Publications

The BCO's research publications play a vital part in the built environment by providing best practice guidance and evidence based research on the principal themes that will drive the industry in the years to come.

Under construction Publications

The BCO's research publications play a vital part in the built environment by providing best practice guidance and evidence based research on the principal themes that will drive the industry in the years to come.

Best Practice Guides

Since its inception in 1990 the BCO has been at the forefront of developments in the office sector, identifying and predicting the themes that shape and drive the sector. The BCO looks at how the office has changed over the years since its creation, its role in driving, facilitating and supporting those changes as well as looking ahead to how market dynamics might shift going forward.

Linking design, people and technology to enhance health and productivity will be fundamental for high-performing workplaces.

Visit this section for our Best Practice Guides.

More About best practice guides

Research REports

Key influences such as agile working, technology, densification, sustainability, productivity and health & wellbeing are not only impacting on the office industry in general, but also the design, specification, delivery and occupation of buildings and will continue to do so, creating new challenges for designers, developers, occupiers and asset managers.

We see an accelerating rate of change in the workplace as factors such as globalisation, technology, demographics and culture combine to change existing business models.

Visit this section to review our extensive library of reports.

More about research reports

Our Best Practice Guides

Guide to specification

Guide To Fit Out

Guide To Lighting

More Guides

our publications

Are you a non-member or a student?

BCO Research Reports are available to BCO members for the first 3 months of publishing.

After 3 months, non-members and students can also download the reports.

If you’d like to speak to our team about any publication, get in touch.

Publication title

REVIEW OF POST-PANDEMIC UK OFFICE UTILISATION

Publication date

10.07.25

Category

Research Publication

The British Council for Offices’ latest report, Review of Post-Pandemic UK Office Utilisation, delivers a comprehensive analysis of how office occupancy has shifted from the long-standing 80% benchmark to a more realistic—and still conservative—utilisation rate around 66%. Drawing on extensive data and expert insights, this report offers essential guidance for developers, landlords, and occupiers seeking to optimise workspace design, improve operational efficiency, and align offices with the evolving needs of today’s workforce. It includes practical recommendations to support smarter space planning and sustainable workplace strategies in a rapidly changing environment.

Publication title

Minutes from 2024’s AGM

Publication date

Category

Publication title

BCO Statutory Accounts from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Publication date

Category

Publication title

RESEARCH ROUNDTABLE | BCO DIALOGUE 2: OCCUPIER-DRIVEN INNOVATION IN TERMS OF PEOPLE, AMENITIES AND THE PLANET

Publication date

Category

Research Reports

Member download

Publication title

Research Roundtable | BCO Dialogue 1: Building Value

Publication date

14.11.24

Category

Research Reports

This Research Committee briefing note is based on a recent roundtable, which examined the dynamics between designing for human needs, future adaptability, and building efficiency. It explored the value of creating spaces that prioritise occupants’ needs and the environment, questioning what leasing and sales value benefits are offered by human‑centric design.

To foster open and honest discussion during the proceedings, individual quotes have not been attributed to specific individuals, thus promoting a more candid dialogue.

Publication title

Towards Experience Utopia: Customer experience best practice for the UK office sector

Publication date

15.10.24

Category

Research Publication

Towards Experience Utopia provides the ultimate guide to creating a strong Customer Experience that blends the best aspects of remote and in-office work. Commissioned by the BCO Occupiers Group, which comprises representatives of leading employers such as NatWest, PwC, Deloitte, Hines, Goldman Sachs, Gilead, BT and Citi Group, the ‘state of the nation’ report sets out practical guidance for occupiers, investors, developers, agents, architects and designers, engineers, technology experts and property managers through strategies and checklists, as well as best practice case studies.

Pages: 123456789101112131415

LATEST Best practice guides (will be linked to CRM)

Productivity

REVIEW OF POST-PANDEMIC UK OFFICE UTILISATION

10.07.25

Design

Making The Future Workplace: Materials and methods towards a circular economy

03.12.19

Productivity

The Business Case for Productive, Higher Performing and Healthier Workplaces – BCO and LCMB Workshop

06.11.19

Workplace Strategy

The Rise of Flexible Workspace in the Corporate Sector

16.10.19

Workplace Strategy

The Rise of Flexible Workspace in the Corporate Sector

16.10.19

Health & Wellbeing

Wellness Matters: A summary roadmap to health and wellbeing

05.06.19

Occupier

The Space-Time Office – New demands, new possibilities

05.06.19

Working Practices

Evaluation of Government Hubs Programme – Year 2

08.05.19

Publications

Under construction Publications

The BCO's research publications play a vital part in the built environment by providing best practice guidance and evidence based research on the principal themes that will drive the industry in the years to come.

Our Best Practice Guides facilitate and support the office sector

Best Practice Guides