The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has released a new report, Experts’ Assessment, Vol. 2: Future Working Environments and Support Functions Toward 2030.

The association’s report provides an analysis of what the facility management industry has learned since IFMA’s inaugural Experts’ Assessment study was conducted in 2020.

IFMA surveyed more than 200 subject matter experts from around the world on their perspectives on five main themes:

• • Facilities in demand toward 2030
  • Technology, work, and workforce development
  • Workplace management and strategy
  • Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)
  • Facility management in 2030.

The report revisits the challenges, projected effects and recommended actions outlined two years ago, examining choices made and lessons learned, identifying the implications for future work environments and support functions.

“The subject matter experts who contributed to this study are industry leaders whose foresight and well-considered actions have sustained their organisations through unprecedented change,” said IFMA President and CEO Don Gilpin.

“Understanding the decisions they’ve made to adapt and prepare their organizations for the future will help any FM gain clarity in forming their own strategies, as well as a solid base from which to gain buy-in on projects and policies that will mean the difference between sink or swim.”

Laurie A. Gilmer, P.E., CFM, FMP, SFP, LEED AP, chair of IFMA’s global board of directors, said the new report identifies the most crucial focus areas for resilience, both for FM professionals and their organisations.

“It shows that facility managers face several new realities requiring new mindsets, business models and technologies. With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm and organizations still struggling to entice workers back to the office, it is increasingly important for FMs to create more experiential spaces.” said Gilmer.

“FMs are no strangers to change. We are attentive to varying conditions in our facilities and the business world. We plan for possible scenarios so that we are ready to pivot for the safety and productivity of our people and the endurance of our organisations. To be fully prepared, we must be fully informed. The Experts’ Assessment is a shining example of how our industry has remained forearmed and flexible, supported by IFMA’s initiative in identifying emerging trends, preparing FMs for the impacts and guiding us through challenges with critical information and insights.”

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