In this ongoing series, Around the World with WORKTECH, we explore the most innovative and forward-thinking workspaces showcased at the annual WORKTECH conferences held across the globe. Following our exploration of sustainability in Seattle, we now turn to London, a city known for its vibrant business ecosystem and cutting-edge workplace design.
Last November, London hosted the latest special edition of WORKTECH, which featured a comprehensive three-day programme exploring emerging themes shaping the modern workplace. A key focus during the event was the role of amenities and how London’s leading workplaces are redefining employee experience through thoughtful design and innovation.
The Role of Amenities in Enhancing Work Environments
From well-being-focused features to cutting-edge technologies, amenities have become a central component of modern workplace strategies, enhancing both employee engagement and organisational performance. Leading workplaces in London, including GSK’s new headquarters, Baker McKenzie’s reimagined office, and iconic developments like 22 Bishopsgate, serve as prime examples of this trend. These spaces weave state-of-the-art amenities into their designs, reflecting a holistic understanding of what employees need to thrive.
Beyond these notable examples, numerous other London offices are following suit, creating environments that not only meet practical needs but also foster a culture of collaboration, health, and innovation. By incorporating elements such as wellness hubs, ergonomic workstations, and cutting-edge technology, these offices set new standards for what it means to build an inspiring, sustainable workplace.
Well-being-Centric Design: Supporting Physical and Mental Health
In London, wellbeing is no longer an afterthought but a core consideration in workplace design. GSK’s headquarters on New Oxford Street exemplifies this approach. The company dedicated an entire floor to wellness, featuring a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Biostrength technology, massage and physiotherapy facilities, and free fitness classes ranging from yoga to HIIT. The ninth-floor wellness hub is complemented by circadian rhythm lighting, which has been scientifically shown to improve decision-making performance by 32%, and soundscaping systems that create a calming ambiance with birdsong by day and soothing nocturnal sounds by night.
Similarly, Baker McKenzie’s London office integrates wellness into its design, offering quiet zones, meditation spaces, and ergonomic furniture, ensuring that employees can recharge and perform at their best. The inclusion of such amenities reflects a broader trend: workplaces are becoming spaces where employee health and productivity are mutually reinforced.
Spaces That Adapt to Diverse Needs
London workplaces are also setting benchmarks in adaptability and collaboration. At 22 Bishopsgate, employees benefit from over 20 types of workspaces, including informal lounges, focus pods, and open collaboration areas. The building’s amenities include an indoor climbing wall, a food market, and wellness facilities, catering to the diverse needs of its workforce. GSK’s headquarters aligns with this ethos, offering 15 distinct work settings equipped with advanced technologies such as 34-inch curved screens and sit-to-stand desks that promote physical activity and ergonomic comfort.
Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs’ Plumtree Court, reflects a similar commitment to flexibility, with spaces designed to accommodate dynamic workstyles and integrated technologies that streamline collaboration. These workplaces recognise that fostering creativity and teamwork requires environments that can evolve alongside the needs of their users.
Technology-Enhanced Experiences: Smart and Sustainable Solutions
Technology is a driving force behind the evolution of workplace amenities. At GSK, IoT sensors monitor air quality across 15 variables, including CO2 levels, pollen, and humidity, ensuring optimal environmental conditions for employees. Meeting rooms are equipped with Microsoft Teams integrations and acoustic dampening features, creating seamless hybrid collaboration experiences. The same emphasis on tech-forward solutions can be seen at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Canary Wharf, where smart lockers and app-based desk bookings exemplify how digital tools can simplify everyday workplace interactions.
22 Bishopsgate takes this one step further with an entire floor dedicated to wellness tech, including biometric monitoring devices and immersive virtual reality spaces for mindfulness. Derwent London’s portfolio adds another layer of innovation, incorporating sustainable design with energy-efficient lighting and smart energy monitoring systems, reflecting how technology and sustainability often go hand in hand.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
A focus on sustainability highlights many of London’s workplace amenities. GSK’s urban farm—located in the basement of its headquarters—produces the equivalent of a 1.4-acre farm, supplying fresh produce for its on-site restaurant while also supporting local food banks. The farm-to-table concept not only reduces food miles but fosters a sense of community among employees and visitors.
Baker McKenzie has also made sustainability a key priority, incorporating recycled materials in its office refurbishment and providing robust facilities for active commuting, including secure bike storage and shower rooms. At 22 Bishopsgate, a dedicated sustainability concierge advises tenants on achieving their green goals, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Workplace as a Destination
Modern workplaces in London are blurring the lines between professional and social spaces. The Orangery at GSK’s headquarters serves as a public-facing restaurant with a farm-to-table concept, offering employees and visitors a unique dining experience. Similarly, Goldman Sachs’ Plumtree Court includes high-end dining options and concierge services, elevating the workplace into a destination that seamlessly integrates work and leisure.
Derwent London’s approach to amenities focuses on creating vibrant communities within their buildings, offering rooftop terraces, fitness centers, and curated event spaces that foster interaction and collaboration. These amenities not only attract talent but also create an environment where people want to spend time.
London’s leading workplaces exemplify how thoughtful amenities can transform the employee experience. By focusing on wellbeing, flexibility, technology, and sustainability, these spaces are setting new standards for what a workplace can be. As we continue our Around the World with WORKTECH series, London offers a compelling blueprint for organisations seeking to create environments that inspire, support, and engage their people.
Stay tuned as we explore the next city in this global journey, uncovering the innovative trends shaping the future of work.
