Make your workplace your biggest asset

In today's fierce competition for top talent, organizations are discovering that well-designed workspaces are no longer just a nice-to-have – they're a strategic imperative.

"In the battle for talent, a well-designed workplace has become a critical asset," says Shweta Choudhari, Director of Research and Strategy at JLL Work Dynamics. "It's no longer just about where people work, but how the workplace empowers them to perform at their best."

To create these talent-attracting environments, companies are turning to comprehensive real estate solutions that connect every aspect of their workplace strategy. Here's how various real estate services work together to create spaces that not only meet functional needs but also inspire and engage employees:

The first step in creating an attractive workplace is ensuring that an organization has the right mix of spaces to support its workforce needs. Portfolio optimization involves strategically analyzing and adjusting real estate assets to align with business objectives. This may include consolidating underutilized spaces, identifying expansion opportunities, or reimagining existing areas to better suit evolving work patterns.

As the JLL Future of Work Survey revealed, 54% of organizations expect their total occupied footprint to expand in the next five years. This growth presents an opportunity to optimize portfolios for maximum efficiency and appeal to potential talent.

Once the portfolio fits the needs of the business, expert workplace designers step in to create environments that balance aesthetics with functionality. These professionals incorporate elements that promote well-being, collaboration, and productivity – all crucial factors in attracting and retaining top talent.

A recent study by the Harvard Business Review found that thoughtful office design can significantly improve employee performance, boost collaboration, and enhance overall air quality. These factors are critical to employee satisfaction and productivity.

Implementing workplace transformations requires careful planning and execution. Skilled project managers oversee the entire process, from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring that renovations are completed on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

The seamless execution of workplace projects is crucial, as 60% of organizations surveyed expect to spend more on design, fit-out, and refurbishment by 2030. This investment in physical spaces demonstrates the growing recognition of workplace design as a key factor in talent attraction and retention.

Investing in cutting-edge workplace technology is essential for attracting tech-savvy talent and boosting productivity. Smart building systems, advanced audiovisual equipment, and robust IT infrastructure are no longer luxuries but necessities in the modern workplace.

As workplaces become more complex and technology-driven, effective facilities management is critical. Modern FM teams not only maintain physical spaces but also play a key role in creating seamless, user-friendly experiences that keep employees engaged and productive.

A recent study by Leesman, a workplace experience assessment firm, found that employees in high-performing workplaces are 3.5 times more likely to report a great experience than those in average workplaces. This effectiveness is largely dependent on well-managed, adaptable facilities.

By leveraging these comprehensive real estate solutions, organizations can create "destination" workplaces that strongly support staff recruitment, retention, and productivity. These spaces deliver high-performance environments, support organizational culture and identity, and fulfill the social purpose of the workplace.

The collaborative nature of office workplaces has become increasingly important. A recent Gallup poll found that collaboration, social interaction, culture, and connectivity are cited as the top reasons for working in the office, for both employees and employers. This underscores the need for thoughtful design that promotes interaction and company culture.

As the complexity of work increases, the role of the workplace in supporting employee performance, meeting corporate sustainability ambitions, and adapting to the evolving technology landscape becomes more critical. Now is the time to invest in comprehensive workplace solutions.

Understanding the needs of employees and future talent should be central to design strategies if they are to meet corporate aspirations towards 2030. As workplace design experts advise, organizations can benefit from enhancing workplace design with data-driven approaches, such as utilizing employee experience data or social strategies in developing design strategies that meet employee and corporate needs.

By investing in creating exceptional workplace experiences through a holistic approach to real estate services, organizations position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive business landscape. These comprehensive solutions not only attract the best talent but also foster the innovation and productivity needed for long-term success in the evolving world of work.

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JLL’s commercial real estate services combine a global platform with trusted local experts across every sector and asset class. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes leasing, design, portfolio optimization, project management, facilities management and other workplace solutions that help you unlock business value through real estate.