Empirical Study of the Facility Management Profession

Sen Raj

• 3 min read
Empirical Study of the Facility Management Profession

The Facility Management (FM) profession plays a crucial role in coordinating the operation of built environments, integrating multiple disciplines to manage people, processes, and technology efficiently. Despite its growing industrial significance, there has been a lack of empirical data to validate perceptions of the FM industry, leading to challenges in addressing workforce deficiencies and educational gaps.

A study conducted by the Simplar Institute sought to provide empirical evidence on the current state of the FM profession. The research focused on identifying major challenges and assessing the industry's willingness to support formal academic programs aimed at addressing these challenges. Data was gathered through two online surveys—one conducted nationally and another targeting the Phoenix Metropolitan Valley (PMV).

Findings from the study highlighted a significant shortage of new Facility Managers entering the field, which poses a concern given the high rate of expected retirements over the next decade. A key factor contributing to this issue is the limited number of academic programs dedicated to Facility Management. Currently, only a handful of universities offer specialized degrees in this field, leading to a perception of an undefined career path and a lack of structured education for incoming professionals.

The study also revealed that while many Facility Managers originate from building trades, only a minority hold professional certifications or advanced degrees. However, there is a strong industry consensus on the need for formal education, with a high percentage of respondents expressing interest in supporting undergraduate FM programs.

To address these challenges, the study recommended developing structured academic programs that align with industry needs. These programs should focus on equipping students with core FM competencies, fostering career growth, and ensuring the sustainability of the profession. Collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions will be crucial in shaping the future of Facility Management education and workforce development.

Summary of Research Study on Facility Management (FM)

Key Findings:

  1. Demographics & Gender Distribution:
    • A higher percentage of females in younger age groups (37.5% under 29 years, compared to 15.6% over 55 years).
    • FM professionals are aging, with 86% aged 40 or older and 55% aged 50+.
    • Concerns arise regarding workforce sustainability due to projected retirements.
  2. Education & Professional Certifications:
    • 94.1% of FMs had at least some college education before entering the field.
    • Education levels increased after entering FM, with master’s degree attainment rising from 15.7% to 24.1%.
    • 44% of respondents held professional certifications, with Certified Facility Manager (CFM) being the most common (30.8%).
  3. Career Pathways into FM:
    • 50% of FMs consciously chose FM as a career.
    • 40.4% were selected by their company, while 23.8% transitioned from building trades.
    • Career pathways are highly diverse, with 58.3% indicating “Other” as their previous field.
  4. Job Satisfaction:
    • High satisfaction rates: 88.1% satisfied or very satisfied with their FM career.
  5. Impending Workforce Shortage:
    • 49% of FMs plan to retire within 10 years, increasing to 73% within 15 years.
    • 64% of companies lack a succession plan, and only 57% plan to recruit within five years.
    • 67% of industry representatives lack confidence in the availability of trained young FMs.
  6. Need for Academic Programs:
    • 90% of industry representatives value an FM undergraduate program.
    • 76% would utilize a recruiting program to work with FM students.
    • Key skills identified for FM success: Leadership (53%), Communication (53%), and Technical (70% rated least important).

Proposed Solution:

  • Establish new FM academic programs, particularly undergraduate degrees, to create a structured career path.
  • The proposed curriculum includes core subjects in project management, cost estimation, facility administration, leadership, and technical skills.
  • Industry and academic collaboration, as initiated in Phoenix Metropolitan Valley, should be expanded to develop standardized FM training programs.

Conclusion: The FM industry faces a critical workforce shortage due to high retirement rates and insufficient new entrants. A structured academic pathway in FM is essential to address these challenges. Industry stakeholders overwhelmingly support the development of undergraduate FM programs to ensure the next generation of qualified professionals. The proposed curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for training future facility managers.