Optimism alive and well in workplace management

Results published today in the report, subtitled ‘Facilitate the future – keep on growing’ suggest that message has resonated with this sector, worth £102 Bn and 1.2 million jobs to the UK economy.  

Key indicators driving market positivity

The latest edition of IWFM’s annual market report shows evidence of market growth and a concentration of positive market trends: 

• 42% of respondents reported an increase in workspace investment and 33% increased their area of space managed.
• A majority reported an increase in budgets, higher than levels reported in 2024.
• Respondents heeded the call to invest in areas that drive productivity with technology, carbon reduction solutions and skills and training all seeing an increase in investment.

Making progress, headwinds incoming

While optimism is warranted, perennial challenges persist as inflation fuels costs and pricing and budgets remain tight, notably in the public sector. Despite the investment uptick, recruitment difficulties and skill shortages are a big constraint expected to worsen without action. Potential warnings emerge around the broad sustainability agenda. Virtually every responding organisation had priority focus areas here, mostly in carbon reduction and energy efficiency, however the proportion identifying in each area fell back. Commitment in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is holding up, but momentum has tailed off. 

IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis said, "Workplace and facilities management transforms organisations. In a challenging landscape, it is encouraging to see investment and optimism which can only fuel the potential for unlocking crucial organisational value. Our recommendations should both inform budgets, nor least on skills and serve as a strong driver for IWFM to continue to advocate strongly for the sector, profession and community."

Director of communication and insight Jenny Thomas added, "The post-survey environment presents undeniable challenges: economic turbulence and ongoing inflationary pressures. Only time will reveal the full impact of this evolving climate on the triple bottom line. IWFM’s message is to keep investing, continue to pursue actions which work, progress towards growth and embrace innovation.

“A real strength of Market Outlook 2025 is that it embeds years of data, offering a clear perspective. This time we dive into topical investment themes and offer actionable insights for organisations to drive value and support positive outcomes. The research will inform IWFM’s research and insight programme, a key offering for IWFM members."

The 2025 Market Outlook Survey report is available now: access it here

A supporting webinar on Wednesday 7 May from 12:00 pm will add further context and detail to the report Register here to secure your spot.