Skip to main content
Facilitate Magazine: Informing Workplace and Facilities Management Professionals - return to the homepage Facilitate magazine logo
  • Search
  • Visit Facilitate Magazine on Facebook
  • Visit Facilitate Magazine on LinkedIn
  • Visit @Facilitate_Mag on Twitter
Visit the website of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management Logo of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
    • Comment
    • People
    • Reports
    • Research
  • Features
    • Analysis
    • Features
    • Round Tables
    • Webinars
  • Outsourcing
    • Contract Finder
    • Contracts
    • FM Business Models
    • Interviews
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Opinion
    • Procurement
    • Trends
  • Know-How
    • Explainers
    • Legal Updates
    • White Papers
  • Jobs
  • Topics
    • Workplace Services
      • Hospitality
      • Catering
      • Cleaning
      • Front of House
      • Grounds Maintenance
      • Helpdesk
      • Mailroom
      • Manned Guarding / Security
      • Pest Control
      • Washroom Services
      • Disaster Recovery
      • Specialist Services
    • Professional Performance
      • Behavioural Change
      • Continual Professional Development
      • Education
      • Management
      • Recruitment
      • Training
    • Workplace Performance
      • Benchmarking
      • Health & Wellbeing
      • Operational Readiness
      • Procurement
      • Security
      • Workplace User Experience
      • Workplace Culture
    • Compliance
      • Health & Safety
      • Risk & Business Continuity
      • Standards
      • Statutory Compliance
    • Building Services
      • Architecture & Construction
      • Asset Management
      • Building Controls
      • Building Fabric
      • Drinking Water
      • Fire Protection
      • HVAC
      • Landscaping
      • Mechanical & Electrical
      • Building Security
      • Water, Drainage & Plumbing
    • Technology
      • Building Information Modelling
      • CAFM
      • Data & Networks
      • Document Management
      • Information Management
      • Internet of Things (IoT)
      • Software & Systems
    • Energy management
      • Energy Management Systems
      • Electricity
      • Gas
      • Solar
      • Wind
    • Sustainability
      • Environmental Quality
      • Social Value
      • Waste Management
      • Recycling
    • Workspace Design
      • Agile Working
      • Fit-Out & Refurbishment
      • Inclusive Access
      • Lighting
      • Office Interiors
      • Signage
      • Space Planning
      • Storage
      • Vehicle Management / Parking
      • Washroom
    • Sectors
      • Corporate Office
      • Education
      • Healthcare
      • Manufacturing
      • International
      • Retail
      • Sports & Leisure
      • Regions
  • Buyers' Guide
Quick links:
  • Home
  • Outsourcing
Trends
Market Analysis

Pandemic results in mixed demand for FM services, says RICS

Open-access content Wednesday 17th June 2020
Authors
Bradford Keen
web_rise_shutterstock_1028158363.png

Demand for FM services during the Covid-19 pandemic has increased in the healthcare sector but has drawn less demand in sectors such as retail, according to the second quarterly RICS UK Facilities Management Survey (May 2020).  

The healthcare sector, for obvious reasons, has boomed from 44 per cent in February to 68 per cent in May. But a “flat demand trend” was reported in education, private industrial and other private sectors.

Predictions for the FM market over the coming 12 months have also shifted in the wake of the pandemic. In February, survey respondents named sustainability management as having the strongest growth rating for the next 12 months, but the May survey now lists cleaning at the top. The second strongest growth expectations were workplace and relocation management.

Respondents were also asked about the longer-term effects of the pandemic. Over a third predicted that fewer than 60 per cent of the workforce would return to the workplace after lockdown restrictions are lifted, while only 6 per cent thought all workers would return to the workplace.

Regarding preparedness to reopen buildings once the lockdown is lifted, 46 per cent of respondents – using a scale of 1-6, with one being not at all prepared and six being completely prepared – scored five out six for their preparedness. The average rating was 4.7 out of six – suggesting general readiness for buildings to reopen.

Positively, a net balance of +28 per cent of respondents said employment levels across the FM industry continued to increase in the three months to May, but the next 12 months suggest a marginally negative future: a net balance of -8% of respondents anticipate a reduction in headcounts, down from +32 per cent in February. 

Additionally, a net balance of -27 per cent foresee profit margins deteriorating.

Data analytics continues to see the strongest growth in investment, with a net balance of +72 per cent reporting a rise. Investment in IoT tech has also grown, with a net balance of +65 per cent citing an increase in the past year.

Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: “The legacy of Covid-19 will not just be lasting scars on the macroeconomy but also profound changes in where and how people work as some level of normality begins to return. 

“Unemployment is set to move materially higher, which will have an inevitable impact on the demand to occupy space. However, alongside this, there is also likely to be a shift in expectations as to what people are likely to want from a workplace environment. This is all picked up in the latest RICS FM survey, which indicates that there will be a move to more agile working going forward.” 

Paul Bagust, global property standards director, said: “The FM industry has shown great resilience during this period of lockdown and it is clear that as we look to reopen buildings the profession is going to play a central role in providing safe and productive environments. FM professionals will be called upon to build trust with asset users and will play a key role in innovating through technology and other means to support organisations in their decision-making.”

Image credit | Shutterstock
Also filed in:
Outsourcing
Trends
Market Analysis

You might also like...

Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linked in
  • Mail
  • Print

Today's top reads

 

Latest Jobs

Project Leader (Maternity Cover One Year Contract)

Cambridge
Circa £50,000 Pro Rata + Benefits & Opportunities
Reference
56378

Maintenance Supervisor

Surrey
Up to £43,000 + Excellent Package & Opportunities
Reference
56376

Regional Facilities Manager

South West England
Circa £40,000 + Benefits & Opportunities
Reference
56375
See all jobs »

 

 

Sign up to our newsletter

News, jobs and updates

Sign up

Subscribe to print

Sign up to receive our bi-monthly magazine

Subscribe
Facilitate magazine cover, June 2020
​
FOLLOW US
@Facilitate_Mag
Facilitate Magazine
Facilitate Magazine
CONTACT US
Contact us
Tel: 020 7880 6200
​

IWFM

About IWFM
Become a member
Qualifications
Events

Information

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Think Green

Get in touch

Contact us
Advertise with us
Subscribe to Facilitate Magazine
Write for Facilitate Magazine

General

IWFM Jobs
Help

© 2022 • www.facilitatemagazine.com and Facilitate Magazine are published by Redactive Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part is not allowed without written permission.

Redactive Media Group Ltd, 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ