An increasing number of companies are launching pilot hybrid work programs to suss out best practices before overhauling their commercial real estate portfolios, a new study from JLL contends.

 "Progressive organizations pilot hybrid workplace options," says Peter Miscovich, Managing Director, Strategy + Innovation, JLL Consulting. "Leading companies want to test, learn, and adapt with multiple hybrid workplace concepts—then these organizations can work through how to scale the most effective hybrid workplace programs for their employees for the longer-term."

 JLL cites the experience of publishing company Pan Macmillan as one such example: the company is currently pursuing a "hybrid and remote-friendly work model" pilot that allows employees to choose the number of days per week they work in the office. They can also choose to work fully remotely, but employees who work three or more days a week in person will get assigned seats. Another unnamed JLL client will begin a pilot later this year called "Retail Flex" that will allow employees to work some weeks at a retail store location and other weeks remotely, where they'll handle WFH-friendly tasks like online sales, customer service and technical support.