The future workplace will bring with it a number of distinct priorities. More attempts to make flexible working a reality are likely, requiring improved IT and communications infrastructures. The expansion of a 24/7 work culture will necessitate non-stop support facilities, with consequent outsourcing, contract and health and safety considerations needing to be taken into account. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deals and economic pressures will push facilities professionals towards more benchmarking, more cost-benefit analysis and more performance measurement. The tightening of building regulations is having enormous ramifications for energy efficiency and the built environment.

Buildings account for an estimated 40 percent of all world resource consumption and over 40 percent of all waste, including greenhouse gas emissions. A key point is whether anyone will want to rent or own an ‘F’-rated building instead of an ‘A’ or ‘B’ one. All these developments should give organizations a hint of the importance of the future of facility management. Facilities for businesses in the future will have to be more flexible and more streamlined than ever before. Managers will need to exploit growing communication opportunities and facilitate an ever-widening range of support services. Facilities maintenance activities need to become more professional and business-oriented. Managers must develop a performance profile that is committed to the needs of their organization. Facilities managers need a variety of skills, as all organizations are different. Facilities management activities should not just be visible when something goes wrong.