Shared Futures: Corporate Real Estate Executives’ Strategies for 2025 | Gensler Research Institute

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Designing for people-first productivity and flexibility is shaping tomorrow’s office.

Corporate real estate (CRE) is evolving. In 2025, the focus shifts from tracking attendance to designing workplaces that truly support people and performance. While 54% of CRE leaders have updated their spaces in the past three years, most workplaces still fall short compared to high-performing environments. There’s progress—but also clear gaps. Employees say it’s easier to find places to focus and collaborate, but still hard to hold video calls or have private conversations. Spaces to recharge are also lacking.

Most organizations are rethinking their real estate footprint. Over 70% of CRE professionals expect changes in the next three years. Large companies are more likely to reduce space. Smaller firms plan to expand. But across the board, the focus is on creating flexible, shared spaces. Among companies growing their footprint, only a third are adding individual desks. Most are building more team rooms, social areas, and shared amenities—spaces designed to bring people together.

Team productivity is the top priority driving these decisions. Whether hybrid or in-person, companies want to help teams work better together. Smaller firms prioritize employee well-being and experience. Larger ones focus on mission alignment and strong internal connections. Either way, collaboration matters most. That’s why upgrades planned for 2025 include better meeting tech, reservable rooms, and hybrid collaboration tools. It’s not just about office design—it’s about how people work.

Company size and culture also shape real estate choices. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Smaller companies value flexibility and fast growth. Larger ones look for structure and alignment. What they share is the need to support changing team dynamics. The best strategies include employee feedback and align space with business goals. That’s how offices become more than just places to work—they become tools for success.

Looking ahead, the future workplace will be flexible, collaborative, and centered on people. CRE leaders are moving with purpose, using design to improve how teams connect and perform. Offices are no longer just about square footage—they’re about impact. By focusing on team productivity and shared experiences, companies are building spaces where people can thrive.

Check the full report here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7335568450754347013