Spec Finish

Feature www.thefis.org 21 Innovation However, home working does present a new form of competition. Some firms, particularly those looking to make savings, may think twice about their office space. That, inevitably, will drive even greater progress and innovation in the UK’s already world-leading office sector. What’s more, the new considerations forced by COVID will lead to a flight to quality. If you are going to be in the office, it had better be good. Take airflow. It may not sound exciting, but it is important. A recent BCO report, Thoughts on ventilation design and operation post COVID-19 highlights howmany UK offices need to improve their airflow systems. Previously, this may have seemed a luxury, but COVID has changed this. Now, it’s seen as a vital step in fighting the current pandemic and, perhaps, future ones. What’s more, improved airflow has also been shown to enhance our mental wellbeing. Greener offices The new way of working will free up space in offices, too. UK offices are well known for being tightly packed, particularly in London, due to the high cost of space. In 2019, the BCO held its annual conference in Copenhagen. There we saw the benefits of light and space in uniquely Danish office designs, which are made spacious to encourage arbejdsglæde (‘work joy’). If companies keep their space, we could see similarly spacious, wellbeing-boosting designs become more common in the UK. COVID has shown the need for all of us to respond proactively to crises, including the Balancing time at home with the office – is a good thing and will make the office better and more important. Future offices will reflect some of the comforts of home. Being surrounded by soft furnishing, warming tones, décor and features The primary reason that people will be coming into the office is to collaborate BCO mini-conference Later this year, the BCO’s membership will explore the new office at a mini- conference. While the full BCO conference returns in 2022, this smaller, targeted event in London, will provide a snapshot on the current state of play and shine a light on what the future might hold. More details will be released soon.