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Reinventing the future

Year

August 2023

Outcome
  • Empowering service providers
  • Inclusive workplace
  • Leesman+
Lmi score

79.3

H-Lmi score

74.5

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The purpose

Since 2015, BCG has utilised Leesman insights in their business cases for investing and re-designing their property portfolio worldwide.

In 2018, after a Leesman Office survey on their London workplaces revealed a low scoring Lmi, BCG were determined to invest in a people-led approach when looking to the future of their spaces. Although they believed their previous office was perfectly functional, it lacked environments that attracted people to come and work.

Andy Veitch, Managing Director and Partner, stated, “the previous survey helped highlight the importance of designing the office for the people”. This provided a pivotal opportunity to invest, re-think and put people first in their workplace strategies.

The outcome

BCG utilised Leesman to adapt its new spaces to changing business needs and expectations. We look at their new London office, a shining example of how embracing change delivers success. The success of the new office was best reflected in the reaction of its occupants. Employees were proud of their workplace, leading to a Leesman+ certification and surpassing the global benchmark in various aspects.

Background

BCG x Leesman

After signing a new lease at 80 Charlotte Street in 2018, in Derwent London’s beautifully crafted Central London redevelopment, BCG was determined to use Leesman’s insights and work with Piercy&Company to invest in a people-led approach at all stages of the design process for the new flagship office.

To ensure the design met the needs of its people, they assembled a task force of employees from across the business. The high level of engagement, from the Chief Executive to the most junior employee, impressed Isabel de la Mora from Piercy&Company. She stated it was similar to designing a family home, but for 400 people instead of two parents and three kids.

The approach paid off with BCG gaining a Leesman Index score (Lmi) of 79.3 in 2022. By receiving a score above 70, BCG’s 80 Charlotte Street was eligible for a Leesman+ certification, awarded to workplaces that consistently provide outstanding employee experience.

Using the insights gained from the Leesman Office survey before the design process began, the project focused on four integral elements: people, mobility, sustainability and wellbeing.

Designing for connection and collaboration

BCG’s dedication to creating a vibrant and collaborative workspace was evident in the design influenced by their New York office, Hudson Yards. Emphasising ‘accidental meetings,’ the office layout encouraged employees to move freely throughout the space, fostering interaction and collaboration.

As Andy Veitch, Managing Director and Partner, notes, it is about ensuring people are “fully mobile and flowing through the building and space, and not just sat at the same desk all day”. This concept was key to promoting the ethos of ‘One BCG’ while celebrating the strengths of each division.

The London office featured adaptable social spaces, providing opportunities for BCG colleagues to interact with staff from BCG Digital Ventures (BCG DV).

‘Social informal interactions’ are often found to be pivotal in Leesman’s research, contributing to a sense of community and supporting employee wellbeing.

The design included a unique feature staircase, wide enough for conversations while going up and down, and breakout spaces for impromptu discussions. The result was a dynamic workspace that facilitated connections, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.

Approach

Navigating challenges:
the pandemic and future growth

The pandemic may have caused a temporary delay in the office build, but it also provided valuable insights into the shift towards hybrid and virtual working. BCG embraced this trend and viewed the office not only as a workplace but also as a space for connection and collaboration. The office has since become a place where employees want to be, rather than where they’re forced to.

Flexibility and mobility were critical to supporting future growth. Reconfigurable spaces, meeting rooms with acoustic dividers, and movable furniture allowed for easy adaptation to varying needs. The office replicated different neighbourhood-sized working areas, enabling teams to be reallocated as they grew at different rates.

BCG prioritised attracting and retaining top talent by providing a comfortable and enjoyable working environment—a ‘super home’ for employees.

Creating a super home for talent

The design team engaged with employees, especially new graduates, to incorporate elements that made them feel at ease. Collaboration spaces, meeting areas, and quiet rooms were inspired by students’ favourite spaces during their university years. This focus on employee wellbeing and comfort led to an impressive 93.5% agreement that the office was an enjoyable place to work.

Wellbeing and sustainability at the core

Mental wellbeing was a crucial aspect of the office design. Environmental control, access to natural light, and ergonomic setups empowered employees to personalise their workspace for increased comfort and productivity. Addressing previous concerns about natural light, the design ensured its availability, with 78.2% of respondents satisfied with the levels of natural light.

Sustainability was a key priority, with efforts to reduce energy demand and promote environmental responsibility. BCG negotiated with the landlord to create one of the largest all electric offices of its size and type, contributing to an increased positive perception of the office’s impact on environmental sustainability.

A forever cycle of success

BCG’s commitment to embracing change and prioritising employee wellbeing resulted in a workplace where people chose to be. The post-occupancy Leesman Office survey highlighted the pride employees felt in their workplace, surpassing the global benchmark significantly.

BCG’s 80 Charlotte Street office serves as a shining example of how a people-centric approach, guided by Leesman insights, leads to success in workplace design and employee satisfaction. By understanding and investing in their workforce, BCG has created a forward-looking, adaptable, and inspiring workspace that redefines the future of work.

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