Key takeaways
- JLL’s survey of 1,321 organizations found nearly 70% had operational disruptions from skills and trades shortages.
- Nearly 90% expect spending to move from labor toward technology and automation.
- Provider selection is shifting toward data, technology and innovation, not just cost.
Published by A Bright Rose Cleaning Services, a commercial-only cleaning company in West Palm Beach, FL serving Palm Beach County.
JLL released its Global State of Facilities Management 2026 report on October 27, based on a survey of 1,321 organizations, as reported by Allwork.Space. It covers facilities management broadly, not just cleaning, but several findings affect anyone who hires a cleaning vendor.
Key findings
- Labor is the pressure point. Nearly 70% of respondents reported operational disruptions over the past year from skilled-trades shortages and AI or technical skills gaps, and fewer than 45% say they are prepared to manage those risks over the next three to five years.
- Spending is shifting. Nearly 90% expect spending to move from labor toward technology and automation.
- AI and robotics are growing. About 45% of organizations are already scaling or optimizing AI in facilities management, projected to reach 86% by 2030. Robotics adoption is expected to rise from 37% to 71% by 2030.
- Partners matter more. Nearly half of advanced AI adopters consider external facilities and technology partners essential, compared with 20% of organizations that have not yet deployed AI.
- What buyers look for is changing. Provider selection is moving away from cost and reliability alone toward data, technology and innovation.
What it means for commercial cleaning
Cleaning is still hands-on work, and trained people are what make a building clean. But the way clients judge a vendor is changing. Expect to be asked, and to ask, for:
- Proof of work — checklists, time and location records, and inspection results.
- Fast problem reporting — a simple way to flag leaks, damage and supply needs.
- Data you can use — a clear record of what was done and when.
The ABR view
We use technology to document the work, not to replace the crew. Our field app records each visit’s clock-in time, location and photo, follows a site checklist, and lets crews report supplies and problems. If you want to see how that looks for your building, book a walkthrough. See also technology used by modern cleaning companies.
Sources: Allwork.Space, “Facilities management poised to become boardroom priority as AI adoption accelerates, JLL report reveals” (Oct. 28, 2026), reporting on JLL’s Global State of Facilities Management 2026 report. Survey findings reflect respondents’ expectations, not guarantees.