JLL: five key corporate real estate trends shaping the workplace in 2026
Offices move beyond cost control to space as driver of talent attraction
17 December 2025
JLL has released its latest trends analysis highlighting how global occupiers are redefining corporate real estate strategies in 2026, moving beyond cost control to position physical space as a core driver of talent attraction and business performance.
The report, 2026 Corporate Real Estate Trends to Watch, outlines five strategic priorities for occupiers:
Elastic portfolios: Companies are shifting from static, long-term leases to flexible, adaptive portfolios that can scale with business needs. JLL reports that average office utilisation stands at 54%, well below target levels of 79%, signalling a need for more dynamic space strategies.
Experience-centric workplaces: With 52% of organisations now requiring employees on-site three to four days per week, the focus is on creating "commute-worthy" environments. Workplace quality is increasingly tied to employee retention and performance, particularly in high-density urban markets.
AI as infrastructure: Adoption of AI in workplace operations has surged, with 92% of corporate real estate teams planning or piloting AI initiatives in 2025, up from just 5% in 2023. JLL emphasises that success hinges on strong data foundations and integration with business systems.
Evolved facilities management (FM): Cost control remains a key concern, but FM strategies are increasingly being judged on their contribution to employee wellbeing and safety. JLL notes a shift towards FM partners who understand the business context and can balance operational efficiency with workplace experience.
Integrated energy and human experience goals: Rising energy costs and tenant expectations are pushing organisations to adopt upgrades that enhance both energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing. JLL sees this as a pathway to delivering shared value through sustainability and employee engagement.
Sanjay Rishi, CEO of Work Dynamics, Americas, said these priorities reflect a fundamental change in how companies approach workplace strategy: "Real estate is no longer just a support function – it's becoming a key contributor to business growth and employee loyalty."
JLL argues that the companies best positioned for success in 2026 will be those that continuously align their real estate portfolios with evolving workforce needs, technology integration, and sustainability imperatives.
