Although hybrid work is here to stay, 72% of decision makers believe the office remains essential for conducting business, according to JLL’s Future of Work Survey.
Hybrid work will become the dominant model in the coming years, prompting businesses to reconsider their office layouts, make new technological investments and place a higher priority on sustainability.
Offering remote or hybrid working will be essential for attracting and keeping future talent, according to 77% of commercial real estate leaders.
By 2025, 43% of businesses intend to increase their spending on flexible space, while 51% say they will rent it from third parties.
Dr. Marie Puybaraud, global head of research, JLL Work Dynamics, said: ‘The next three years will prove to be an inflection point for real estate as businesses plot their future path and rethink the purpose of their portfolio. The changes accelerated by the pandemic represent an opportunity to pause, think about a long-term real estate strategy and how it aligns with future business priorities.’
Sue Asprey Price, CEO, JLL Work Dynamics (EMEA), added: ‘As the office finds a new purpose post-pandemic as a destination for collaboration in employees’ hybrid workstyles, occupiers will need to continue increasing their investments in creative spaces. Enhancing socialization, especially among a large, often geographically dispersed, workforce will be critical to future talent strategies, as the office accelerates its role as the innovation hub of the work ecosystem.’
For 45% of organisations collaboration is one of the main uses of office space and 73% have made or are making plans to make all office spaces open and collaborative, with no designated desk areas.
Additionally, many companies are investing in areas that support new employee priorities around health and wellbeing.
Investment in quality space is a priority for 77% of organisations, while 74% say they will pay a premium for green credentials, with 56% planning to do so by 2025.
With diversity, inclusion, and welfare now at the top of the corporate agenda, nearly 80% of businesses report that their employees expect their workplaces to make a positive impact on society.
Although technology and data will be essential for successful real estate operations, just 13% of CRE managers are collecting data on an ongoing or real-time basis using advanced analytics.
By 2025, 78% of companies intend to implement more than ten of the anchor technologies (including workplace apps, remote working technology, and VR) in their operations, while 40% plan to incorporate all 15.
