Words: Louisa Poulios 

A survey of more than 100 FM professionals across Australia and New Zealand revealed that while industry veterans remain strong advocates for the profession, growing workloads may be dampening its appeal to new entrants. 

MRI’s key takeaways

A majority (88 percent) of survey respondents indicated an increase in their workload or responsibilities, reflected by 47 percent who reported working overtime by six hours or more. 

However, the report found that three in four professionals would recommend the career, with 83 percent reporting job satisfaction. 

MRI Software’s industry principal Heinrich Serfontein, producer of the report, says facility managers are more than just custodians of spaces. “With a hand in everything from employee and tenant satisfaction to technology implementation, they are pivotal to creating sustainable, productive spaces and contributing to organisational success,” he says. 

Top challenges for FM professionals include the complexity of day-to-day operations, with contractor management emerging as the top issue, followed by managing the workload and budget cuts.

Looking for the next generation of FM workers

Despite the favourable outlook for FM professionals, the industry is considering how to attract and retain new workers to sustain growth.

Serfontein says the strong recommendation rate is a positive indicator, but if fresh talent doesn’t enter the workforce at the pace required, the industry risks a future skills gap. “We need to raise awareness, highlight career pathways and ensure that facilities management is seen as a viable and dynamic career choice for emerging professionals,” he said.

Read the full report here.