A study by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) predicts operational trends for facility management. Surveying over 1,400 managers across 80 countries, the report reveals how external pressures will impact internal systems. Overall, the Facility Management Pulse Report found that commercial cleaning executives expect to face increased workloads, moderate budgets, and staffing constraints.

Using a created Facility Management Workload Index (FMWI), respondents rated workload expectations on a scale of –100 to +100, FM Industry describes. The annual reading is +43, indicating that many participants expect their management duties to continue growing. The rise in workload expectations aligns with budget beliefs. According to the IFMA report, about five in 10 professionals say they will see a 5 percent to 10 percent increase in their budgets, although many in North America indicate they will have no change.

Yet a key consideration for workload management is in labor recruitment and retention, as Facility Safety Management notes. With uncertain vacancy numbers and an average of 3.7 months to fill them, IFMA finds, many facility managers are relying on contracting cleaning teams. In the report, about 37 percent of respondents increased their staff outsourcing, 43 percent maintained their current employment practices, and 18 percent reduced their contracting needs. This shift in hiring practices reflects changing needs for skilled employees and flexible scheduling, as Facilities Management suggests.