Mounting geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, exacerbated by factors such as rising tariffs and trade disputes, have compelled organizations to intensify focus on strategic cost management and financial de-risking. This imperative is clearly reflected in facilities management, where an overwhelming 84% of surveyed CRE and FM leaders pinpoint budget constraints and escalating costs to operate as a top area of concern. Consequently, 81% of respondents identify cost efficiency and budget optimization as a leading priority for the coming year.

Occupant wellbeing and workplace safety ranks second on the FM priority list (tied with reliability and resilience), underscoring the critical role FM plays in creating high-performing workspaces with a human-centric perspective. JLL’s Workforce Preference Barometer 2025 shows a strong correlation (84%) between employees’ positive experience with workplace environments and their favorable view on office attendance policies; attesting to the impact of a well-managed workspace on employee engagement and satisfaction in the dynamic world of hybrid work. 

FM’s impact on workplace experience reaches further than employees, helping to create a positive experience for all visitors entering the space such as clients, business partners and investors. Beyond office buildings, FM affects a host of end-users such as shoppers, travelers, laboratory and factory workers, patients and healthcare providers. A truly successful FM operation supports not only buildings and assets, but also the safety and wellbeing of all space occupants, ultimately delivering business value.

The modern organization is redefining its relationship with FM providers, prioritizing collaboration and strategic alignment above other factors. A majority (78%) of organizations report a strategic partnership with a deep understanding of their core business as the top selection criteria, emphasizing FM’s elevated role as an integrated advisor. Pricing transparency and cost savings remain a crucial consideration, as do communication and service excellence, as well as technology and data-empowered innovation. Ultimately, the success of FM is built on its ability to combine operational excellence with sophisticated industry insights that deliver results aligned to the organizations’ core business objectives.