Tips for Facility Managers Adopting New Technology

Skilled trades crew and manager collaborating.

Market forecasts indicate growth of the U.S. facility management sector from approximately 315 billion in 2024 to nearly 443 billion by 2030, driven by technology integration and outsourcing of services. Moreover, the adoption of IoT, AI, and data-driven maintenance systems is becoming central to operational success, with 75% of facility managers working with IoT enabled buildings already. As the skilled trades world evolves, facility managers can leverage technology from IoT to preventive maintenance platforms to drive efficiency, but implementing new tools and systems can feel daunting. How can you smooth out the process? Check out these tips for facility managers adopting innovative technology and find your way to a more strategic and far more successful implementation.

Building a Solid Foundation: Align Strategy with Vision

First, facility managers should outline a laser focused vision for what technology will achieve, whether it is reducing downtime, increasing energy efficiency, or predicting equipment failures. For instance, preventive maintenance alone can reduce downtime by up to 25%, making the business case hard to ignore. When planning, setting SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) helps ensure the adoption path aligns with both short-term needs and long-term goals.

Fostering Staff Readiness and Buy-In

Great technology becomes even more powerful in the hands of the right team. Surprisingly, more than 55% of FM companies report struggling to recruit skilled technicians. Many are investing in training to adapt to new tech. Equipping staff with firsthand training or even pairing it with augmented reality or mobile tools, boosts confidence and adoption speed. Ensuring your team understands how new systems augment their skills is key to maintaining morale and productivity.

Embracing Phased Implementation Over Swiftness

Rather than rushing a full rollout, successful facility managers introduce technology in manageable phases. Starting with pilot zones or specific systems allows you to measure impact, adjust workflows, and train staff before full-scale deployment. Given that the U.S. market is increasingly open to smart-building and integrated FM solutions, this thoughtful approach helps facility teams keep pace.

Measuring ROI: Track What Matters

Effective feedback loops are critical. Managers should monitor key indicators like decreased equipment downtime, energy savings, and maintenance costs per square foot. For instance, energy-efficient upgrades, such as connected systems or smart lighting, can drive cost reductions ranging from 20% to 30% annually. Establishing metrics from the outset enables continuous improvement and clear transparency for leadership.

Prioritizing Integration and Future-Proofing

Innovative technology should not operate in isolation. Ensuring your systems work seamlessly, whether it is CMMS, Building Automation Systems, or IoT sensors, is vital. With facilities relying on building management systems for HVAC and lighting control, and a growing wave of cloud-based platforms, integration becomes a competitive necessity. Additionally, making smart choices that support AI and analytics now prepares facilities for future demands and sustainability benchmarks.

Enhancing Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability

Not only does technology deliver efficiency. Technology boosts safety and compliance. By enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven alerts, managers can reduce failures and response times. Given how central sustainability and energy efficiency are to modern operations, using tech to cut energy consumption not only lowers costs but aligns with environment, social, and governance goals. Many facility managers now prioritize sustainability and data-based tools make those goals actionable and measurable.

From strategic planning and phased introductions to ROI tracking and integration, facility managers can create a path toward smarter, safer, and more efficient operations. Yet the journey becomes significantly smoother with the support of a trusted skilled trades staffing partner. Trade Management not only connects you with the right tradespeople but also ensures they are ready to work confidently with new tools, reducing disruptions and helping your team adapt seamlessly. By combining workforce solutions with technology adoption best practices, you achieve stronger implementation and long-term resilience. If you are looking to streamline a technology rollout and support your team through every step, we are here to help. Reach for us today!

Developing a Safety Culture to Attract Top Talent

Text consisting of "training", "coaching", "learning" laid on desks.

In the competitive world of skilled trades staffing, a strong safety culture is not just a compliance checkbox. Developing a safety culture attracts top talent. In 2025, when trades professionals have options, they choose employers who genuinely protect them on the job.  A safe work environment could mean the difference between life and death in the skilled trades. As an example, the U.S. construction sector consistently ranks among the riskiest industries. In 2022, construction and extraction workers experienced a fatal injury rate of 13.0 per 100,000 full-time workers. Falls, slips, and trips account for roughly 38 percent of construction deaths, making safety protocols essential. National Safety Stand-Down events highlight fall-prevention and hazard awareness, reinforcing that safety training matters but only when embedded in everyday culture. 

Safety Culture Builds Talent Attraction and Retention 

Research shows that companies with strong safety cultures experience reduced incidents, lower compensation costs, fewer lost workdays, and improved retention. A study by ASSE found that for every dollar invested in workplace safety, businesses can save between $4 to $6 in direct and indirect costs. Agencies that champion safety see less turnover and more productivity. Contractors with a strong safety culture report 81 percent fewer injuries, and 64 percent improved staff retention, while 76 percent say they can win more contracts.  

Why Trades Professionals Choose Safety-Driven Employers 

Today’s skilled trades workers are more selective than ever. 46% of skilled trades employees report that employers could do more to prevent workplace incidents. Meanwhile, a workplace where leadership visibly supports safety, reinforces protocols daily, and empowers workforces is no longer a luxury, but an expectation. OSHA highlights that safety culture thrives when management leads by example and employees actively participate. That engagement fosters trust, lowers absenteeism, and builds loyalty. In fact, jobsite cultures that prioritize safety can reduce turnover significantly, creating a compounding effect as knowledge and habits become ingrained in the company. 

Developing and Maintaining Safety Culture  

Creating a true safety culture requires consistent action, accountability, and buy-in at every level of the organization. Leadership must set clear expectations and model safe behavior every day. Discuss safety regularly in daily toolbox talks, team huddles, and performance check-ins. To embed safety into your company, integrate it into hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training. Empower workers to speak up without fear of retaliation and create clear channels for reporting hazards or near-misses. Recognize and reward safe practices to reinforce positive behavior. Importantly, involve employees in safety planning and problem-solving.  

Investing in continuous improvement is also key. Use data to track incidents and trends and adapt your protocols accordingly. Consider third-party safety audits or partnering with staffing agencies that prioritize safety standards and compliance. Create a work environment where everyone goes home safe and proud at the end of the day. 

The Strategic Advantage 

Attracting and retaining top-tier trades professionals in 2025 requires more than good pay and benefits. Developing and maintaining a safety culture attracts top talent by signaling care for employees. A reputation built on real safety and real numbers makes your company stand out.  

Do you need to balance the time spent on hiring and time spent on maintaining a safety-centered culture? Partner with Trade Management to reap the benefits of our safety-focused staffing service including: 

  • Required safety and health training for each of our employees. 
  • In-person safety assessments and worksite evaluations for each workplace to evaluate present hazards and controls in place to manage risk and comply with OSHA requirements. 
  • Comprehensive safety and health manual available to all workers. 
  • 30-hour construction safety and health trained management with membership in NCCER, ISNetworld, Avetta, and Veriforce. 

Contact us today!