FOCUS INTERVIEW
WISE COUNSEL
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In the two long years since the COVID-19
outbreak we’ve been bombarded
with conflicting opinions on the role
of the o ice post-pandemic and the
repercussions for the workplace of
hybrid working. Throughout this period
the British Council for O ices (BCO)(i)
has produced a range of useful reports
directed at FMs, workplace managers
and designers who crave clear, evidencebased
guidance.
The BCO engages a number of committees
30 FEBRUARY 2022
made up of BCO members from all aspects
of the commercial property industry to
conduct this research, alongside its other
areas of interest that include the diž erent
regions of the country, running an awards
programme and promoting the next
generation of workplace experts.
While some of its most recent research
focuses on COVID-related issues, including
the future of the ož ice in the post-pandemic
work environment and COVID-related
design changes to ož ice buildings, other
important topics such as sustainability and
technology also feature.
Explains Alexi Marmot, Professor Emerita
of Facility and Environment Management
at UCL and a BCO Research Committee(ii)
member: “The BCO has produced many
excellent reports on ož ice workplace
changes, specification, sustainability
and so on that are widely read. These
include reports on future transport and
its implications for ož ice demand and
design and research into space on demand/