What’s Next for the FM Industry in 2026?

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• What’s Next for the FM Industry in 2026?

10 December 2025

Karl Breeze from Matrix Booking makes his predictions for the facilities management landscape in 2026.

Karl joined Matrix Booking as CEO in August 2020, just as the company was separating from its parent company, Keytree, and amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. With his extensive background in IT, software development, and business leadership, Karl was the right person to guide Matrix Booking through this tumultuous period. His leadership helped the company navigate its newfound independence, and he has continued to drive its growth by focusing on innovation and customer-centric solutions in the rapidly evolving landscape of hybrid work.

 

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FM as an Invisible Force

 

Facilities management has always been the backbone of every organisation - the invisible force keeping workplaces running smoothly, safely and efficiently. But as technology, sustainability and hybrid working models evolve, FM is no longer a background function. It’s becoming a strategic driver of employee experience, productivity and environmental performance.

In 2026, FM will be about more than maintenance. It will be about innovation - using data, design and digital tools to create spaces that respond to how people actually work. The year ahead will see FM leaders take on a far more transformative role, moving from caretakers of buildings to enablers of workplace evolution.

So what’s next for the FM industry, and what trends should leaders be ready for?

 

Accessibility Becomes a Strategic Priority

 

Accessibility is no longer a compliance checkbox; it’s central to creating effective, inclusive and future-ready workplaces. In 2026, accessibility will rise to the top of the FM agenda as organisations recognise the operational and human cost of exclusion.

Hybrid working has exposed a range of accessibility challenges - from inconsistent office layouts and booking systems that fail to accommodate individual needs, to digital tools that exclude certain users. In the coming year, we can expect to see greater investment in inclusive workspace design. For example, adaptable floor plans and clear signage to more accessible entry points and facilities. The same shift will occur in digital environments, where booking platforms and collaboration tools will need to work seamlessly for all employees, regardless of ability.

The public sector is already leading the way on this front. With stringent accessibility requirements and a growing focus on inclusive design in public buildings and services, government and local authority estates are setting a strong example for private organisations to follow. Their progress shows how accessibility can be embedded not only as a compliance measure but as a cornerstone of effective, people-centred workplace design.

The most forward-thinking organisations will conduct regular accessibility audits across both their physical and digital environments to identify and remove barriers. Crucially, accessibility will come to be seen not just as a moral or legal obligation, but as a driver of productivity, engagement and retention – ensuring that every employee can contribute fully and comfortably, no matter how or where they work.

 

The Rise of Smart, Data-Led Buildings

 

The FM sector has long talked about smart buildings, but 2026 will be the year they start to deliver measurable value. The focus will shift from deploying isolated sensors and systems to prioritising integration. Smart energy systems, occupancy sensors and workspace management software will allow FM teams to monitor how buildings are used in real time, providing the insight needed to optimise everything from energy use to maintenance schedules and office layouts.

This transition towards intelligent infrastructure comes at a critical time. The UK’s updated Building Safety Act and Fire Safety (England) Regulations, both tightening in scope in 2026, are placing greater accountability on duty holders and building owners. For FM leaders, this means embracing technology that supports compliance through accurate, accessible data. Smart monitoring tools will make it easier to record and report maintenance activity, flag potential fire safety risks, and make sure that all systems and safety checks are properly documented.

This deeper integration of digital systems will also enable predictive maintenance, with AI anticipating faults before they occur, reducing both risk and downtime. Data-driven space planning will become a core focus too, helping organisations adapt layouts to real patterns of use rather than assumptions. As a result, buildings will begin to function less as static assets and more as responsive, intelligent systems that actively support operational goals.

 

Sustainability Moves From Ambition to Accountability

 

Sustainability has been one of FM’s defining themes for years, but in 2026, it will become more measurable, reportable and inescapable. With the UK government tightening its net-zero targets and ESG reporting becoming more rigorous, FM teams will be expected to provide clear, auditable data on their environmental impact.

This evolution means embedding sustainability into every decision, from supplier selection and materials to day-to-day operational choices. Energy monitoring tools will be essential to identify waste, optimise consumption and meet emissions goals. Workplace design will also play a role, with layouts and policies that encourage sustainable behaviours such as recycling, active travel and efficient space use.

FM professionals will effectively become sustainability enablers, translating corporate pledges into tangible results. The organisations that succeed will be those that make sustainability an integral part of everyday practice, not a side project or annual reporting exercise.

 

AI and Automation Enter the FM Mainstream

 

Artificial intelligence has already reshaped industries like finance, logistics and HR - and FM is next. In 2026, AI will shift from experimental pilots to practical applications that enhance day-to-day operations.

AI will increasingly be used to optimise maintenance schedules, monitor building performance and anticipate system faults before they disrupt operations. It will also help to balance energy use dynamically, learning from patterns of occupancy and adjusting lighting, heating and ventilation accordingly. Intelligent automation will streamline task allocation and workflow management, while digital assistants or chatbots will make it easier for employees to find available workspaces, log maintenance requests or access building information.

The challenge for FM leaders will be to adopt AI in ways that enhance human expertise rather than replace it. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can free teams from reactive firefighting and allow them to focus on higher-value strategic work – improving efficiency and employee satisfaction in tandem.

 

The Human-Centric Workplace Takes Centre Stage

 

Technology and data will shape FM’s future, but 2026 will also mark a return to human-centric design. After years of hybrid experimentation, organisations are realising that workplace success depends as much on wellbeing and culture as it does on connectivity or technology.

Office management is no longer a one-size-fits-all challenge. New research has shown that over a third of UK businesses (38 per cent) are losing up to a full day of operational time each week due to poor workspace management. A quarter of organisations still rely on outdated tools such as Outlook or spreadsheets to manage desks and meeting rooms, leading to overcrowding, booking conflicts and a lack of insight into how space is actually used.

This inefficiency has a direct impact on productivity, satisfaction and even employee wellbeing. FM leaders will be instrumental in redesigning work environments that are flexible, inclusive and optimised for different modes of work - from quiet focus areas to social and collaborative zones. Collaboration between FM, HR and IT will also deepen, ensuring that the physical workplace fully supports the digital and cultural needs of the organisation.

The most successful workplaces will be those that balance the technical with the human, creating environments that are efficient, engaging and genuinely responsive to the needs of a modern, dynamic workforce.

 

FM’s Evolution Continues

 

2026 will be a defining year for facilities management. As technology, sustainability and inclusivity converge, FM leaders have the opportunity to redefine what workplace success looks like.

Those who embrace innovation, prioritise accessibility and use data to drive smarter decisions will help shape workplaces that are adaptable, inclusive and ready for whatever comes next.

FM’s future isn’t about maintaining buildings - it’s about enabling people and organisations to thrive.

Picture: a photograph of Karl Breeze. Image Credit: Matrix Booking

Article written by Karl Breeze | Published 10 December 2025

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