Today’s facility managers must steer their organizations down a highway marked by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, changing building codes and shrinking labor pools.
And there’s no exit ramp in sight.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the road ahead will test facility manager’s technical expertise and redefine what it means to navigate the built environment.
In fact, the NFPA’s 2026 “State of the Skilled Trades” report signals that the journey will be marked by disruption, opportunity and expanding responsibility. AI integration, persistent labor shortages and shifting regulations stand to reshape building operations in the upcoming year.
A consistent theme in the report is ongoing workforce strain. Over half (53 percent) of skilled trade professionals say a shortage of qualified candidates will be the biggest roadblock in 2026, a 3 percent increase over 2025.
Kyle Spencer, director of NFPA LiNK at NFPA, says facility managers already see the consequences at the building level.
“From the facility level, labor shortages often show up as delays such as inspections being pushed out and maintenance cycles stretching far beyond what they’re supposed to,” Spencer explains. “When the pool for qualified, experienced trade workers is spread thin, it becomes increasingly difficult to address smaller issues before they materialize into larger consequences.”
Those consequences can escalate quickly. “For example, a missed fire alarm inspection may seem minor in the moment, but you must consider how these gaps significantly impact building and occupant safety over time. It only takes a minor oversight to become a catastrophic loss of life,” he adds.
Retention challenges compound the issue. With 39 percent of survey respondents citing workforce retention as a top concern, many facility managers deal with constant onboarding cycles and training needs, which can weaken institutional knowledge and consistency.
“This high turnover has a direct impact on safety, which is why having standardized operating procedures has become even more crucial for protecting occupants,” Spencer adds. “To help mitigate this, facility managers must invest in training opportunities for workers to allow teams to work efficiently and safely.”
Labor shortages are not affecting every aspect of facility management equally. According to Spencer, inspection and testing are especially vulnerable.
“Those are the tasks that get pushed to the back burner when technicians are strapped for time,” he says.
Emergency readiness is also at risk as experienced professionals retire, he adds.
“Emergency response is all about coordination and confidence, which requires standardized and consistent training that younger employees don’t have and, quite frankly, don’t have time to learn as they try to do an increasing amount of work with fewer people,” he explains.
This shift places greater pressure on facility leaders to build resilience into safety programs as staffing constraints persist.
While workforce challenges dominate the conversation, AI has emerged as a potential equalizer.
According to the NFPA report, 38 percent of respondents believe AI will reduce mundane tasks in 2026, while others expect benefits like faster access to information and improved communication across teams.
Spencer sees the most immediate value in administrative efficiency.
“The most practical application of AI in facility safety and compliance is speeding up administrative tasks that are often seen as mundane and time-consuming, such as paperwork, scheduling and inventory tracking,” he says.
These efficiencies are especially valuable for lean teams, he adds.
“As noted, 68 percent of survey respondents indicated AI and technology advancements will have a tangible impact on their work in 2026, with many citing quick access to relevant information and reduced time spent on repetitive tasks as the top benefits,” he says. “This efficiency is critical in an era when time is of the essence.”
AI-powered search and digital tools can also accelerate access to the latest code requirements and safety standards, replacing time-consuming manual searches.
“With AI-powered search tools within digital books, education happens in real-time, completely transforming the speed of work for today’s leaner teams,” Spencer notes.
The report reveals a growing disconnect between organizational priorities and workforce needs.
“While 54 percent of trade workers plan to upskill in their roles in 2026 by taking part in more training, only 17 percent of respondents anticipate this will be their organization’s biggest priority in 2026,” Spencer says. “This gap signals clear misalignment around the priorities for workers and organizations. But the great thing is that there doesn’t need to be a tradeoff between these two wants.”
Spencer encourages facility leaders to view training as a critical safety strategy as buildings become more complex. Digital, on-demand learning models are especially valuable for modern workforces.
“Facility managers should prioritize digital training tools that workers can access at their own convenience without being tied to the fixed schedules that come with live sessions,” he says.
This approach is vital as younger workers enter the trades.
“With Gen Z increasingly pursuing trades careers, structured mentorship, certification pathways and hands-on education will be essential,” Spencer adds. “These educational experiences should appeal to a younger workforce. Because Gen Z grew up in the digital age, these training options don’t just save time; they meet workers where they are comfortable.”
The report also highlights a growing concern about the deregulation of building codes and safety standards. Of the respondents, 61 percent are aware of deregulation initiatives, and over 25 percent have experienced repercussions.
“One of the biggest takeaways for facility managers is the growing uncertainty around fire, life and electrical safety codes and standards,” Spencer says. “This tells us code regulation is no longer just a policy conversation, but rather, something professionals in the field are actively navigating.”
In an environment where regulations are constantly evolving, Spencer emphasizes dependence on industry-backed standards.
“For facility managers, the priority should be in tandem with enforced codes and prioritizing compliance practices,” he says. “That means protecting inspection and testing schedules, ensuring teams have access to current standards, and continuing to invest in training.”
Spencer maintains facility managers must give their teams up-to-date access to the latest safety codes and standards. Digital tools such as NFPA LiNK can provide workers with the most up-to-date safety standards and regulations in real time.
“No matter what happens at the policy level, facility teams must maintain compliance with the latest standards to keep occupants safe,” he says.
Despite mounting pressure, the NFPA data points to clear strategies facility leaders can adopt now.
Looking ahead, the skills that define successful facility leaders are evolving. Technical knowledge alone will not be enough.
“Over the next few years, the most successful facility leaders will be those who balance technology advancements with sound safety practices,” Spencer says. “Human oversight isn’t going anywhere when it comes to ensuring safety.”
Leadership qualities such as communication, transparency and accountability will become increasingly important as teams shrink and complexity rises. “By establishing clear communication practices, consistent decision-making and a commitment to workforce development, leaders create stability even in uncertain conditions,” he says.
The 2026 skilled trades outlook paints a picture of an industry in transition.
Leaders who invest in training, embrace technology strategically and reinforce safety fundamentals will be best positioned to navigate the year ahead.
Ronnie Wendt is a freelance writer based in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
