As technology companies navigate the complexities of hybrid work, AI-driven growth and evolving talent demands, real estate strategies are more critical than ever. Corporate real estate has evolved from overhead to a strategic asset—it is now seen as a critical driver of innovation, collaboration and operational efficiency in today’s technology landscape. 

Technology organizations are adapting to this rapidly shifting landscape. In a time when AI is transforming every segment of the industry—from semiconductor development to software innovation—priorities are shifting to invest in infrastructure, talent and spaces for innovation and to optimize the rest.

Technology companies are transforming their real estate in line with their business goals and workplace strategies. Looking ahead to the future, leading technology CRE organizations will need to think strategically and make data-backed decisions to position themselves for success

1.Optimization: Technology companies are optimizing portfolios and trimming costs to support rapid AI growth

2.Office: Technology companies are boosting office utilization and effectiveness, even as most maintain hybrid policies

3.Lab / R & D: Investment in lab and R&D spaces is accelerating to support advances in AI, but spaces lag in utilization tracking and data-led design

4.Data Strategy: To maximize space effectiveness, technology companies need a smart goal-driven data strategy to drive experience-led design and optimized service delivery

5.The Future: The technology workplace of the future with be a learning workspace that is innovation-driven, collaborative (between humans and with machines) and energy-conscious.

Technology companies are enhancing office spaces strategically to improve both utilization and effectiveness. Most are decreasing dedicated workstations while increasing shared workstations and collaborative spaces and implementing higher seat-sharing ratios. The emphasis is on creating spaces that facilitate small, action-oriented meetings through neighborhood layouts and huddle rooms, while also providing phone rooms and focus spaces for individual productivity.

Most technology companies, even those without a mandate, are encouraging a return to the office to foster collaboration and productivity. A lack of adequate workspace, distributed teams or a difficult commute are a barrier to productive in-office work. Companies have found some success in increasing attendance through offering food and events, although this sometimes results in “coffee-badging”, where employees come for the perks and then leave. Mandates also spur attendance but can hurt morale and retention. Boosting employee effectiveness as well as attendance requires both supportive real estate and culture.

Labs and R&D environments are taking center stage as tech firms ramp up AI, quantum and hardware innovation, but many organizations lack a clear strategy to manage these spaces effectively. While 91% of tech companies rank utilization as a top metric, nearly half don’t track usage in lab environments.

Without proper planning and data, these spaces risk becoming expensive inefficiencies rather than competitive differentiators. The report explores in more detail how leading companies can adapt office-level data practices to labs—balancing speed, safety and sustainability in mission-critical areas of their portfolios.