The British Council for Offices (BCO) has revised down its office usage benchmark following a “fundamental shift” in how UK offices are used post-pandemic.
The BCO said its long-standing benchmark of 80% office utilisation is no longer fit for purpose, with post-pandemic data suggesting a more realistic, but nevertheless conservative, figure of 66%. This equates to an effective density of 15 sq m per occupant, up from the previous 12.5 sq m.
In a new report authored by Nigel Oseland from Workplace Unlimited, which draws on office sensor data, observation studies and swipe card access records from across the UK, the BCO’s research found office occupancy is highest from Tuesday to Thursday and regional offices outperform London, with desk utilisation around 7% higher outside the capital.
Oseland said: “This shift in utilisation isn’t a setback. It’s a signal. Organisations now have the opportunity to design smarter, more agile workspaces that reflect how people actually work today. A well-utilised, lower-density office can not only be more sustainable – it can also be more productive, more engaging and better aligned with employee needs and expectations.”
Eric Chong, director of research and policy at the BCO, added: “This report lands at a critical moment. As organisations rethink their space strategies, the data offers vital clarity to help ensure the sums add up. But beyond the numbers, it’s about understanding how today’s workforce – the customers of the office market – actually use their workspaces. Misjudging utilisation is costly, leading to wasted space and poor user experience. This insight helps the sector make smarter, more agile decisions that reflect how people really work – and what they truly need from the office.”
