social value in facilities management: a business imperative.

The conversation around social value has moved beyond corporate responsibility checkboxes—it’s now a core business priority. As the ED&I lead at Randstad, I see first-hand how organisations that embed social value into their DNA don’t just contribute to their communities; they build stronger, more resilient, and high-performing businesses.

In the facilities management (FM) sector, where workforces are often diverse and transient, the role of social value is even more critical. Many leading employers now understand the business imperative of social value—not only for community impact but for creating high-performing organisations. The question isn’t whether to integrate social value, but how to do so in a way that drives meaningful and measurable change.

why is social value gaining momentum?

The FM industry is at a turning point, with several forces pushing social value higher up the agenda:

• Regulatory Pressure: Governments are tightening policies, requiring organisations to demonstrate their social and environmental impact.
• Client Expectations: Businesses increasingly want FM partners that align with their values and actively contribute to positive change.
• Workforce Priorities: Employees, particularly in a competitive job market, seek employers who prioritise purpose, inclusivity, and well-being.

staying ahead of the curve: key social value trends in FM

To remain competitive and forward-thinking, FM organisations need to focus on emerging social value trends that are shaping the industry:

Community Engagement

Traditionally, community engagement in FM has meant working with local suppliers, hiring locally, or supporting regional charities. While these are still important, we’re seeing a shift towards fostering a true sense of community—both externally and internally. Our 2025 Workmonitor Report showed more than eight in 10 respondents say a sense of community helps them perform better, while 60% would quit if they didn’t feel they belonged, up from 37% a year earlier.

For FM providers with large temporary or contract workforces, creating a sense of belonging is crucial. A transient workforce can often feel disconnected, but by fostering inclusive workplace communities—through mentorship programmes, local networking opportunities, and cultural initiatives—FM employers can help temporary employees integrate into both their organisation and the wider community. We can also see clearly in this year’s Workmonitor that values alignment is more important than ever - the percentage of workers unwilling to consider working for a business that didn’t have the same social and environmental values rose to nearly half (46%), from 38% in 2024.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability isn’t just about meeting compliance requirements; it’s about embedding responsible practices into every aspect of operations. From reducing carbon footprints to implementing circular economy principles, FM providers that embrace sustainability are setting themselves apart as industry leaders. Increasingly, clients are scrutinising supply chain sustainability, making it essential for FM companies to adopt transparent, measurable environmental initiatives.

Employee Well-Being and Inclusive Workplaces

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts are no longer just HR-led initiatives; they are integral to business success. In FM, where frontline roles are often physically demanding and require shift work, prioritising employee well-being is critical. This includes fair pay, career development opportunities, and ensuring an inclusive culture where all employees—permanent or temporary—feel valued. Not only this, but productivity is higher and risk is lower, meaning a safer workplace overall. 

FM employers who lead on social value are also embedding DE&I into their talent strategies. Whether through skills development programmes for underrepresented groups, inclusive hiring practices, or targeted retention initiatives, the focus is on creating workplaces where everyone has a fair opportunity to thrive.

the future of social value in FM

Social value isn’t a one-off initiative—it requires a sustained commitment, embedded in business strategy. The most forward-thinking FM providers understand that social value isn’t just about external impact; it’s about driving internal transformation too. Those who embrace this shift will not only meet evolving regulatory and client demands but will also build more engaged, productive workforces.

This article is the first in our Social Value in FM series. Next, we’ll explore the power of partnerships in driving social value, followed by a final piece featuring a downloadable template for implementing best practices within your organisation. Stay tuned!