Through a strategic collaboration with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), JLL has successfully trained over 1,700 professionals worldwide through the Facility Management Professional™ (FMP®) program, with additional participants completing Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) and Essentials of FM courses. Since launching in 2023, the two-year initiative has driven measurable business impact, including a 2% increase in promotion rates and nearly 14% improvement in retention for FMP-certified employees.

“Our partnership with IFMA equips our facilities management teams with industry-leading expertise to meet evolving client needs,” said Cheryl Carron, Chief Operating Officer of Work Dynamics Americas and President of JLL’s Healthcare Division. “This collaboration fosters professional development, career advancement, and attracts top FM talent globally.”

The program evolved from early discussions in 2020 into a fully integrated Business-as-Usual (BAU) model, balancing global consistency with regional flexibility. It incorporates scalable reporting frameworks, flexible licensing, and dedicated support staff to ensure sustained engagement and successful completion across JLL’s operations worldwide.

Amid labor shortages and rising demand for specialized FM skills, the initiative addresses critical workforce challenges. Skilled facility managers are increasingly required to navigate sustainability, technology integration, and workplace experience demands, making retention and career development strategic priorities.

Paul Morgan, Global COO of Real Estate Management Services at JLL, highlighted: “By building credentials and careers, we reinforce our leadership in facilities management excellence. Our work with IFMA demonstrates how strategic vision paired with operational discipline transforms professional growth globally.”

JLL-based IFMA trainers ensure internal expertise drives ongoing success, while future plans include expanding credentialing offerings and integrating them further into JLL’s talent strategy. Recognized with the IFMA George Graves Award in 2023 and 2024, JLL continues to invest in workforce development and diversity through the IFMA Foundation’s Global Workforce Initiative.

Read for more organizations seeking a capable, certified, and strategically minded FM workforce.