Reflecting on progress: Facilities management in 2025 and the trends shaping 2026

In this article, we review some of the key developments from 2025 and explore the trends that will define facilities management (FM) in 2026 – from operational sustainability and digital discernment to intelligent data use, human-led service, and partnership-driven delivery.

A year defined by recalibration

After several years of technological acceleration, organisations began to reassess what progress really looks like. The conversation shifted from digital transformation to digital discernment – using technology selectively to improve resilience, sustainability, and service quality.

Technology is central to the workplace of the future, from smart sensors to AI-driven systems. However, there are limitations to what it can achieve, particularly in the case of AI. Read more about these limitations in ‘Where Artificial Intelligence ends: The ongoing need for human expertise in facilities management.’

Intelligent data, pragmatic interpretation

The industry’s growing data capacity has introduced a paradox. While many buildings now produce vast streams of information, the competitive edge lies in interpreting it judiciously. The sector is beginning to move away from dashboards that measure everything toward analytics that measure what matters.’

Technology can be used to help identify inefficiencies, model scenarios, and inform smarter decision-making, but insights alone are not enough. Data must be interpreted in context, prioritised according to business needs, and applied with sound judgment.

At Pyndar, our work reflects this pragmatic trend: technology is valuable when it clarifies, not when it complicates.

From sustainability goals to operational proof

Sustainability has matured into an operational discipline. The past year saw a pivot from setting ambitions to producing verifiable evidence: energy dashboards, waste audits, and supplier carbon reporting became standard elements of many FM contracts. Facilities teams are increasingly expected to integrate environmental outcomes into everyday operations.

FM can drive meaningful environmental impact, turning sustainability targets from intention into action. Read the full article to learn more, ‘FM’s role in supporting a more sustainable built environment.’

People, perception, and the lived environment

Parallel to these shifts is another important development: the elevation of workplace perception as a management metric. Research finds that individuals who are satisfied with their work environments are 18% more likely to stay, and 30% more attracted to their company over competitors.

Facilities management is instrumental in creating environments where talent thrives, ensuring businesses remain attractive to top candidates, and resilient in the face of challenges. FM has become a tool for reputation and retention: attention to detail in cleaning, maintenance, and presentation helps to communicate organisational values.

An effective FM strategy supports the workplace experience, helping to attract, retain, and engage the best talent. For further insights, see ‘The role of the workplace in attracting and retaining talent.’

The outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, FM is poised to become both more scientific and more human. Intelligent systems will refine efficiency, but trust, care, and professional consistency will continue to determine value.

Rather than chasing novelty, organisations will focus on depth – embedding the systems, partnerships and measurement frameworks that make improvement continuous rather than reactive.

Transparent sustainability accounting

Carbon reporting will become both more granular and more visible. Clients are asking for verifiable data on emissions reduction, material sourcing, and water use. Facilities managers will need to demonstrate that environmental outcomes can withstand external audit, not just internal review. The most capable providers will treat sustainability reporting as a routine operational output, not an annual exercise.

As Abhijit Sunil, Senior Analyst at Forrester, notes in Predictions 2026: Environmental Sustainability Enters an Era of Authenticity, scrutiny is shifting from reported outcomes to the integrity of the underlying data processes. Sustainability leaders must therefore invest in robust governance to ensure the accuracy of their reporting and protect against compliance failures and reputational risk.

Skills renewal and professional development

The sector’s growing reliance on technology has created a demand for individuals proficient in both digital tools and traditional trades. According to research from the World Economic Forum, by 2030, an estimated 59% of the global workforce will require significant training or retraining.

Continuous learning is emerging as a key focus in FM. By 2026, there will be an increased emphasis on upskilling – not only in system operation but also in analytical interpretation, sustainability management, and client communication.

Partnership as operational assurance

Procurement strategies in 2026 are moving further toward partnership models that reduce the operational burden on client teams. Many organisations are seeking facilities providers who can assume responsibility for compliance, maintenance continuity and reporting transparency, allowing internal resources to focus on strategic priorities.

This shift reflects a growing recognition that specialist FM partners deliver greatest value when they act as extensions of the organisation rather than external contractors. WORKTECH Academy’s The World of Work in 2025 report highlights this evolution – from transactional contracts to transformational partnerships – a shift that aligns closely with Pyndar’s philosophy.

Discover more in ‘Why long-term facilities management partnerships deliver more,’ which outlines how sustained collaboration deepens insight and enhances workplace performance.

Final thoughts

Taken together, these developments indicate that 2026 will be a year of refinement rather than disruption. Facilities management will continue to expand its influence beyond maintenance to become an essential component of organisational strategy. The expectation for FM providers will be to combine technical rigour, transparent reporting and dependable service delivery into one coherent standard of operational excellence.

Your trusted partner for a successful workplace

Whether you are a sector leader or an ambitious SME, our fully bespoke services ensure that your workplace remains efficient, compliant, and aligned with your goals.

To learn more about our approach and how we can assist you, call 020 3488 1280, e-mail transform@pyndar.uk or visit our contact page.