An independent survey of office workers in the UK has outlined a huge efficiency gap in the way that UK businesses use their office spaces.
The survey, carried out on behalf of the international architecture and interior design firm Gensler, found that UK businesses on average use just 55% of their office space. In London’s key business districts alone, this inefficiency is costing £10.5bn a year.
A huge two thirds or UK employees are “unhappy” with their office space and staff productivity could be improved by 21% if workplaces were better designed.
Speaking to the Guardian, Gary Wheeler, Gensler’s European director of workspace says: “Head-down work amounts to about half your time in the office, and it is shrinking compared to collaboration, which is growing, especially as more women enter the workplace who want sharing, validation and feedback.”