The Facility Management sector faces challenging opportunities, such as the adoption of hybrid working and the implementation of sustainability standards like CSRD. Despite these possibilities, statistics show that FM is still trapped in an operational tunnel vision. Several hypotheses are proposed to explain this. Firstly, the lack of sufficient competencies and skills among FM professionals may play a role. Traditionally, education tends to focus more on operational knowledge rather than strategic aspects. Secondly, the overwhelming operational burden may hinder FM managers from developing strategically. In many cases, operational tasks are not adequately distributed to make room for strategic growth. Thirdly, networking opportunities within the FM field may be limited, potentially depriving FM professionals of the right support and inspiration. The missed potential of the facility manager appears to be caused by a combination of these factors. To make progress, continued investment in knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities is crucial for both current and future facility managers.
