CHICAGO-Jones Lang LaSalle released a new workplace survey today at the CoreNet Global Summit event now underway at Navy Pier in Chicago, showing that firms have downsized significantly in the past three years, and are now ready for smart growth using technology and ahead-thinking corporate real estate planning. Of 504 companies surveyed across the world, many indicated that they are looking to start cautiously hiring again, according to the 2011 Corporate Real Estate Survey.

According to the survey, 72% of the companies reduced occupancy costs overall during the economic downturn, and 73% consolidated their occupancy into fewer buildings, according to JLL.  However, many firms are aching to grow again, and have built up cash reserves for this purpose, said Kenneth Rudy, international director of corporate solutions for JLL.

During a JLL press conference during the CoreNet event, Rudy said companies need to deploy their capital and grow their businesses, but that it’s possible that headcount won’t see much of an increase. “According to the survey, 79% of companies are now implementing mobility programs, allowing telecommuting from home, the airport or wherever. We’re thinking that by 2016, the new standard of workspace needed could be down to 50 sf per employee. Think of the impact that will have on the absorption on real estate,” Rudy said.

Fortunately, he said, most areas were not overbuilt before the recession hit, and a return in demand has dropped vacancy in most markets. However, now corporate real estate executives need to see the change that has come over the industry, and adapt, Rudy said. The new paradigm is “smart growth,” he said. “Even as they grow, companies are focused on strategies to maximize space utilization, both in the amount of space needed per employee and in the effectiveness of the space in driving a highly productive workforce,” he said.

Productivity is also a key word that will become more important to CRE managers, Rudy said. A corporate space solutions expert will be expected to project out a client’s needs and present space recommendations based on future use that will enable a firm to save money now, rather than lose it later trying to be reactionary to market pressures, he said.