2026 Global Real Estate Workforce Survey, Volume IV- released January 2026.
This survey is a biennial industry survey providing a clear view of workforce demographics and people practices across commercial real estate. The Global Real Estate Workforce Survey offers timely insights into how firms are approaching talent, culture, retention, and inclusivity amid ongoing industry change.
Why this survey matters
As commercial real estate evolves, firms are adapting how they attract, support, and retain talent. This survey provides a data-backed snapshot of where the industry stands today and highlights key trends in workforce demographics, policies, and workplace practices.
The Survey represented 42,125 full-time real estate employees, $716 billion of assets under management and a cross-section of the commercial real estate industry in terms of size, region and business type. Data collection period: June- September 2025.
Key findings (North America)
Women represent 43.5% of the overall workforce
Nearly one-third of U.S.-based employees identify as people of color
More than 90% of firms report having either a formal inclusivity program or related policies in place
44% maintain a fully documented, firmwide program approved by senior leadership
38% of firms reported changing the language used to describe these efforts
30% have a dedicated inclusivity budget, while another 44% fund these efforts through other business areas
71% reported no change in spending on inclusivity-related efforts over the past year
Employee engagement remains a priority, with 78% of firms assigning staff resources to inclusivity work (averaging 1.2 FTE)
Mental health and non-work-related support (87.5%) and enhanced parental leave are among the most widely adopted retention and culture practices
The Survey is conducted in collaboration with Ferguson Partners and supported by 19 global commercial real estate associations including: AFIRE, AIA, APREA, AREF, BOMA, BPF, CFMA, CoreNet Global, CREW Network, EPRA, NAIOP, NAREIM, NCREIF, OSCRE, PFA, PREA, RICS, REALPAC and ULI. The Survey was formerly known as the Global Real Estate DEI Survey.
Inclusion at NAREIM
In 2024, NAREIM launched the Hispanic Real Estate Roundtable (previously LatinX) for the first time. The Roundtable is intended to facilitate networking for Hispanic/Latino professionals in real estate investment management, across seniority and functional groups.
"What stood out most was the authenticity in the room. There was a strong sense of shared purpose—to lift as we climb, to build networks that reflect our communities, and to open more doors for future generations."
Thank you to our 2026 Roundtable Partners
For more information on inclusion efforts at NAREIM, please reach out to IvyLee Rosario, Head of Programs.