FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
James Massey, MD of Facilities, Energy and Retail Intelligence at MRI Software
The Big Picture
The 2025 Voice of the Facility Manager (VOFM) survey from MRI Software offers deep insight into a profession undergoing rapid change. Facility Management (FM) teams across the EMEA region are facing mounting pressures, ranging from increased workloads and tighter budgets to growing expectations around sustainability and the adoption of advanced technologies.
Key Findings at a Glance
The report reveals that 62% of FM professionals consider their workload to be too heavy, while 52% report that their roles negatively impact their mental health. Encouragingly, 73% intend to remain in the field over the next five years. In response to growing operational demands, 68% of FM teams plan to invest in new technologies within the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, 47% identify energy management as a critical priority, and 45% indicate they would switch technology providers if their current systems don’t offer AI capabilities.
Workloads & Well-being: A Balancing Act
Facility managers are experiencing increased pressure in their daily roles, with 52% reporting some level of impact on their mental and physical well-being. The implementation of automation and digital solutions has emerged as a key strategy to reduce manual tasks and streamline operations. Supporting employee wellness through smarter tools isn’t just beneficial—it’s increasingly essential.
Still Committed to the Cause
Despite these growing pressures, FM professionals remain largely committed to their work. Many express satisfaction with the flexibility their roles offer and appreciate the support they receive from leadership teams. However, there is a clear desire for improvement when it comes to compensation and the quality of current workplace technologies. The encouraging news is that the majority remain optimistic about their long-term future in the profession.
Training Needs: Time to Upskill
The report shows that one in five facility management professionals feels they have not received sufficient training for their role. As the field rapidly evolves, there is a growing need for professional development focused on technology, mental health awareness, and compliance. Continued learning opportunities are essential to equip teams with the skills required to navigate complex systems and shifting expectations.
Budget vs. Tech: The Investment Tug-of-War
Budget pressures are still a significant concern in the FM industry. While 40% of teams have seen budget increases over the past three years, nearly a quarter have experienced cuts. This mixed landscape is forcing FM leaders to ensure that every investment delivers value. The primary reason FM teams are planning to invest in new technology is to improve operational efficiency and productivity, although the high cost of change remains a common barrier.
Top Operational Challenges
The management of ageing equipment stands out as the leading operational challenge facing FM teams, followed closely by budget restrictions and compliance-related issues. A proactive, data-driven approach to predictive maintenance is key to tackling these issues, helping reduce unplanned downtime and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The Rise of AI & Automation
Artificial intelligence is rapidly gaining importance in facilities management. The average importance score for AI in the survey was 7.4 out of 10, with 40% of professionals expecting it to increase efficiency and 25% believing it will improve decision-making. Significantly, 45% of FM professionals stated they would consider switching their technology provider if their current system doesn’t incorporate AI features in future updates. MRI Software is already meeting this demand with AI-powered solutions that deliver real-time insights and reduce the need for manual input.
Sustainability: From Aspiration to Action
Sustainability has become a strategic imperative for FM teams. Achieving net-zero targets was named the top challenge by 39% of respondents. Furthermore, 47% agreed that effective energy management is essential to the future of the industry, and half of those surveyed believe technology offers the greatest opportunity for addressing these sustainability goals. Platforms like MRI Energy help teams monitor consumption, reduce waste, and identify opportunities for improvement—making a meaningful impact on both budgets and the environment.
The Road Ahead: Smarter, Greener, In-House
Looking to the future, 65% of FM professionals anticipate greater use of smart technologies and automation in the next five years. Half expect sustainability to become a more central part of facilities strategies. Interestingly, only 28% foresee a rise in outsourcing, which suggests a strong preference for developing in-house expertise and retaining control over operational systems.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Voice of the Facility Manager survey presents a profession under pressure—but also one that is resilient, adaptable, and ready to evolve. The path forward lies in embracing integrated, data-driven solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, and support well-being and sustainability. MRI Software remains committed to helping FM professionals achieve these goals through platforms that combine automation, AI, and smart energy management.
The full Voice of the Facility Manager EMEA 2025 Report has now been released.
Click here to be among the first to receive this must-read report.
W: https://www.mrisoftware.com/uk/
T: 020 3861 7100
