As operations within the logistics industry continue to evolve, facilities managers face new challenges, from labor shortages to shifting employee expectations. In an era where employee well-being and engagement are at the forefront of organizational success, employers must adopt best practices that accommodate and actively support their workforce.

High turnover and recruitment struggles remain ongoing challenges for facilities managers, highlighting the need for a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

The Newcastle Systems Worker Satisfaction Report further emphasizes the importance of employee well-being in today’s workplace. The report reveals that factors such as a sense of purpose, recognition, and alignment with company values are crucial drivers of employee happiness and engagement, highlighting the growing need for facilities managers to take a proactive approach to support their teams.

Why Employee Care Matters

In today’s world, workers are required to perform physically demanding, repetitive, and labor-intensive tasks. They might also be navigating hazardous environments and dealing with the stress of high expectations and performance metrics. Facilities managers are left to address these challenges by prioritizing the care and engagement of their teams.

According to a recent Vision Study by Zebra, 60% of operational decision-makers cited labor recruitment and efficiency as top challenges, underscoring the critical need for managers to ensure that their employees are cared for and motivated to perform at their best. Companies that foster a strong sense of purpose, offer recognition, and align their workers with organizational goals see better overall performance.

Best Practices for Facilities Managers to Care for Employees

To ensure a thriving and engaged workforce, facilities managers must implement practical strategies that promote well-being, increase satisfaction, and reduce turnover, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive. Below are five ways to help facilities managers care for their teams:

1. Offer Personalized Attention and Communication: Employees want to feel valued beyond just receiving a paycheck. Facilities managers should avoid adopting a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, managers should engage with employees individually to understand their unique challenges and needs. Connecting with workers and offering personalized support demonstrates a commitment to their well-being and fosters a stronger working relationship.

Effective communication is a foundational element of good management. Facilities managers should regularly solicit employee feedback to better understand their needs, concerns, and ideas for improvement. Creating an open line of communication ensures that employees feel heard and respected, while acting on employee feedback demonstrates that their opinions matter and can directly impact workplace improvements.

2. Provide Ongoing Coaching and Development Opportunities: Workers expect more than just a job—they want opportunities for growth. Facilities managers should invest in continuous training and development, helping employees build skills and prepare for future roles. Cross-training employees for different responsibilities not only helps them feel valued but also increases operational flexibility. Managers should also offer coaching to ensure employees feel supported in their professional development, boosting engagement levels.

3. Reward Effort and Team Building: Employee recognition is also key to engagement. Managers can create systems to regularly acknowledge good work and celebrate achievements. This could be through formal recognition programs, informal praise, or small incentives. When workers know their contributions are valued, they are more likely to remain motivated and dedicated to their work.

Building a sense of community within the workplace can significantly improve employee satisfaction. Facilities managers should organize opportunities for social interaction and team bonding, such as hosting regular employee events, team lunches, or community service projects. These activities help employees build relationships and increase their sense of belonging and connection to the company’s values.

4. Provide the Right Tools and Technology: Equipping workers with the right tools is one of the most important but often overlooked aspects of employee care. Large facilities can be complex environments with constant workflow challenges, and employees need efficient tools to perform their tasks. Whether adopting mobile-powered workstations, providing ergonomic equipment, or incorporating automation to alleviate physical strain, facilities managers should focus on providing technology that improves worker efficiency and comfort. According to Deloitte, providing “enabling infrastructure” is a global best practice for employee engagement, as it directly influences workers’ ability to succeed.

5. Focus on Employee Well-Being and Safety: Prioritizing physical and mental well-being is more important than ever. In addition to safety training, facilities managers should implement wellness programs that promote mental health and stress management. Creating a safe and supportive environment helps reduce burnout, absenteeism, and accidents, contributing to higher morale and productivity.

The Bottom Line

As different industries face continued challenges in 2025, facilities managers must shift their focus toward managing operations and fostering a culture of care and engagement. By prioritizing employee care, providing ongoing support, and aligning their work with the company’s larger mission, employers can develop a more motivated, loyal, and productive workforce—ultimately leading to greater operational success and a healthier bottom line.

John O’Kelly is the founder and CEO of Newcastle Systems, a workplace mobility solutions provider whose mobile-powered carts are used in manufacturing, retail, and shipping and receiving applications. The company recently released its 2024 Worker Satisfaction Survey Report.

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