Commercial real estate companies are facing severe labor shortages in several market sectors, from industrial development and construction to property management and financial analysis. While the industry has a natural proclivity for traditional office space, it is going to have to quickly adapt to hold onto current employees in the midst of the so-called Great Resignation, as well as attract new talent. Flexible work schedules is at the top of the list of employee demands.

The work environment has shifted over the last few years, and companies are beginning to recognize this," Kent Elliott, principal at RETS Associates, tells GlobeSt.com. "Current employees are seeking new job opportunities that provide a flexible work schedule. Schedule flexibility gives employees the freedom to control their time, which is highly appealing to today's workforce."

According to Elliott, a recent survey from Manpower Group Solutions found that 40% of job candidates held flexible work schedules as one of the top three considerations when looking at prospective jobs. "This perk is an absolute must for employers, who must accommodate their employees' schedule or risk losing them to other employers that will provide this accommodation," he adds.