FM Engagement
Facilities Management, we believe every employee deserves support, trust, and empowerment.
Since its launch in 2019, the FM Engagement Program has championed these values through initiatives like Inclusive Excellence (2020-2024) and by creating meaningful connections across FM, the University of Virginia, and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Our work is rooted in FM's core values — respect, integrity, stewardship, and collaboration — and aligns with UVA's mission and strategic plan. Together, we're building a culture where every team member feels valued, connected, and inspired to thrive.
Language program
Facilities Management is home to more than 1,000 UVA employees, representing incredible diversity in language and culture. In 2023, we partnered with the UVA Cornerstone Program to better understand this diversity and design an internal FM Language Program that meets real needs. We learned:
- 20% of our FM workforce are multi-lingual (speaking two or more languages)
- Our FM workforce represents 34 different languages — 5 out of 7 continents
- Our top five identified languages other than English are: Spanish, French, Nepali, Swahili and American Sign Language.
Based on this data, we are now able to serve our department more effectively and collaborate with other UVA teams and organizations across Virginia.
The FM Language Program provides essential resources for interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, translation, and language learning. Request Language Services to enhance communication and connection in the workplace.
Community engagement
Facilities Management actively supports UVA's commitment to service — both internally and in the broader community.
In 2023, FM Occupational Programs received a three-year Jefferson Trust Grant (2024-2027) to create an innovative workforce development pipeline. This initiative begins with education and leads to successful job placements within UVA and local businesses.
FM Engagement collaborates with partners like Albemarle County Public Schools and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia to introduce students to careers in the trades through hands-on experiences.
We also partner annually with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville for the Women Build event. Since 2022, FM volunteers have contributed over 800 hours to support the Southwood Habitat neighborhood.
Employee appreciation
Every fall, FM Engagement leads the FM Event Team to host the FM Employee Appreciation Event — a celebration of connection, collaboration, and gratitude.
This annual gathering reflects our commitment to a supportive workplace culture. Explore highlights from recent events.
Mental health
FM Engagement partners with FM OHS and the UVA Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) to promote mental health awareness across our workforce.
From 2023-2024, we delivered in-person presentations on mental health in the workplace and suicide prevention. Building on this foundation, we continue to support targeted initiatives and training, including Mental Health First Aid in partnership with Region 10 — with more than 10% of our workforce trained to date.
