World FM Day 2025: Navigating the future of facilities management

May 14, 2025

As we celebrate World FM Day 2025, the spotlight turns to the facility managers (FMs) who are not just maintaining our built environments, they are future-proofing them.

From climate pressures and cost volatility to digitization and hybrid workplaces, the FM industry is undergoing a sweeping transformation. And yet, despite these challenges, facility professionals continue to rise, adapt, and thrive. This year's theme, "Thriving in a world of change," couldn’t be more fitting.

Let’s take a closer look at how the FM profession is evolving and where it’s headed next.

The expanding FM landscape

The global facilities management market is experiencing significant growth. Valued at approximately $1.46 trillion in 2024, it's projected to reach over $2.38 trillion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% over the next decade¹. This expansion reflects not only the increasing complexity of facilities but also their growing strategic value in achieving sustainability, efficiency, and occupant health.

Trends shaping facilities management in 2025

Digital transformation is accelerating

The age of smart buildings is here and FM teams are leading the charge. More than 60% of FM leaders report that digital transformation is now critical to achieving their strategic goals². Tools such as IoT sensors, BMS alarm analytics, HVAC optimisation, fault detection and diagnostics, AI-powered Building Information Modelling [BIM] are enabling data-driven maintenance, energy optimization, and streamlined compliance tracking. The result is less reactive work and more proactive insight.

AI is transforming facilities management — not by replacing people, but by amplifying them. In 2025, the focus is on smarter decisions, faster insights, and sustainable outcomes, with humans firmly in the loop. This is AI you can trust — built for real-world FM.

Tip: Implement platforms that surface actionable insights, not just raw data.

Sustainability is a strategic imperative

Green FM is no longer a niche. It is becoming the standard across the sector. Approximately 78% of facility managers rank sustainability among their top three priorities³. Carbon tracking, ESG compliance, and energy-efficient operations are now core responsibilities, not side initiatives. Demand is rising for carbon retrofits, smart controls, and live emissions dashboards.

Tip: Work closely with your partners to identiofy quick-wins before embracing longer-term improvement initiaitvs.

Workplace experience is redefining success

Facility managers are increasingly expected to balance operations with occupant satisfaction. The rise of hybrid work models has shifted expectations: buildings must now offer flexibility, comfort, and collaboration-enabling infrastructure. FMs are now responsible for managing everything from indoor air quality to space utilization analytics.

Tip: Gather and respond to occupant feedback regularly. Use the data to inform decisions on layout, lighting, and temperature.

Skills gaps and workforce evolution

The FM talent landscape is undergoing disruption. The UK’s FM sector alone employs over 1.2 million people, across 2,000+ companies, contributing £56 billion annually⁴. But the workforce is aging, and there's a shortage of new entrants with the digital fluency and ESG expertise needed to take FM forward.

Tip: Invest in training and certifications that equip teams with future-ready skills — including data analytics, sustainability literacy, AI and customer support.

Partnerships over products

Facility managers are increasingly looking for strategic partners, not one-off vendors. Technology alone is not the answer. FM leaders are turning to solution providers who offer collaborative support, training, and strategic insights. Long-term partnerships help organizations deploy tools effectively, avoid feature fatigue, and drive continuous improvement.

Tip: Look for solution providers who understand your building, offer onboarding and ongoing support, and help measure ROI.

Celebrating FM professionals on World FM Day

Facility managers are no longer “behind the scenes.” They are at the front line of efficiency, sustainability, and transformation. As the built environment becomes smarter and more complex, FMs are playing a central role in helping organizations thrive through change.

On World FM Day 2025, we recognize and thank facility managers around the world — for their adaptability, innovation, and enduring commitment to making our buildings better.