Facilities Firms Face Trades Shortage, Data Gap
Facilities management operators should plan for skilled-trades shortages and assess data readiness before scaling AI-driven building operations.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Job Search
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JLL released a report on AI adoption among facilities management (FM) companies, finding that data readiness is the largest gap in their AI foundations. Operators in facilities management and the tradespeople supply chain that depends on them should note the report's findings on labour shortages and budget plans.
Why it matters
Nearly 70% of FM respondents reported operational disruptions over the past year from shortages of skilled tradespeople and AI expertise, and fewer than 45% feel prepared for the challenges ahead. Companies are placing greater strategic importance on building management and operations as they expand AI and automation use, which puts pressure on hiring and data infrastructure at the same time.
Nearly 70% of surveyed FM respondents reported operational disruptions in the past year from skilled tradespeople shortages, and fewer than 45% said they feel prepared for the next three to five years. Among respondents reporting FM investment, 64% expect budgets to rise and 58% plan to expand their workforce over that period.
The players
JLL
JLL is a global commercial real estate and investment management firm whose facilities management services span building operations for corporate and institutional clients.
The details
AI predictive maintenance tools analyse sensor and building management system data to detect early signs of equipment deterioration and flag potential faults before failures occur. Other AI tools analyse energy consumption, occupancy levels and indoor environmental conditions to optimise HVAC systems. The report finds that data readiness remains the biggest gap in FM organisations' AI foundations, which means these tools depend on data that many organisations have not yet structured.
Timeline
Over the past year, nearly 70% of respondents reported operational disruptions from skilled labour shortages.
Over the next three to five years, FM budgets and workforce plans are expected to grow for a majority of investing respondents.
Market Landscape
The report positions facilities management as a growing area of strategic investment, with half of respondents viewing it as a driver of competitive advantage. Technology organisations emphasise AI-enabled productivity gains, while government and education organisations emphasise safety, risk and compliance management.
Facilities managers and operators should plan for skilled tradespeople shortages and factor them into staffing and contractor budgets for the coming years. Teams that want to use AI predictive maintenance or HVAC optimisation should first assess the readiness of their building and sensor data.
The takeaway
Operators should treat data readiness and trades recruitment as the two gating factors for any AI-driven facilities program. Track the next budget cycle to see whether the 64% expecting budget increases translate into hiring.
Further reading
For context on how hiring pressure is shaping the market, explore Job Search coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Facilities Management Middle East.
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