35th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary: Pandemic Presents Occupiers with Challenges and Opportunities
Companies are re-evaluating their real estate strategies and accelerating the automation and digitization of processes.
Q1 2021
In the midst of these challenges, there are also opportunities. As demonstrated in this survey, trends that were already under way before the pandemic — like digitization and automation—are accelerating, with nearly 50 percent of the respondents having instituted more automated processes in response to COVID-19. Cloud computing, data centers, and cybersecurity are also seeing rapid growth as they continue to facilitate remote working. Similarly, e-commerce projects are continuing to flourish, with distribution and fulfillment facilities moving closer to population centers.
The pandemic has also amplified the need for companies to evaluate existing and new markets from fresh perspectives. Nearly 25 percent of all survey respondents claim that their real estate strategy has changed as a result of COVID-19. In the years ahead, we believe many business leaders will continue to have fluid discussions about their footprints and start to consider new factors as they make location decisions, specifically as it relates to population size and density, population growth and momentum, public transit dependence, housing costs and foreclosure risks, fiscal impacts, university pipeline, major airport access, and climate.
Project Announcements
Piramal Pharma Solutions Expands Lexington, Kentucky, Operations
10/04/2024
G&H Decoys Plans Corning, Arkansas, Headquarters-Manufacturing Operations
10/04/2024
Britain-Based Ultimate Defense Technologies Establishes Billings, Montana, Operations
10/04/2024
Google Plans Dorchester County, South Carolina, Data Center Operations
10/04/2024
Sirius Analysis Plans Virginia Beach, Virginia, Headquarters
10/04/2024
South Korea-Based ILJIN Plans Auburn, Alabama, Manufacturing Operations
10/04/2024
Most Read
-
Top States for Doing Business in 2024: A Continued Legacy of Excellence
Q3 2024
-
What the Latest EPA PFAS Rule Means for Site Due Diligence
Q3 2024
-
Cold Storage: The Next Big Thing in Industrial Real Estate
Q3 2024
-
2023 Top States for Doing Business Meet the Needs of Site Selectors
Q3 2023
-
The Challenge of Securing Sufficient Electrical Power for Battery Cell Plants
Q3 2024
-
2023's Leading Metro Locations: Hotspots of Economic Growth
Q4 2023
-
Semiconductors’ Fragile Relationship With Water May Be Tested
Q3 2024