FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
James Massey, Managing Director of Facilities Management at MRI Software presents the insights and implications for EMEA FM teams from the software provider’s 2025 Voice of the Facility Manager Report
The role of the facilities manager is undergoing a dramatic evolution. With the rise of flexible and hybrid working models, the expectations placed on FM teams have never been higher. As technology and sustainability become increasingly central to building operations, FM practitioners across the EMEA region are grappling with new challenges and opportunities.
MRI’s annual Voice of the Facility Manager survey (VOFM) polls the insights and opinions on a range of topics from the challenges FM professionals face to the approaches and technologies they rely on to achieve their goals and objectives. The 2025 edition of VOFM provides a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the industry. The main findings from the survey reflect the challenging environment in which FM teams find themselves and clearly demonstrate the extent to which technology is regarded as a critical means to drive efficiency, productivity, and sustainable operations.
RISING WORKLOADS AND HEALTH IMPACTS
The survey reveals that FM professionals face significant workload pressures. Over 62 per cent of respondents described their workload as “on the busy side” or “far too busy,” highlighting the ever-increasing demands placed on FM teams. Concerningly, more than half (52 per cent) of the respondents reported that their role negatively impacts their mental health, while 45 per cent indicated an adverse effect on their physical health.
These findings highlight the urgent need for tools that can help streamline operations and reduce both manual work and day-to-day stress. By automating routine tasks and improving data accessibility, FM teams can alleviate some of the pressure. The survey underscores that adopting technology is not just about efficiency – it’s also a means to support the wellbeing of staff who face increasing work demands.
JOB SATISFACTION AND THE FUTURE OF FM
Despite the challenges, there is a strong sense of commitment among FM professionals. The survey shows that many are satisfied with the flexibility offered by their roles, with an average satisfaction score of 3.8 out of 5. Support from executive leadership also received a positive rating (3.5/5). However, areas such as salary and technology scored lower at 3.3/5, signalling room for improvement.
Encouragingly, nearly 73 per cent of respondents expressed confidence that they would still be working in facilities management in five years’ time. This enduring commitment suggests that, with the right tools and strategies, FM teams can overcome current obstacles and continue to drive value for their organisations.
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A significant insight from the survey is that 21 per cent of FM professionals feel they have not received adequate training for their roles. Rapidly emerging trends in technology and sustainability, alongside increasing pressure on teams to perform at the highest level, means that continuous professional development is essential.
The VOFM report indicates that future training should focus on areas such as new technologies and mental health and wellness, while also addressing regulatory compliance. Developing a robust training programme is critical for enabling FM teams to fully leverage the capabilities of modern systems and adapt to new challenges.
