IWFM Predicts Three Megatrends for the Future of FM

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30 November 2023

To honour its 30th anniversary, IWFM has published their predictions for how the FM sector will evolve in a new report.

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IWFM’s report, “30 years back, 3 trends for the future”, celebrates facilities and workplace managers’ ability to manage change and adapt in sometimes difficult circumstances and recognises them as “lynchpin” players in organisations. 

IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis said: “To serve our members best and advance this critical profession as a whole it is vital to look to the future, identify forthcoming megatrends and address potential effects. This research shares expert perspectives and actionable information to influence strategy and practices and unlock the profession’s potential to transform organisations. By doing so, we can better equip professionals and organisations with the tools they need to succeed in the time ahead.” 

Three Megatrends That Will Affect Workplaces for Years to Come

As part of the report, IWFM has identified three “megatrends” affecting professionals, the sector and the wider business world today:

Embedding Workplace Strategy as a Service

As part of our post-COVID working lifestyle, IWFM believes that workplace strategy as a specific FM offering will become mainstream.  They predict that facilities management professionals will lead the way in developing this service, stating that: “it is important that they grasp the opportunity early, evidence their value and secure their seat before others fill it.” 

Putting People, Planet and Profits on the Same Footing

The UK has a net-zero by 2050 goal, and without embedding sustainability and ESG strategy within their business, organisations will miss out on tangible benefits in terms of profits, according to the report.

Again, the paper argues that facilities managers are uniquely placed to have influence in this area, as they directly oversee energy consumption throughout an organisation. They also have the technical knowledge to effect change.

The Relationship Between Smart Buildings and FMs

Smart technology, smart buildings, AI, machine learning, and automation: all key buzzwords in the business world. While there have been significant advances in these areas, the authors of the IWM report maintain that “the concept lacks a clear definition and an underpinning specification.” This presents another opportunity for facilities and workplace managers to get ahead.

You can read the report in full here.

Picture: a photograph of a person holding a pen and writing on several post-it notes. Image Credit: Unsplash 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 30 November 2023

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