In the high-stakes race for technology innovation, the workplace has become more than a backdrop—it’s now a strategic lever for growth, culture, and competitiveness. In the technology sector in particular, AI is reshaping everything from investment priorities to talent demands. Now, technology companies must rethink how their spaces support both people and progress. The emerging imperative: design flexible, cost-efficient environments that don’t just accommodate work—but inspire it.

If your company is concerned about how best to future-proof its spaces for evolving workplace expectations, you’re not alone. According to a JLL Research survey , only about half of all technology companies have optimized their corporate real estate (CRE) portfolios for new ways of working. Many tech companies are still seeking the right approach for modernizing their workplaces, to support potential future headcount needs while staying cost-conscious.

A “one size fits all” workplace strategy does not exist. In general, however, most technology company offices are transitioning from assigned desks and enclosed meeting spaces to more collaboration space, shared seating and more flexible floor plans. Optimizing the workplace for multiple ways of working means balancing the areas of flexible versus fixed environments, workspaces for collaboration versus individual work, and efficiency versus comfort.

“Every technology company must navigate its own journey toward a holistic approach that balances cost efficiency, employee experience, and corporate flexibility goals,” says Justin Kenyon, Managing Director, Technology Division, JLL.

The following three principles will help you begin the journey to future-proofing your technology company workplace.

In the past, common workplace practice was to design corporate offices around dedicated workspaces, conference rooms and ancillary spaces in a fixed layout. Today, leading practice is to instead create a human-centered, dynamic ecosystem of workspaces that empower employees and create an enjoyable, productive experience. According to HP’s 2024 Work Relationship Index report , 87% of employees would trade a portion of their salary for a more tailored, engaging workplace experience. Furthermore, over 69% say a personalized approach to work would actively incentivize them to stay with their companies longer.

Among technology companies, the most effective workplaces are those that provide different kinds of spaces for different kinds of experiences. While employees today are most likely to choose the office for collaboration, learning, mentoring and socializing with colleagues, many also need the office to provide a productive environment for focused work.

It’s important to recognize employee needs for quiet and privacy versus socializing and collaboration, whether face-to-face or with remote colleagues. Options typically mean private booths for video meetings and phone calls; quiet-zone rooms and individual workspaces for focused work; a café or cafeteria for socializing; collaboration areas for group work and incidental booths or seating for informal conversations.

Workplace strategy decisions are most successful when informed by data and information about the employee experience in your space. Quality data is paramount in making impactful decisions rather than simply collecting large amounts of information. In fact, according to the 2025 Technology Spaces Report, only 20% of technology companies have excellent capabilities to track hybrid programs (compared to just 7% across all industries).

For an accurate picture of how and when space is being used, turn to data and analytics tools that reveal real-time trends and generate predictive insights. In fact, organizations with advanced data capabilities gain significant advantages. Among technology companies, 76% of occupancy planners use utilization data to aid in design, helping create spaces that truly meet employee needs.

Potential data sources include Wi-Fi network metadata, wireless workplace sensors, or room reservation software that indicate which spaces are most or least utilized. With data and analytics tools, you may learn, for example, that small meeting rooms are constantly full while larger rooms are consistently under-utilized. Based on that insight, you could reconfigure the office with fewer large conference rooms and more small meeting spaces.

Taking a strategic approach to data collection is essential. This means aligning your objectives with an overall business strategy, determining KPIs, and identifying specific metrics that will support decision-making. Consider linking disparate data from cost, space, and human-centric metrics to create a comprehensive "Workplace Vibrancy Index" that provides a holistic view of your workplace's effectiveness.

For every technology company, the journey to an efficient and effective workplace is complex. Leading technology companies are successfully balancing competing business priorities by assembling an experienced team to help modernize their offices for the future of work. By keeping your organizational culture and employee needs front and center, you can arrive at a flexible, cost-efficient workplace that helps attract and train the talent that drives innovation.

"To thrive in today's tech landscape, companies must recognize that the workplace is no longer a static entity but a dynamic tool. By building in flexibility, designing for employee needs, and leveraging data, we can create magnetic environments that attract, engage, and inspire top talent," says Kenyon.

The tech industry, driven by innovation and talent competition, is at the forefront of evolving workplace expectations. CRE leaders must recognize the shift from traditional office spaces to dynamic ecosystems that prioritize employee experience and adapt to changing work styles.

To learn more about how JLL can help you optimize your real estate strategy in this demanding ecosystem, visit https://www.jll.com/en-us/industries/technology.