A critical shift and a signal for smarter design

In July, the British Council for Offices unveiled its Review of Post‑Pandemic UK Office Utilisation authored by workplace strategist and environmental psychologist Dr Nigel Oseland.

The findings challenge long-standing office design norms and provide a roadmap to optimise space around the realities of hybrid working.

Key Insights

• Utilisation rates have dropped from the traditional 80% benchmark to around 66%, now seen as a more realistic level post-pandemic.
• Effective density: Desk space per occupant has increased from 12.5 m² to approximately 15 m², reflecting more dispersed occupancy.
• Peak days remain Tuesday to Thursday, with average desk use around 40%, dipping closer to 30% when averaged across all weekdays.
• Sector and regional trends show corporate occupiers and regional offices leading in usage compared to the public sector and London-based spaces.

Nigel Oseland’s Perspective

Dr Oseland makes a compelling case for moving away from one-size-fits-all benchmarks and embracing data-driven planning:

“Therefore, average benchmarks are meaningless – for an organisation to right size its buildings it requires robust utilisation data of those buildings, across floors and departments.”

As a contributor to the BCO study, we strongly agree. In today’s hybrid and evolving workplace, relying on generic assumptions is no longer viable. Real, sensor-derived data is essential to understanding how different teams and departments actually use space. Without it, decisions risk being driven by assumption rather than evidence.

A second point the report author makes is: “Such techniques only measure the utilisation of the current workspace and adjustments must be made for changes in future headcount and work patterns, obtained through consultation and further analysis.”

Again, we strongly agree. True ROI comes not just from current occupancy metrics but from the foresight to understand how usage may evolve. Analysing teams’ behaviour and needs—potentially in advance of a move—enables better long-term outcomes. As Oseland points out, factoring in local and future requirements not only informs smarter space planning but can also offer a strategic advantage in lease negotiations.

Thirdly, Dr Oseland says: “I was previously sceptical about the value and accuracy of utilisation studies but now, just like footfall in retail, I think it’s our most useful metric of office requirements and office success. Do contact me if you require help collating or interpreting utilisation data to ultimately generate a detailed space budget. Don’t get caught out with too little or too much office space.”

This initial scepticism reflects what we often encounter at Abintra. Many organisations initially seek out simpler or far less effective methods, perhaps hesitant to invest in robust solutions.

But once they experience a detailed, technology-driven approach—especially with the guidance of a knowledgeable consultant—they quickly appreciate the clarity and confidence it brings.

It empowers faster, evidence-based decisions and often delivers cost savings that far exceed the initial outlay. Simply put, once you’ve experienced the benefits, there’s no going back.

What this means for our clients

This report reinforces several key principles we’ve championed for years:

1. Avoid default benchmarks – they are outdated and often misleading.
2. Gather specific, granular data – across teams, floors, and timeframes.
3. Plan for tomorrow’s workplace – factoring in growth, retraction, and new patterns of use.
4. Use space as a strategic asset – to reduce waste, boost satisfaction, and improve sustainability.

A proven partner in smarter workplaces

Abintra’s experience in helping major organisations rethink and right-size their workplace strategy is backed by a strong client list from more than 20 sectors including industry and the public sector.

Flexible deployment options

From short-term four-week pilot surveys on a single floor to full-scale global rollouts, Abintra’s sensor systems and reporting platforms are flexible to match your expansion timeline and scale.