In China's increasingly crowded market, how can companies stay ahead?

- New report shows companies must invest in real estate facilities management to stay ahead of competition

SHANGHAI, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As facilities management experts from around the world meet in Shanghai for the annual World Workplace Asia event, a new report from global real estate advisor Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) reveals Chinese companies could gain competitive advantage through strategic facilities management (FM).

Integrated Facilities Management (FM) in the Middle Kingdom identifies a new generation of young, dynamic Chinese companies that are embracing a strategic approach to FM. These companies stand to gain an edge over peers that are struggling to accommodate headcount growth, attract and retain talent, boost international credibility, and mitigate risk.

Ian Bottrell, Managing Director of Integrated Facilities Management, North Asia for JLL, said, "Many Chinese companies are experiencing tremendously fast growth as they compete higher up the value chain and on an increasingly international level."

"By combining an understanding of how best to use current and future space with the knowledge required to implement the strategy, an integrated approach to FM can vastly improve operational performance and efficiency. Chinese companies have come to recognize the contribution FM can make to wider business objectives and in tackling the challenges of operating real estate portfolios in China. In some cases, companies have outsourced their FM delivery to manage costs and increase the focus on their primary business," said Mr Bottrell.

A particular challenge in China is intensifying competition for 'best-in-class' talent. A report by the Chinese Government highlighted a decrease in the country's working population while a recent Manpower Group survey shows 35 percent of companies are struggling to fill positions.

Mr Bottrell said, "With a high proportion of the workforce below age 35, providing working environments that attract and retain young, skilled workers is critical for Chinese companies to expand domestically and globally. Integrated FM, delivered to international standards, provides a more productive work environment that will attract a young, dynamic workforce."

Notes to editors

• Download the full report (http://www.ap.joneslanglasalle.com/asiapacific/EN-GB/Documents/Integrated-Facilities-Management-in-the-Middle-Kingdom-Report.pdf)
• Download the infographic (http://www.ap.joneslanglasalle.com/asiapacific/EN-GB/Documents/Integrated-Facilities-Management-in-the-Middle-Kingdom-Infographic.pdf)

About Integrated Facilities Management (IFM)

Our IFM teams consistently increase the productivity of real estate portfolios by reducing costs, minimizing risk and increasing end-user satisfaction. We drive continuous improvement by harnessing our experience and expertise to bring new ideas and market intelligence to the table. By customizing our delivery model to suit our clients' needs, we enable them to respond to changing business requirements and achieve desired outcomes, backed by our ability to deliver measurable results.

Having operated in Greater China since 2004, today we employ 13,700 IFM staff serving more than 56 clients across 2.7 million sqm of space. Our ongoing commitment to supporting the FM industry in China is demonstrated through partnership with industry organizations such as the IFMA.

Learn more at www.jll.com/facilitymanagementAP

About Jones Lang LaSalle

Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL) is a professional services and investment management firm offering specialized real estate services to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying and investing in real estate. With annual revenue of $3.9 billion, Jones Lang LaSalle operates in 70 countries from more than 1,000 locations worldwide. On behalf of its clients, the firm provides management and real estate outsourcing services to a property portfolio of 2.6 billion square feet and completed $63 billion in sales, acquisitions and finance transactions in 2012. Its investment management business, LaSalle Investment Management, has $47.7 billion of real estate assets under management. www.ap.joneslanglasalle.com