Create a future-focused workplace

Reworking the workplace

While some employers have their sights set on returning to the office full time, others may plan for a longer-term distributed working model—where employees have flexibility to work both from the office, and remotely. What does that mean for the physical workplace? Businesses will need to remain agile and adapt to support the changing day-to-day employee needs and future ambitions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to new ways of working but preparing for shifting employee demands and expectations should remain top-of-mind for business leaders.  

Building a future-focused workspace will not only enable experiences that attract and retain top talent, but it will also help to reduce operating costs, optimize operations and propel employee performance.  

Three factors are driving the changing workplace landscape

Flexibility and mobility

In a recent study by JLL, 88 percent of the workforce prefers more flexible working hours in the future and 63 percent want to alternate between different places of work. To accommodate these new employee preferences, forward-looking companies are now incorporating new workplace concepts such as flexible layouts, unassigned seating and mobile working to support new hybrid working models that account for a more dispersed workforce.  

Shifting employee expectations

Experience in the workplace is more important than ever before. Employees are not just looking for a creative space and a flexible schedule, they expect—if not demand—that companies will provide for both their physical health and safety and mental wellbeing when they are in the office. That means real estate leaders must collaborate closely with human resources, finance, IT and the C-suite to define an experience that makes sense financially and suits the needs of their people.  

Data-backed decision-making 

How much space does an organization need? Where will they need it? And how will it be used? 

The latest technology in data mining, 3D space modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning enables organizations to create a frictionless employee experience and allocate space for a dynamic workforce driven by supply and demand. 

Technology-driven data analysis allows for a continuous learning mindset and enables businesses to pilot, pivot and retest new approaches to workplace strategies depending on changing information and preferences.  

How to set the stage for success in the workplace of the future

Implementing a flexible, healthy and data-driven workplace strategy can be challenging for even the most forward-thinking organizations. With an understanding of key drivers reshaping the landscape, you can begin to develop a strategy and implement a plan that improves workplace utilization, increases ROI for your real estate portfolio and gives your business a competitive advantage. 

Define your path forward

Economic pressures, corporate growth agendas, talent shortages and competition are just some of the reasons why mobility is key to navigating the complex future of work. A workplace strategy that accommodates tighter budgets and a dynamic workforce, increases utilization and empowers employees will better enable you to achieve your organization’s ambitions. 

Solve the utilization challenge 

Utilization has long been considered the holy grail in corporate real estate strategy. But getting it right is no small task. New flexible schedules and mobility programs have added a layer of complexity to optimizing utilization rates. Taking a holistic approach to workplace utilization and occupancy planning—from data collection through execution—will boost employee engagement and make a big financial impact.  

Visualize new workspaces 

Only 24 percent of companies globally keep their workstations fully occupied 90 percent or more of the time, according to JLL research. Too much space represents financial and operational waste. Whether you’re building new or transforming an existing space, you need to make big decisions about layout and the workplace experience. The office will remain the center of the work ecosystem and should be designed to reinforce culture, drive collaboration, enable personal growth and cultivate innovation so taking a strategic approach to your new workplace is critical. 

Pairing industry-leading technologies with workplace planning experts allows you to envision your future space with unparalleled precision.

Ensure drawings meet expectations

Cutting-edge technologies have opened the door to new approaches that foster better decision-making and more productive outcomes. Virtual and augmented reality, along with 3D test-fits, now enable you to visualize a space without ever stepping foot inside of it. With drawings and data that reflect as-built conditions, you’ll be equipped to make smarter and more strategic real estate and workplace decisions. 

Drive success with workplace and occupancy strategy

Using the workplace to power business, operations and financial performance is the future of real estate. Implementing a thoughtful, data-driven workplace strategy and plan can help you attract and retain talent, engage employees, support productivity and make your real estate work harder for you. 

Visit our website to define what the future of work means for your organization in order to foster a top-notch employee experience, optimize your portfolio for the future and identify the technology to make it all happen.