Future Lab accelerates post-merger integration in record time

When two life sciences companies merged, they faced an immediate challenge that would define their future success. How do you unite 30,000+ employees under one cohesive CRE strategy when you're working with two distinct real estate teams that operate completely differently?

The newly combined organization couldn't afford months of traditional integration work. They needed results fast. Different operational approaches, strategic priorities and organizational cultures threatened to create inefficiencies and conflicting directions across their global portfolio.

Corporate real estate (CRE) leadership recognized that without a clear transformation roadmap spanning key areas of Portfolio Management such as Strategic Planning, Data and Technology, Energy and Sustainability, Capital Works, Workplace Strategy and Property Asset Management, the newly combined entity risked operational inefficiencies and conflicting strategic directions.

The answer came through our Future Lab program — an intensive two-day immersive experience in London specifically designed for CRE transformation. Rather than spending months on post-merger integration (PMI), the client's leadership team worked alongside our consulting experts to tackle every aspect of their real estate function’s operating model.

Future Lab’s methodology combines strategic facilitation with deep industry expertise. To help this client supercharge their transformation, our interactive workshops focused on vision alignment and user journey analysis. Presentations from our practitioners provided insights on workplace strategy, sustainability frameworks and technology integration.

Then through collaborative discovery sessions using Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers (SIPOC) mapping and process blueprinting, we rapidly identified opportunities for streamlining operations across the real estate lifecycle. Our consultants conducted current-state assessments while facilitating discussions that provided immediate clarity on transformation priorities.

This accelerated approach engaged the teams in focused, outcome-driven sessions that generated cross-functional plans tailored to the merged organization's unique requirements and strategic objectives.

“The opportunity to bring the team together from two legacy organizations was a great accelerator to build a one-team culture and align on the ways of working,” says Jeroen Meijler, Senior Director, JLL Consulting. “Making the Future Lab an engaging experience that goes beyond a traditional workshop allows people to think more freely and interactively.”.

Our Future Lab revved CRE transformation velocity, producing measurable outcomes that typically require months of traditional PMI work in a matter of 48 hours. The combined organization achieved strategic alignment and collaboration improved dramatically.

Key achievements include:

• Strategic alignment: Comprehensive operating model that immediately guided executive decision-making and long-term planning

• Governance framework: Prioritized transformation plan with clearly defined structures across all CRE disciplines

• Team integration: Enhanced cross-functional collaboration and deeper understanding of challenges and interdependencies

• Capability development: Defined roles and skills enhancement pathways for sustained organizational resilience

• Technology roadmap: Clear strategy for integrating advanced analytics into real estate decision-making processes

As the client Head of Real Estate and CapEx confirmed, “Future Lab helped accelerate the learning phase, connection and sense of being together.”

The combined organization established a unified operating model that supports organizational growth while maintaining operational excellence across their global portfolio — proving that the right partnership and methodology can compress months of work into days of focused collaboration.

Want to deliver a similar success story at your company? JLL Consulting Services can partner with you to deliver transformative results, too. Contact us today.