"There is a growing recognition that real estate is not just a cost to be managed, but an enabler of broader business transformation." 

That is the central thesis of a recent article by CBRE executives Richard Holberton and Lewis Beck which focuses on whether people or money are driving corporate CRE strategies. In the European context, the emphasis has shifted from "talent" objectives to costs, reversing a previous trend, they noted. They argue that too great a shift could be counter-productive.

"Our research looks at to what extent companies are prioritizing cost management versus investment that helps them to attract and retain employees," Beck explained in an email. "Examples of this may include better working environments, enhanced amenities, services that promote better health and wellbeing, or a more expensive urban location that has good travel connections and provides great availability for shopping and dining."