BCO Dialogues, Part 2 : Towards Occupier Driven Innovation.

In our last article we introduced the concept of the BCO Dialogues, how they came about and their purpose. In this article, we’ll focus on those around the table, along with exploring the themes and contributions made as a collective.

BCO’s research in its very essence must be pertinent, informed and representative of the built environment disciplines; in this way, the assembled panel were selected to provide insightful lived experience and sentiment around the subject of occupier-driven innovation. The panel was made up of expert representatives from leading organisations including Savills, CBRE, Goldman Sachs, Cundall, Knight Frank, MEPC, Opus Land, Associated Architects, Core Five, Squaredot, Incognito and a Government Agency. 

The collective’s expertise lies in the considered and evolving curation of workplace environments that foster innovation, collaboration and employee wellbeing. The significance of aligning the workplace with the evolving needs of employer, employee and guests, underscoring the need for flexibility, adaptability and a focus on the ‘experience of space’ as paramount, was emphasised in the discussions.

The BCO Dialogue covered a wide range of topics related to the evolving workplace landscape, with key themes including:

• Evolving the hybrid model to align with productivity and density goals: Particularly exploring the challenges of under-utilisation and managing peak demands, with solutions proposed such as anchor days, adaptable work environments and data monitoring. A panel member raised the pertinent point of freedom of choice; “What people want is choice: spaces with acoustic privacy, the ability to make Teams calls. They will come into the office if the office gives them the tools to be productive’’.
• The race for and retention of top young talent: The panel discussed the importance of in-person collaboration and access to senior members of staff, especially for younger members and new-starters, “If we can’t get senior leadership in too, young people are rudderless”. Another topic addressed was the need to balance employee expectations against real estate costs. With real estate costs rising, it’s critical to tailor space that is impactful, appropriate and aligned to each business’s culture.
• The importance of access to amenities and experience: The discussion highlighted the role of a strong workplace community and the use of incentives like subsidised F&B and reliable transport to draw employees back to the office. The role of human-centric design and planning was a key part of this, with one panel member reminding everyone that “It’s about a sense of place; that’s what makes the difference. As humans, we like to be with others.”
• Addressing the CAT A issue and the shift towards more tailored workplace solutions: Pivotal to this topic is coming together as an industry, as raised by an attendee: “We’ve got to the point where reducing waste needs to be tackled by the whole industry coming together to make it the ‘new normal’.” The panel went on to discuss the issue of CAT A fit-outs being replaced and the shift towards CAT A+ and modular designs to minimise waste and increase flexibility. 
• Promoting sustainable choices: The discussion covered topics such as the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings, future-proofing new builds and advances in supply chains and the circular economy which might help better support sustainable practices. Questions were raised around preparing for the future; “Is it about future-proofing new designs, or is this about intervening before things become obsolete”

The insights provided by Squaredot and other participants in the BCO Dialogues highlight a growing trend in the industry towards a more human-centric approach to workplace design. By understanding the evolving needs and expectations of the workforce, organisations can create workspaces that are not only functional and efficient but also inspiring, engaging and supportive of employee wellbeing, a running theme throughout the sessions.

The BCO Dialogues serve as a catalyst for positive change in the workplace, fostering a collaborative environment where thought leaders can exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and shape the future of work. 

Our final article in the series will focus on summarising the Birmingham BCO Dialogue, drawing on key thematics as well as also taking a positive future look as to where the gathered industry sentiments could lead our built environments.