This is the second in a three-part series of articles exploring the key insights from CBRE’s recently published report entitled “C-Suite Perspectives: Empowering Business Through Real Estate.”
The report provides an intriguing and informative view of the boardroom and its view on its real estate assets. What is clear from the report is that there has been a significant shift in how top executives perceive real estate not just as a cost centre but as a strategic asset with untapped potential to drive business value.
Leaders across industries are increasingly recognising that real estate decisions influence operational efficiency, employee productivity, and overall organisational performance.
The first article was published last week and is entitled How Should C-Suite Executives View Their Operational Real Estate? and explores their current perspective on the role of real estate within their businesses. If you haven’t read it, I recommend that you go there first...<click here>
This is the second article and will look at what C-Suite Leaders Want From Their Real Estate. It will highlight the report’s findings on their priorities, expectations, and desired outcomes.
The third article will be published next week and will focus on How the C-Suite Executives Prefer To Manage Their Real Estate it will unpack the C-suites preferred strategies, models, and approaches to real estate management.
CBRE’s research was conducted in the second half of 2024 and gathered insights and perspectives from leaders in manufacturing, financial services, technology, healthcare, and retail. The respondents were 252 C-suite executives representing companies with a minimum of 3,000 employees and spread evenly across a diverse range of roles.
In these articles, we will unpack these insights and explore what they mean for the future of workplace strategy and facilities management.
Let’s get on with it.
For today’s C-suite leaders, corporate real estate (CRE) is no longer just a backdrop to business operations; it’s a strategic asset that can drive productivity, enhance culture, and deliver measurable business value.
As companies navigate hybrid work models, evolving employee expectations, and financial pressures, executives are looking for real estate solutions that are flexible, cost-effective, and aligned with long-term business goals.
But what exactly do they want? From workplaces that foster collaboration and innovation to real estate portfolios that support sustainability and agility, leaders are redefining their expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the key priorities shaping C-suite decision-making and what it means for the future of workplace strategy.
At a strategic level, C-suite leaders seek real estate solutions that:
By focusing on these priorities, C-suite executives can ensure their real estate strategies align with broader business goals.
Business resilience is a top priority for executives who need to ensure continuity in uncertain times.
Real estate plays a vital role in mitigating risks by providing adaptable workplaces, securing business-critical infrastructure, and supporting crisis management strategies.
Companies that invest in resilient real estate solutions can better withstand economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in consumer demand. This means incorporating contingency planning, ensuring access to essential facilities, and utilising technology to enhance workplace adaptability.
Managing costs effectively is a fundamental concern for C-suite leaders, and real estate presents significant opportunities for financial efficiency.
Businesses are focusing on optimising their real estate footprints by consolidating space, renegotiating leases, and adopting flexible work models that reduce overhead costs.
Organisations are also exploring cost-recovery mechanisms such as subleasing underutilised space or engaging in sale and leaseback transactions to unlock capital. Leveraging data analytics can also provide insights into space utilisation, allowing businesses to make informed decisions about office layouts and rental commitments.
The modern workforce has evolving expectations regarding their work environment, and C-suites recognise that real estate decisions can directly impact talent retention and attraction.
High-quality office spaces with ergonomic designs, collaborative areas, and technology-enabled features contribute to employee satisfaction and productivity.
Furthermore, sustainability initiatives are increasingly influencing corporate real estate strategies. Investing in green buildings, energy-efficient infrastructure, and eco-friendly workplace designs not only enhances a company’s brand reputation but also meets regulatory and environmental compliance standards.
In a rapidly changing business landscape, organisations require agile real estate solutions that can adapt to evolving needs.
C-suite leaders are seeking greater lease flexibility, coworking options, and hybrid workplace models that allow employees to work seamlessly from multiple locations.
The ability to scale up or down based on market conditions provides companies with financial and operational agility. Businesses are also leveraging smart building technologies to enhance operational efficiency, optimising energy usage, and reducing maintenance costs while ensuring a seamless workplace experience.
Data-driven decision-making is becoming a cornerstone of corporate real estate strategy.
C-suite executives are demanding access to real-time insights that measure real estate performance, from occupancy rates and cost per employee to energy consumption and space utilisation.
Advanced analytics and AI-driven platforms are enabling companies to optimise their portfolios, predict future space needs, and enhance workplace efficiency.
By leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarking against industry standards, businesses can ensure that their real estate investments align with their overall strategic objectives.
To maximise the value of their real estate portfolios, C-suite executives must adopt a strategic approach that balances cost, experience, brand, and flexibility. The following key considerations can help guide decision-making:
Rather than viewing real estate purely as a cost centre, leaders should recognise its role in building business resilience. By investing in the right spaces and locations, companies can improve operational stability, enhance workforce productivity, and mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations.
The C-suite expects real estate teams to harness data analytics and technology to drive better outcomes. This includes:
Real estate decisions should align with the company’s broader strategic objectives. This involves integrating real estate planning with:
As businesses continue to navigate a complex and rapidly changing environment, the role of real estate in the C-suite agenda is evolving. The traditional approach of treating real estate as a static asset is being replaced by a dynamic, strategic perspective, one that prioritises flexibility, cost efficiency, sustainability, and talent attraction.
For real estate leaders, the challenge lies in aligning property decisions with business resilience goals while ensuring financial prudence. By leveraging data-driven insights, optimising portfolios, and staying ahead of workplace trends, corporate real estate teams can position themselves as strategic partners to the C-suite, driving long-term success for their organisations.
What steps are you taking today to ensure your real estate strategy delivers long-term value?
Now is the time to assess, adapt, and innovate.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and dive into our free Workplace Assessment NOW.
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