CRE firms that want to get the best out of their employees can do better by intensifying their focus on how they recruit, retain and develop their staff, according to a new survey-based report from NAIOP Research Foundation.

That includes extending their search beyond hiring experienced professionals and devoting more attention to new associates, said NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. "Nothing is more important to a firm's long-term success than investing in and retaining talent," said president and CEO Marc Selvitelli. It can be difficult for firms to prioritize training and recruitment amidst the pressure of revenue-generating activities like closing deals, he noted, but failing to do so limits a firm's ability to shape its workforce to meet strategic objectives.

Based on respondents' comments, the survey found commonalities among firms that successfully recruit new associates. "They invest in recruiting in a manner befitting its strategic importance, craft hiring plans with organizational objectives in mind, and avoid letting convenience dictate how they look for talent."