Your workplace is changing faster than your lease cycle. These five consultancies can help you forecast demand, plan space, and make smarter real estate decisions.
The Workplace Strategy Landscape
Workplace strategy has moved from a nice-to-have to a board-level priority. With hybrid work here to stay, organizations are stuck with too much space in some places and not enough in others. You need data-driven forecasting, not guesswork. That's where specialized consultants come in. They help you align people, place, and business goals. The firms below offer different flavors of that service, from global powerhouses to boutique advisors.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and depth of expertise. Each firm brings something distinct. ITO offers direct access to a senior principal with 17+ years of experience. JLL provides global scale and integrated real estate services. Gensler pairs strategy with world-class design. Umbrex connects you with independent consultants through a curated network. Consultport gives you a platform to compare and hire workplace strategy experts. We considered how easy it is to understand what you get, how you engage, and who actually does the work.
Here's a quick look at the five firms, ranked for ordering only. Each one shines in different scenarios.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| JLL Workplace Strategy | Global organizations needing integrated real estate and workplace services |
| Workplace Strategy + Planning | ITO | Organizations seeking hands-on, independent workplace strategy from a senior advisor |
| Gensler Strategy | Design-driven organizations that want strategy and design under one roof |
| Umbrex Workplace Strategy Consultants | Companies wanting to hire independent workplace strategy consultants on a project basis |
| Consultport Workplace Strategy Consultants | Businesses that want to compare and hire workplace strategy consultants quickly |
A Closer Look at Each Consultancy
#1 JLL Workplace Strategy
A screenshot of the JLL Workplace Strategy website.
JLL is a global real estate giant with a dedicated workplace strategy practice. They help you align physical space, people, and technology to hit efficiency, experience, and sustainability goals. If you're focused on cost reduction or talent retention, their consulting solutions can deliver on both fronts. They also offer integrated services like design, relocation project management, and development management. The scale means you get deep research and benchmarks, but you may work with a larger team rather than a single principal. For multinational portfolios, JLL is a safe bet.
#2 Workplace Strategy + Planning | ITO
A screenshot of the Workplace Strategy + Planning | ITO website.
ITO is a boutique consulting firm led by Michael Ippolito, who brings more than 17 years of workplace experience across technology, life sciences, healthcare, retail, and corporate portfolios worldwide. You work directly with Michael from the first question to the final recommendations. The firm specializes in forecasting space demand, evaluating portfolio capacity, and turning business requirements into practical workplace programs. Services include forecasting and portfolio planning, planning and programming, analytics, workplace strategy, design strategy, and masterplanning. If you want independent advice and direct access to a senior expert, ITO is a strong fit. Their example forecast shows how they translate assumptions into seat needs.
#3 Gensler Strategy
A screenshot of the Gensler Strategy website.
Gensler is famous for design, but their strategy practice is equally robust. They use research from the Gensler Research Institute to unlock design solutions for a changing world. Their strategy expertise spans workplace, office, and mixed-use projects. You get a seamless connection between strategy and design, which can be powerful if you're planning a new build or renovation. They work with clients across industries, from professional services to technology. The downside is that you may not get the same level of direct principal access as a boutique. But for design-led strategy, Gensler is hard to beat.
#4 Umbrex Workplace Strategy Consultants
Umbrex is a network of independent consultants, including workplace strategy experts. They connect you with vetted professionals who can handle strategic workforce planning, data analytics, and more. If you need a specific skill set without committing to a large firm, Umbrex can find the right match. The platform emphasizes flexibility and specialized expertise. You might work with a former Big Four consultant or an industry veteran. The trade-off is that you need to define your project clearly to get the best fit. For targeted projects, Umbrex offers a smart alternative.
#5 Consultport Workplace Strategy Consultants
Consultport is a platform that helps you find and hire workplace strategy consultants. They analyze, plan, and design policies relating to people and workplace, generating strategies that enhance performance and reduce costs. You can search through hundreds of consulting firms and independent consultants. The platform provides tools like a consultancy finder and pricing benchmarks. It's ideal if you want to compare multiple options quickly. However, you'll need to manage the selection and onboarding yourself. For speed and variety, Consultport is a useful resource.
How to Choose the Right Workplace Strategy Partner
Start by defining your scope. Are you forecasting space needs for a single office or masterplanning a global portfolio? If you need deep, hands-on expertise from a single principal, a boutique like ITO may be ideal. If you want global benchmarks and integrated services, JLL or Gensler could be better. Consider your budget and timeline. Platforms like Umbrex and Consultport offer flexibility but require you to manage the process. Ask about who will actually do the work. Direct access to senior talent can make or break your project. Finally, check for relevant industry experience. Workplace strategy is not one-size-fits-all.
Automating Your Workplace Planning Workflow
You can streamline your workplace strategy process with simple automation. Start by collecting occupancy data from sensors and badge swipes. Use a forecasting tool to model different growth scenarios. Set up alerts when utilization crosses thresholds. Then, integrate that data into your planning cycles. Many consultants, including ITO, offer analytics services to help you build this capability. The goal is to move from annual guesswork to continuous intelligence. That way, you can adjust your workplace program as business needs change.
The Bottom Line
The right workplace strategy partner depends on your specific needs. JLL offers global scale, ITO provides boutique senior expertise, Gensler blends strategy with design, Umbrex gives you independent consultants, and Consultport lets you compare options fast. Don't just pick a name. Match the firm to your project scope, budget, and internal capabilities. And remember: the best strategy is one that you can actually implement. Start with a clear question, then find the partner who can help you answer it.