JLL’s 2024 Future of Work survey finds that in an increasingly complex, ambiguous, and dynamic environment, companies are adopting a cautiously positive outlook. 

The global survey of over 2,300 corporate real estate (CRE) decision makers across 25 markets breaks down targeted headcount growth to address emerging skills gaps, the split between hybrid and office adopters, and business expectations of the CRE function. 

Targeted headcount growth to address emerging skills gaps

Despite the tight labor markets, the recent mass layoffs in several industries, and the rise of AI and automation, survey respondents feel positive about the future, and the three most-cited corporate goals in the survey include growing revenue through new markets and M&A, attracting and retaining talent, and achieving organizational efficiency. 

64% of respondents expect their headcount to increase by 2030, and 65% of respondents said they expect their overall CRE budget to increase between now and 2030.

A new split between ‘hybrid adopters’ and ‘office advocates’

The report notes a shift in towards office-based work, with 44% of organizations characterized as ‘office advocates’, who would like to see staff in the office five days a week. ‘Hybrid adopters’ account for the remaining 56% of organizations who prefer a remote/office hybrid approach. 

Despite this complex and evolving landscape, it’s clear that the office is central to work: 85% of organizations have a policy of at least three days of office attendance per week. And 43% expect the number of days in the office to increase by 2030, though this may still be within a hybrid work strategy for many organizations.

Shifting sands: business expectations of the CRE function

More than 60% of respondents expect to see increased utilization of their office space, and organizations are considering different options on how to increase office footprint. 

While 39% of organizations could envisage introducing different pay and benefits to employees who attend the office regularly versus those who work completely remotely, 37% could consider providing a network of additional workspaces closer to where their people live. On the other side of the spectrum, one-third said they could envisage going completely remote by 2030 with no office space at all, relying instead on virtual spaces and team building events.