In 2025, organizations are navigating some of the most complex challenges they’ve ever faced—and it is Soft Facilities Management (Soft FM) professionals who are rising to meet them. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The future depends on what you do today.” Now more than ever, that statement rings true for the Soft FM sector.

There’s no doubt that 2025, much like the years before it, has brought significant hurdles. However, Soft FM is now at the heart of these issues in unprecedented ways. The ability to deliver solutions and capture measurable outcomes is no longer a luxury—it is essential.

Soft FM—whether outsourced or handled internally—brings with it a mix of persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. If you work in the soft services sector, you've likely encountered one or more of the following over the past three years:

Winning or losing contracts

Demanding clients

Staff shortages

Staff competency issues

Ongoing training needs

Rising labor costs

Stricter legislation

Environmental and sustainability pressures

Increasing material costs

Language barriers

The need to coordinate rotas with evolving business needs

Soft FM professionals are tasked with the complex role of integrating people, place, and technology to ensure everything functions smoothly—enabling core business productivity.

While technology continues to evolve, it often carries a higher price tag than labor. This means that organizations must build a solid business case to justify the ROI of any technological investment.

However, technology can play a crucial role in easing the pressures of Soft FM. From training employees on new systems to boosting morale through digital engagement tools, there are many ways to harness tech to our advantage. For instance, employee recognition platforms can allow staff to celebrate each other’s achievements with digital "high-fives" or peer-to-peer acknowledgments—fostering a culture of appreciation and engagement.

In operational terms, smart cleaning platforms and even cleaning robots are becoming practical tools for improving consistency and efficiency—offering tailored solutions that support Soft FM teams rather than replace them.

Ultimately, the Soft FM sector remains people-driven. It’s the human touch, supported by the right tools and data, that will continue to drive success through 2025 and beyond.

About the author:

Mick is a Fellow of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management, Board Director of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Members Council, Member of IFMA, Member of the Institute of Asset Management, Associate Member of CIBSE, Member of IOSH, and Member of IHEEM.