Turning Membership Into a Movement: The Power of Facilities Management in Mental Health Advocacy

Facilities management is often seen as the hidden engine behind campus life. We’re the ones who keep the lights on, the toilets flushing, and the temperature just right.

While we might not have the spotlight, we have something equally powerful: the ability to lead change, especially when fostering a culture that values mental health. It begins with taking our membership in professional networks beyond individual benefits and turning it into a movement.

Membership—From Personal Growth to Collective Strength

When we talk about being part of facilities management networks, we often think of the perks—like new skills, access to resources, and the occasional story swap. But what if our membership can be more than that? What if it could be a collective force that pushes for mental health awareness as a core part of our work?

Facilities managers are used to being the problem-solvers—we fix broken elevators, manage chaotic move-ins, and plan for those unexpected middle-of-the-night emergencies. Our conversations usually focus on square footage, budgets, and what’s on the “to-fix” list. Yet, many of us carry our own quiet battles behind the problem-solving exterior. It is not that we don’t feel stress or pressure—historically, this field has been more about grit and resilience than vulnerability and openness. When we start sharing our experiences, we see we are not alone in our challenges. That is when the real magic of membership happens—when we use our collective voice to prioritize mental health in our field.

Creating a Unified Front for Change (and Making It Stick)

There is a unique energy when we come together as a community. We bring our practical, no-nonsense problem-solving skills to the table and start thinking about not just what needs to be fixed on campus but also what we need to fix within our teams and ourselves. It is not just about emergency responses and maintenance; it is about building a work environment where we can thrive.

Imagine I am at a conference, chatting with a fellow facilities manager, and we’re sharing war stories from the latest campus renovation project gone awry. Suddenly, the conversation shifts to how we’re all coping with the demands and stress that come with the job. One of us mentions starting a “wellness break” in their department—giving employees ten minutes to decompress in the middle of the day. What begins as a casual exchange turns into a plan that others at the conference want to try at their own institutions. We learn that prioritizing mental health doesn’t always need a formal policy; sometimes, it is as simple as sharing an idea and supporting each other to activate it.

Sharing Success Stories—Proof That We’re All in This Together

It is amazing what can happen when we share our wins and struggles. Maybe your team succeeded with a new approach to handling on-call stress, or a quiet area was created in the office to help the team unwind. Sharing those stories is like planting seeds. They inspire others to try their own version of your idea and show that even small steps can lead to fruitful change.

These stories resonate because they come from people who are in the trenches. They remind us that we all are in similar waters—from dealing with surprise repair calls to facing the mental exhaustion that comes with it. We might joke about that one time the sanitary line backed up during an important VIP visit (who doesn’t need a little humor to get through the tough days?). Sharing those moments also helps us realize we’re in this together—as facilities managers and as a community that cares about each other’s well-being.

Membership as a Training Ground for Empathy and Action

Membership in these networks isn’t just for technical training; it is also a place to develop empathy and leadership skills that focus on mental health. Think about the trainings we attend or the workshops we join—sometimes, it is about learning new technologies and sometimes, it is about learning how to better support ourselves and each other. We can bring those insights to our teams—reminding everyone that it is okay to take a break and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

In a field often defined by its “get it done” mentality, prioritizing mental health can feel like a shift. I’ve seen firsthand that it’s possible, starting with simple gestures like checking in on a colleague, making room for a laugh after a long day, or suggesting a five-minute mental reset before diving back into the day’s chaos. These small acts have a cumulative effect and set the tone for a healthier, more supportive work culture.

From Membership to Movement—Breaking the Silence

Facilities management has always been about tackling the job’s physical aspects—ensuring buildings function seamlessly. We are realizing more and more that our role can extend beyond that, especially when we use our voices to prioritize mental health. The shift from membership to movement begins when we share our stories and advocate for change. It is not just about managing a heating system; it is about creating a campus culture where well-being is prioritized for everyone.

I’ve learned that the most powerful change starts with leading by example. We don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers; it is about being open, discussing our struggles, and finding collective solutions. As we share our experiences and build each other up, we send a strong message—mental health matters, and it is an essential part of our work as facilities professionals.

The Collective Power of Membership

Turning membership into a movement isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes vulnerability, collaboration, and a commitment to changing the narrative around mental health in our field. But as we come together to share ideas, support each other, and champion mental health as a priority, we create a workplace culture that benefits everyone on campus.

The next time we’re in a chapter meeting or talking to a colleague at a conference, remember that our membership is more than just a title or an access point. It is our chance to make a difference—for ourselves and the entire campus community. When we turn our voices into action, we’re not just managing facilities; we’re creating a space where people can thrive, both inside and out.

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Kathryn Brubacher is the executive director of facilities management at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. She can be reached at [email protected].