If we haven’t learned anything since the pandemic in 2020 about mental health then I am here to remind you that mental health especially in our facilities management industry is essential. At times–well, many times, we are the first responders, the last to leave, the first one’s racing to a site, balancing home life and being caregivers.
The thing about facilities management is that the work never actually stops. Buildings don't care that you're exhausted. Systems will fail regardless of your emotional state. And when you're overseeing multiple locations like I am, there's always something—a heating complaint in DC, a security issue in our main office, a vendor contract that needs immediate attention. The 24/7 nature of our work makes it easy to convince yourself that taking care of yourself is a luxury you can't afford.
As a woman in the field, I think we have an advantage here that we don’t talk enough about–that intuitive, nurturing side that some may dismiss, but in my experience has served me positively to pick up on subtle changes in our teams, our buildings and yes–ourselves. I noticed, a while back in my early days, in my current role, a shift in team dynamics. The shift was me! I was creating an environment where some were hesitant to bring me issues or even share ideas.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me earlier, burnout is not a badge of honor! Exhaustion doesn’t prove dedication. In our field, we have somehow told ourselves that running on empty means we are always committed professionals and anything less is labeled as unsatisfactory or worse–slacking. But the truth is, when I am depleted, decision making is off. Site walks become a chore, creativity takes a back seat and problem solving dims and sadly you don’t live up to the leader that your team deserves.
Mental health practices needs to be normalized. Period. Rest is productive, not a waste. Taking care of yourself makes you much better at your job. Decision making is clearer, managing your team becomes enjoyable and productive while, most importantly, everyone is allowed to be human. The environment for those you serve and provide services to becomes a place where they do their best work.
As a busy facilities manager, I have had to get creative with my own self care and mental health routine. When I am on the mats training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu something shifts for me. For that hour, three days a week, I’m not the facilities manager with three locations to coordinate and sustain, I’m just present–focused on technique, breathing, movement. Clarity. My training partner doesn't care about my budget concerns. But, here’s what matters most: when my team knows that I prioritize this time for myself, it gives them permission to prioritize their own well-being. That modeling has transformed our team’s culture. They disconnect on weekends and they don’t apologize for having boundaries.
This shift has strengthened our succession planning in ways I didn't anticipate. When I encourage team members to take care of themselves and set boundaries, I'm also empowering them to step into leadership roles. I've learned to delegate based on team strengths and skills, not just who's available or who won't say no.
So here's what actually fits our reality: Five minutes of breathing exercises before walking into a difficult meeting. A proper lunch break instead of eating while responding to emails. A ten-minute walk during site checks that serves double duty as mental reset. Saying no to one non-essential meeting per week to protect energy for what actually matters.
The goal isn't perfect self-care. It's sustainable self-care that actually fits into the messy reality of facilities management—and that creates a team culture where everyone can thrive.
If you're reading this and recognizing yourself, please know you're not alone. This work is demanding. The stress is real. And taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's strategic leadership. Your team deserves the best version of you, and that version only exists when you're taking care of your mental health as intentionally as you maintain your buildings.
Because when we model self-care, set boundaries, and create cultures of mutual support, we don't just become better managers. We build better teams. And ultimately, that's what keeps our buildings—and our people—running at their best.
Maria Ruiz is a Facilities Operations Manager at UNICEF USA with 15+ years of cross-sector expertise. Overseeing multiple national offices, she applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies to create sustainable, efficient workspaces supporting humanitarian missions. Her writing champions women in facilities management by blending technical knowledge with practical insights that empower professionals in this traditionally male-dominated field.
