FM census provides industry snapshot

Maintenance and cleaning the most sub-contracted services, report finds.

Maintenance and cleaning are the most sub-contracted services, according to the newly released 2017-18 Facilities Management Industry Census.

Produced in partnership by the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA) and Programmed Facility Management, the 2017-18 Facilities Management Industry Census gauges the perceptions of those engaged in facilities management, including FM practitioners, purchasers and suppliers.

Now in its sixth edition, the census creates a snapshot of the industry across Australia and New Zealand, examining  demographics, education, building portfolios and outsourcing.

“Facility managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security and sustainability of our built environment,” said Nicholas Burt, CEO of the FMA. “However, their work is often unseen.”

According to this year’s census 29 per cent of practitioners identify as female, up from 19 per cent in 2013; while 38 per cent of practitioners are under the age of 40, compared to 29 per cent in 2013. More than 70 per cent of practitioners are under the age of 50, compared to 52 per cent in 2013.

The report found maintenance and cleaning are the most sub-contracted services, with 83 per cent and 74 per cent of practitioners respectively outsourcing these services “always” or “often”.  Respondents said the key benefits of outsourcing FM are  “greater flexibility”, “access to best practice” and “reduced costs”.

According to the findings,  32 per cent of purchasers indicated FM is “rarely” discussed at the executive level of their organisation. Looking ahead, respondents claim the biggest opportunity for the industry is advances in technology.

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required