The way we design and use office spaces is undergoing a profound transformation. With hybrid working now the norm, businesses are rethinking their approach to workplace design—balancing flexibility, employee wellbeing, and environmental responsibility. Responding to this shift, the British Council for Offices (BCO) has released the third edition of its Guide to Fit-Out, offering updated best practice guidance for occupiers and built environment professionals.
This is the first update to the Guide since 2011, reflecting a decade of change in working patterns, technological innovation, and the increasing prioritisation of health and sustainability in office environments.
Designing for people: Health and wellbeing at the forefront
At the heart of the new guidance is a strong emphasis on human-centric design. With employees spending fewer days in the office, businesses are recognising that these spaces need to be more than just places to work—they must support wellbeing, collaboration, and productivity.
The Guide outlines a range of strategies to create healthier workplaces, including:
- Multi-sensory design – Incorporating natural light, acoustic comfort, and air quality improvements to create an environment that supports focus and reduces stress.
- Biophilic elements – Bringing nature indoors through the use of plants, natural materials, and outdoor spaces to enhance mood and cognitive function.
- Active working – Encouraging movement with flexible layouts, standing desks, and integrated spaces for walking meetings.
- Quiet and restorative spaces – Recognising the need for balance, the Guide recommends dedicated areas for concentration, relaxation, and mental reset.
With mental and physical health now recognised as key factors in workplace performance, these recommendations align with a growing demand for offices that actively support employee wellbeing.
Adapting to hybrid work: Rethinking space and functionality
employees split their time between home and the workplace, some businesses are moving away from rigid desk-based layouts in favour of dynamic, multi-purpose environments.
According to the BCO, one of the biggest shifts in office design is the move towards amenity-rich workspaces. Instead of being dominated by rows of desks, modern offices are evolving into hubs for social interaction, innovation, and focused collaboration. This is leading to:
- More flexible work settings – From hot-desking to breakout areas and quiet zones, employees are given a variety of spaces tailored to different work styles.
- A stronger focus on shared experiences – Offices are becoming places to connect, exchange ideas, and build team culture in ways that remote working cannot replicate.
- Technology integration – AI and smart building systems are enhancing office efficiency, from space management to personalised environmental controls.
This evolution is driven by a clear objective: to make the office a destination where employees genuinely want to spend their time.
Net zero and sustainability: The Circular Economy approach
The Guide also provides crucial recommendations for reducing the environmental impact of office fit-outs. With net zero targets becoming increasingly urgent, businesses are under growing pressure to adopt more sustainable workplace practices.
The BCO highlights several key strategies to help reduce both embodied and operational carbon in office design:
- Circular economy principles – Encouraging the reuse and refurbishment of existing materials rather than discarding and replacing them.
- Materials passports – Documenting the origin and lifecycle of building materials to maximise future reuse.
- Energy-efficient operations – Smart systems that monitor and optimise energy use to reduce waste.
- Collaboration across stakeholders – Encouraging occupiers, landlords, and fit-out teams to work together to minimise environmental impact.
By embedding sustainability into every stage of the design and fit-out process, the Guide provides a roadmap for businesses to create workspaces that are both future-proof and environmentally responsible.
What next for office spaces?
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, office design must keep pace with the demands of modern businesses and employees. The latest BCO Guide to Fit-Out recognises that the office is no longer just a place to work—it is a space for connection, wellbeing, and sustainability.
To read the full BCO Guide to Fit Out, visit their website.

Content Team
Work in Mind is a content platform designed to give a voice to thinkers, businesses, journalists and regulatory bodies in the field of healthy buildings.