Facility management’s biggest risk in 2026? People, not pipes.

In 2025, Are People the Weakest Link in Facility Management?

Why Human Capital, Not Technology, Will Decide the Future of Facilities

As we accelerate into an era of smart buildings and digital transformation, the real risk to operational excellence isn't outdated systems-it's undervaluing people. Burned-out teams, talent shortages, and neglected training are silently eroding performance.

Below, we debunk four dangerous myths holding FM teams back—and show how to replace them with future -ready strategies that put people at the core of success.

Myth #1: We'll Hire Someone after Someone Quits

The Talent Crisis Is Already Here – Act before It's Too Late

Reality: Finding skilled technicians has become more difficult than ever. Waiting for someone to resign before starting the hiring process is a flawed strategy that results in lost time and reduced productivity.The solution lies in building an active, ongoing recruitment pipeline-not reactive responses.

Facility management leaders must adopt a proactive approach to attracting talent. This begins with regular engagement with technical schools and vocational institutes to build long-term relationships with the next generation of technicians.Current teams can also play a vital role by sharing real-life stories and experiences on social media, showcasing the day-to-day reality of working in FM in an inspiring and authentic way.

Equally important is rewriting job ads to emphasize the use of advanced technologies, highlight growth opportunities, and communicate the meaningful impact employees have on service quality and facility performance.Bottom Line: Recruitment must be strategic and proactive, not a last-minute reaction to turnover.

Myth #2: Smart Buildings Will Replace Human Staff

Technology Can't Tighten Bolts – People Are Still Essential

Reality: Despite the rapid advancement of smart building technologies, sensors can't tighten a bolt or perform hands-on repairs.

These systems may issue alerts and generate automated work orders-but action still depends on skilled human professionals.

The solution is to build a strong partnership between humans and technology.

Leading FM teams don't see technology as a substitute for people. Instead, they treat it as a support tool that enhances performance.

For example, technicians should be trained not just to read data from dashboards but to interpret and act on it effectively.

Likewise, automated work orders are only effective if supervisors are following up and managing them, and sensors may detect valuable insights, but their full value only emerges when teams are equipped to understand and respond.

Bottom Line: Smart buildings don't eliminate the need for smart teams. Success lies in combining tech with human expertise.

Myth #3: Employee Retention Is HR's Job

When a Veteran Leaves, So Does Priceless Knowledge

Reality: When a long-tenured employee retires, the organization doesn't just lose a worker—it loses a wealth of accumulated knowledge that can't be easily replaced.

The solution is to build a culture of knowledge continuity within the team.

Facility management departments should document expert knowledge by recording video tutorials that capture step-by-step maintenance practices, diagnostics, and practical solutions developed over the years.

Hands-on collaboration between experienced technicians and new hires is also a powerful way to transfer expertise in real-world environments.

Additionally, it's important to recognize and reward supervisors who cultivate strong, learning-focused team cultures that promote stability and cohesion.

Bottom Line: Knowledge retention is a shared responsibility, not just an HR function.

Myth #4: We'll Train the Team When the Budget Allows

Delaying Training Is Expensive—in Time and Money

Reality: Waiting for the budget to become available before initiating training often leads to operational delays or increased dependence on costly contractors.

The smarter approach is to invest in developing in-house skills—flexibly and creatively.

Modern FM teams go beyond traditional training models.

They use innovative learning techniques to teach staff how to interpret data and make analysis-driven decisions, rather than simply react to visual cues or basic indicators.

Cross-training is also essential, allowing staff to step in for one another during absences or leave without affecting workflows. And bite-sized training videos delivered directly to employees' phones make learning fast, accessible, and consistent.

Bottom Line: Building internal capability is the most sustainable and cost-effective path forward. Postponing training? You'll pay for it—likely twice.

People First… Even in the Age of Smart Buildings

Technology Alone Isn't Enough – The Human Factor Is the Key to Real Success

Despite the remarkable technological advancements in the facility management sector, the human element remains the cornerstone of any successful system.

No matter how advanced smart buildings become, they can't make decisions, solve problems creatively, or lead teams-they need qualified, trained, and motivated individuals to bring their capabilities to life.

Neglecting investment in workforce development, postponing training, or undervaluing experience opens the door to repeated breakdowns, lower productivity, and increased reliance on costly short-term fixes.

That's why the success of facility management in 2025 and beyond won't depend on technology alone-it will depend on empowering people through smart recruitment, continuous training, and preserving institutional knowledge.

The bottom line: Buildings won't get smarter unless the teams behind them become more skilled and agile.
Start today-and invest in your most important asset: people.