In the Context of Digital Transformation: An Analysis of Future Requirements for the FM Labour Market

Background and aim – The multidisciplinary spectrum of Facility Management (FM) activities requires employees to fulfill tasks. Moreover, new digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensor technologies, the Building Information Modeling (BIM) method, virtual and augmented reality, or robotics, represent the possibility of work facilitation and change the way of delivering FM services. Therefore, practice as well as research and teaching must adapt to changing conditions. This research focuses on changing traditional operative FM services with regard to the digital transformation, mainly conducted by employees. Methods / Methodology – First, an analysis of the status quo of traditional fields of operative FM services and current digital innovations is conducted. Next, a study of current job descriptions in FM is conducted to identify the demand for practice. Moreover, identified demands of practice are juxtaposed against the courses of studies and apprenticeships. Results – The result is a matrix that guides universities and training companies for identifying the demand on required qualifications. The juxtaposition aims to highlight the required skills of future employees to fulfill FM services in the context of digital transformation. Practical or social implications – The approach presents the change from manual doing in times of digital transformation change within the field of FM tasks. The change of fulfilling tasks also affects the future working environment.