The Future Of Work In Latin America 2026
JLL launches the regional report ((Future of Work 2026: Navigating the Complexity of AI in Latin America)), the first exhaustive analysis on how artificial intelligence is redefining corporate real estate strategies in Latin America.
The study, based on a quantitative survey of over 2,200 decision-makers across 21 global markets, includes a dedicated analysis of 150 executives from Latin America (33% from Brazil, 33% from Mexico, 17% from Argentina, and 17% from Colombia), complemented by qualitative workshops and in-depth interviews with regional leaders.
Three Key Findings for Latin America The region faces a paradox: high awareness of AI, but low preparedness 47% of Latin American organizations identify AI-driven workforce transformation as their top strategic priority. However, this is precisely the area where they report the lowest level of preparedness (63% progress), compared to other evaluated scenarios that reach levels of 70-79%. Revealing data: Only 42% of organizations are optimizing or utilizing AI solutions, while 58% are still evaluating options, running tests, or observing the technology's evolution. AI adoption maturity progresses at different speeds: Brazil leads with 52% of companies in scaled or optimized adoption phases, followed by Mexico (44%), Argentina (40%), and Colombia with the lowest level (19%). The real obstacle is not technological: it is regulatory and operational Unlike global trends, where AI skills gaps are the primary barrier, in Latin America the greatest brake is regulatory and compliance complexity (35% vs. 30% globally), followed by a shortage of specialized labor in technical trades (33% vs. 25% globally). AI skills rank second, tied with budget constraints (29% each).Regulation appears as a decisive factor across multiple dimensions: 46% consider that new wellness regulations, AI governance, and community expectations will impact corporate real estat, 36% identify economic volatility and budget pressures as one of the three biggest risks, and 35% view regulatory complexity as the main organizational constraint.
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Investment is being redistributed: less traditional physical space, more smart assets Organizations do not expect to reduce real estate costs. On the contrary, 65% prioritize long-term strategic positioning and 64% focus on long-term transformational investments. The main factors impacting costs over the next 3–5 years include AI-driven workforce automation (38% regional average), energy and utility costs (35%), and technology infrastructure requirements (34%). Paradigm shift: 76% are investing in advanced building optimization through AI, 65% prioritize quality construction with excellent services and facilities, and 62% seek optimal employee experience.
Corporate real estate is evolving from a cost center into a strategic tool to drive productivity, employee experience, and organizational resilience.
This regional analysis is part of JLL's Global Future of Work Survey, a biennial study conducted since 2011 that gathers the vision of business leaders and corporate real estate professionals worldwide.
Exclusive Methodology for Latin America:-
Quantitative survey with 150 decision-makers in Argentina (17%), Brazil (33%), Colombia (17%), and Mexico (33%)
Participant profile: 60% in corporate real estate roles, 40% in C-Suite and senior leadership
54% of participating organizations employ fewer than 5,000 people, 29% between 5,000–9,999, and 17% more than 10,000 employees
Qualitative exploration via workshops and in-depth interviews with decision-makers
Dedicated benchmark enabling each company to compare itself with regional peers
What can organizations do now? The report identifies immediate strategic actions to build adaptive capacity:
Prioritize diagnosing the impact of AI on roles before defining portfolio decisions, establishing specific progress indicators given the current low level of preparedness. Establish joint mechanisms between Legal/Compliance and Corporate Real Estate to anticipate regulatory changes instead of reacting to them, monitoring design, construction, and operation regulations. Consider location strategies that prioritize access to specialized talent with AI competencies, given that 96% of organizations in Mexico and Colombia plan to consider new geographical locations to access this talent.The post The Future of Work in Latin America 2026 appeared first on The Costa Rica News.
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