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Facility Management trends are always changing.
The FM industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. This is due in part to the increasing complexity of facility portfolios and the need for specialized expertise. After nearly three years of pandemic-related disruption, facility management has never been more important.
As we move into 2023 and beyond, here are eleven facility management trends that we predict will shape the built environment:
1. Sustainability will be non-negotiable
Sustainability will become a top priority for Facility Managers as they look for ways to reduce their buildings’ environmental impact. This will be one of the biggest facility management trends for 2023 and beyond.
As building owners, managers, and tenants alike become more conscious of their environmental footprint, they will expect FMs to implement sustainable practices. As a result, Facility Managers can expect to be tasked with finding ways to make their buildings more energy-efficient, carbon-neutral, and sustainable.
This could involve anything from installing energy-efficient lighting and air condition systems to retrofitting existing buildings with sustainable materials.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making
Data analytics is not a new concept, however, it’s one that is becoming increasingly important in facility management.
As building portfolios become more sophisticated, facility managers will need to rely on data more heavily. FMs will use this data to make informed decisions about everything from maintenance and operations to space utilization and energy consumption. Likewise, data will be critical for measuring the success of sustainability initiatives.
No longer will the FM be able to rely on “gut feel” and intuition when it comes to making decisions. Data will be the driving force behind most FM strategies.
The C-suite will be relying on facility managers to provide data-driven insights that can help inform strategic business decisions.
3. A more collaborative approach
Facility management is becoming more collaborative, with stakeholders — building owners, tenants, and service providers — working together to achieve common goals.
FMs must juggle the needs of building owners, tenants, and service providers while also trying to stay within budget. This can be a difficult tightrope to walk, but a more collaborative approach to facility management can help.
By bringing all of the stakeholders together — and getting everyone on the same page — more effective decisions can be made. This collaborative approach also builds trust which makes working together easier in the future.
Facility management is always evolving, and the trend toward collaboration is one that is here to stay.
4. Workplace automation and robotics will become more commonplace
One of the biggest facility management trends we predict for 2023 is an increase in workplace automation and robotics.
Workplace automation and robotics are gradually becoming more commonplace, as businesses look for ways to improve efficiency and cut costs. Facility Managers will play a vital role in this process, as they are responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operation of buildings and facilities.
Robots can perform a variety of tasks, from cleaning floors to delivering mail. Automation helps with repetitive tasks like scheduling appointments and ordering office supplies. By taking on some of the routine tasks that Facility Managers are responsible for, robotics and automation can free up time to focus on more important projects.
5. Greater emphasis on occupant experience:
The pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we use our buildings. One of the areas that have seen the biggest change is the emphasis on occupant experience.
Facility management trends are now moving towards a more occupant-centric approach. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter office spaces. Today’s Facility Managers must create unique and dynamic environments that appeal to the needs of their occupants.
6. Enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols
Facility Managers have always been responsible for the cleanliness and safety of their buildings, but the pandemic has created a new set of challenges. In response, many FMs have implemented enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols.
These protocols typically include more frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, increased use of disinfectants, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by cleaning staff.
While these measures may seem like common sense, they are vital to keeping occupants safe and preventing the spread of illness. As the world recovers from the pandemic, enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols will remain the new normal in facility management.
7. The workforce will become more diverse
Facility Managers will need to cater to a workforce that is increasingly diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, and gender identity. This could require making changes to the workplace design, implementing inclusive policies, and offering more flexible working arrangements.
Additionally, FMs will need to be aware of the unique needs of each individual and group, and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to be successful. By understanding and responding to the changing demographics of the workforce, Facility Managers can create an inclusive environment that meets the needs of all employees.
8. Security concerns will continue to grow
The past year has seen a greater focus on security, as businesses strive to protect their employees, customers, and assets.
Facility managers play a vital role in ensuring the security of their buildings, and they are often responsible for managing security systems, conducting risk assessments, and developing emergency response plans.
As the world becomes increasingly uncertain, we predict that facility management trends will continue to move towards a more secure and safe workplace environment. We can expect to see an increase in the use of security systems and technologies, as well as a greater focus on emergency response planning.
9. Increased demand for outsourcing and contract services
As the built environment continues to rebound, we predict an increase in the demand for facility management outsourcing and contract services.
Facility managers are under constant pressure to do more with less, and outsourcing certain non-core functions has become an increasingly popular way to free up time and resources. Services such as security, janitorial, landscaping, and pest control can be outsourced to third-party providers without compromising quality or service levels.
Not only does this allow facility managers to focus on their core responsibilities, but it can also lead to cost savings. In a tight economic climate, businesses are always looking for ways to cut costs, and outsourcing facility management services are one way to achieve this.
As we enter the new year, we expect to see more organizations turning to outsource as a way to improve their bottom line.
10. A rise in flexible working
The popularity of flexible working arrangements is only likely to increase in the next few years. This will present new challenges for facility managers in terms of space management and workplace design.
Employees are increasingly seeking jobs that offer more flexible hours and locations. As a result, businesses are starting to adopt more flexible policies. This trend is only likely to continue in the next few years, which means FMs will need to be prepared to adapt their workspace design and management strategies accordingly.
The work-from-home agenda has also come to the fore in this post-pandemic environment. Employers are often challenged with providing sound value propositions for Return-to-Office mandates.
This trend is likely to continue in the post-pandemic world, as businesses increasingly focus on attracting and retaining talent as well as tenants. In order to attract top talent and top-tier tenants, businesses will need to offer workplaces that are not only comfortable but also offer a great overall experience.
In order to accommodate a more diverse range of work styles, FMs will need to create spaces that are both comfortable and functional for a variety of activities. Additionally, they will need to be mindful of the potential impact of these changes on workplace culture and morale.
By staying ahead of these trends, facility managers can ensure that their workplaces are ready for the future.
11. A changing workforce
Facility management is facing a changing workforce as baby boomers retire and new facility managers take their place. This shift will bring with it new challenges and opportunities, as facility managers seek to adapt to the changing needs of their occupants.
One of the biggest challenges will be finding qualified candidates to fill the open positions. As baby boomers retire, they will take with them years of experience and knowledge. Facility managers will need to find ways to transfer this knowledge to the new generation of facility managers. Furthermore, they will need to find ways to attract and retain top talent.
While there is no crystal ball to see into the future, we can make some educated guesses about what trends will shape the built environment in 2023. We’ve outlined eleven key trends that we think will be important over the next few years. Do you agree with our predictions? Can you think of any others?
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At Servus, we are always keeping an eye on the latest industry news so that we can provide our clients with the best possible service. If you need help preparing for these changes or want advice on how to stay ahead of the curve, don’t hesitate to get in touch.