by Ann Withanee — May 16, 2011—The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the results of its most recent Facilities Snapshot poll, a survey of IFMA members that highlights the latest developments affecting the profession and serves as a barometer of facility management activity worldwide.
The survey periodically asks a sample of facility professionals a series of identical questions, with the intent of monitoring changes over time. It includes questions on topics such as space management, staffing and service provision, spending, facility planning, sustainability and current events impacting the present and future of the industry.
The most recent results show a gradual increase from previous surveys in those who anticipate hiring additional FM staff in the next six months, with 24 percent reporting such plans. Industries contributing to this trend include health care and heavy industry, such as defense and aerospace.
Furthermore, though more than half of respondents expect their portfolio size to remain the same, 36 percent anticipate an expansion over the next six months. Among the sectors expecting growth are professional services such as accounting, engineering and banking.
With increased activity comes an outlay of expenses, and while the majority of respondents do not foresee changes in spending in the short term, there is a considerable uptick in those expecting to pay more for utilities. Thirty-seven percent expect energy costs to rise an 11 percent increase from the previous poll with another 33 percent predicting increased spending on furniture.
Additionally, facility professionals report across-the-board increases in activities that hint at an improving economy. Respondents are devoting more time and resources to sustainable initiatives, office moves and additions, retrofits and renovations, safety and security products, capital asset replacement, new construction, and amenity provision than in previous Facilities Snapshot polls.
