator role.
Fiona is passionate about her career and her facilities role, and she followed her passion by gaining her IWFM Diploma Level 4 before moving on to her degree.
Today, Fiona is a respected leader, inspiring others with her dedication to professional growth, her commitment to fostering gender diversity, and her ability to balance the demands of a high-pressure role with her personal life.
As a member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), Fiona’s journey continues to empower women and contribute to the evolving landscape of facilities management.
Female Representation in a Male-Dominated Industry
The facilities management industry has historically been male-dominated, but as more women take on leadership roles, the landscape is gradually evolving.
“The industry is still predominantly male orientated, but there is a definite female representation across many roles within the industry. I have listened to many webinars in relation to FM and have been pleased and empowered to see so many women lead and present in these spaces. I’m a member of IWFM and was quick to note the CEO, was a female," she said.
This representation at CEO level is an encouraging sign of the positive changes underway.
Advice for Women Considering a Career in Facilities Management
Facilities management can be demanding but rewarding career for men and women alike. Fiona is passionate about her role and the difference she makes but emphasises that it is important to find a good work/life balance.
"I would say 'go for it' and strongly encourage any women interested in Facilities Management to try it. Whilst a career in FM can be very demanding, it’s certainly a very rewarding job. Key skills for success include – keeping calm under pressure, being a good communicator, delivering solutions with integrity and a long-term vision as well as having A LOT of patience.
"The role can be quite challenging at times as it is always so busy; no two days are the same, staying calm allows me not to get too overwhelmed, collaborate effectively and remain focused on delivering solutions to any problems which arise. Setting boundaries is important and ask for help and support when required. I’m lucky in the organisation I work for, I am supported with flexible working hours, so this helps me to manage my work around childcare.
"Life outside of work is equally important, socialising with friends or being part of a club or society allows for the downtime to switch off from the demands of FM and enjoy yourself. It’s quite easy to fall into the pattern of working all the time, but it’s important to maintain a healthy work/life balance" she said.
How Can We Support More Women in FM?
One of the most important ways to encourage more women to enter the field is through education and visibility.
“There needs to be more communication and guidance about FM careers through education systems and career days.
“Facilities Management is typically a role that people fall in to or inherit when they’ve been working for a company for a period of time. In order to thrive in FM it’s important to have support and guidance from FM bodies such as the IWFM. Increased visibility of female leaders in the industry as well as opportunities to learn from others through networking events is also key.
Workplaces also have their role to play…
"Firstly, I think organisations need to understand Facilities Management, what it is, the demands of the role and its importance within the organisation.
"Secondly, try to support and encourage gender equality through equal pay and learning and development opportunities.
"Thirdly, rolling out policies and procedures to encourage a healthy work life balance e.g. flexible working policies, health related initiatives such as mental health support, menopause policy etc," she said.
Looking Ahead in Facilities Management
Fiona is confident that with time, more women will enter the workplace and facilities management sector, with the right support and opportunities.
"I think the future for women in the FM industry is positive, it’s such a multifaceted industry that there’s a role/opportunity to suit everyone. I think the more organisations who offer support to all skill levels and implement policies to ensure fair treatment and learning opportunities will be more successful. Bodies such as the IWFM, also are working hard to ensure the FM industry is well informed and represented.
"I think advances in certain technology will increasingly automate more roles within FM. Also, I think AI technology will continue to increase efficiencies and play an important role in helping organisations achieve sustainability targets. Increased data availability will help drive further efficiencies and decision making. I think the focus on being more sustainable will affect the FM role as organisations move closer to their net zero targets.
"I think it will be interesting to see how Facilities Management adapts to Gen Z workplace expectations, and if a solution can be found to encourage the continuation of the skilled trade workforce," she said.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life in a Demanding Role
Managing the demands of facilities management while maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, but Fiona has found strategies that work.
"Admittedly over the last couple of years, I had fallen into the pattern of working all the time and not really having time for myself. So, at the end of last year, I joined the nearby gym to encourage me to improve my physical health and stop work at a decent hour. This change has helped improve not only my physical but also my mental health, I feel I have more confidence and focus and have maintained a more healthy and effective work-life balance.
"I also asked for more help in work to manage all the tasks within my role, and now I have another female colleague helping me, which is great for relieving some pressure but also an opportunity to educate her about FM and the importance of our roles within our organisation" she said.
Fiona paints a hopeful picture for the future of women in FM, with mentoring, support systems, leadership opportunities, more women may find their way into facilities management roles and 'go for it'!
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