From Invisible to Invaluable: Impact of FM on India’s blue collar workforce

India’s rapid economic growth and urbanisation have led to a surging demand for well-managed spaces. Today, one expects a seamless experience across every aspect of the property – be it cleanliness, safety and security or even maintenance.

In the bustling offices and gleaming corporate parks of India, there’s an invisible workforce that keeps everything running smoothly. The growing need for well-managed facilities has inadvertently created a powerful engine for the empowerment of its blue-collar workforce. These are the cleaners, security guards, maintenance staff and many more.

Initially unnoticed, these workers have now become invaluable assets in facilities management. The industry offers diverse opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers, which is driving upward mobility and changing perceptions. A transformation is steadily and surely underway. And India's facility management industry, employing over 8.5 million people, is at the forefront of this change.

Beyond the basics

Traditionally, blue-collar jobs were often associated with low wages and limited career prospects. However, the modern FM landscape demands specialised skills. This has led to organisations investing in training and development programs that equip workers with valuable technical expertise. Some companies, like JLL, are partnering with the National Skill Development Corporation to provide certified training to the workers, enhancing their capabilities while boosting their employability and self-esteem.

From labour to expertise

With smart buildings being more frequent, blue-collar workers are expected to deliver more. They are no longer just manual labourers but need to evolve with the changing requirements of real estate. Today, many facility management organisations are providing training in the latest technologies and equipping workers with the requisite digital skills. According to a survey conducted by KPMG, 60% of Indian FM firms plan to increase investments in worker tech training. This digital empowerment and skill revolution is transforming blue-collar jobs into specialised technical roles, commanding better wages and offering greater job security.

The numbers game

To keep all functions running smoothly, it is imperative to have happy and productive workers. They need to feel included and fair wages is only the first step in the process. Progressive facility management companies have already made the shift from minimum wage to providing living wages and benefits like provident fund and health insurance. This has workers feeling involved as opposed to disposable and in turn leads to better quality and service. 

Historically, many blue-collar workers in India have been excluded from formal financial systems. But that is no longer the case. Today, facility management companies are partnering with fintech firms to provide digital payment solutions and financial literacy programs, giving workers financial identity and access to banking services.

A shift in perspective

The essential nature of blue-collar workers in facilities management came into the limelight during the pandemic. In the aftermath, 85% of companies increased their health and safety budgets, as mentioned in a JLL India study. This includes better health coverage and rigorous safety protocols, acknowledging the value of these workers' well-being.

The years also saw a shift in how blue-collar workers are perceived. Their expertise is now recognised as essential for the smooth functioning of businesses and communities. They are no longer just labourers; they are skilled technicians, problem-solvers, and key contributors to the success of organisations. Companies are doing their bit to fuel this shift too.

Empowerment through opportunity

The FM sector in India is creating genuine opportunities for career growth and upward mobility of blue-collar workers. Once stuck in dead-end jobs, these individuals now have career paths where they can start in entry-level positions and, through training and experience, advance to supervisory or managerial roles. This career progression is empowering blue-collar workers to take control of their professional lives and build a better future for themselves and their families. Many FM companies also offer performance-based incentives and benefits, further motivating and rewarding their employees.

Despite the positive trends, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent and accessible training programs, promoting fair wages and benefits, and addressing the social stigma sometimes associated with blue-collar work are crucial for further empowerment. Collaboration between government, industry, and training institutions is essential to create a robust ecosystem that supports the growth and development of the blue-collar workforce in the FM sector.

However, the tide is turning. Companies are realising that investing in their blue-collar workforce isn't just socially responsible – it's good business. Skilled, motivated workers lead to better service quality, higher client satisfaction, and ultimately, better financial performance.

As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors become increasingly important to investors and clients, companies prioritising worker welfare are gaining a competitive edge. The FM industry's efforts are having a ripple effect, influencing other sectors and contributing to a more equitable workforce in India. By transforming invisible workers into invaluable assets, facility management is not just changing its own industry – it's taking a significant step towards a more inclusive and sustainable Indian economy.

In a country where millions still struggle for dignified employment, every blue-collar worker empowered is a step towards a better India. The facility management industry, with its vast reach and impact, is playing a crucial role in this journey – truly turning the invisible into the invaluable.