The world of work and the workplace has been continuously evolving, especially over the last few years. This has led occupiers and their advisors to reconsider the future use, design and space planning of their offices. The recently published research by the BCO examines the appropriate office density in the near future. UK office densities have gradually increased over the last 20 years or so, and for many workplaces the space per person is the lowest in Europe.

Research also shows that over-densification affects worker performance and wellbeing. However, utilisation studies show that weekly occupancy levels are at their lowest, leaving many desk and other work-settings unoccupied.

Planning for higher densities requires more building infrastructure to support the occupants (eg additional toilets, lifts and air-conditioning) which is less sustainable than building for lower occupancy densities. In contrast, it could be argued that fewer, more densely occupied buildings are more sustainable than portfolios of under-utilised office space.