BCO_National_Awards_2026_Suplement - Flipbook - Page 59
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
F
rom healthy food and a
wellness floor through
to circadian lighting and
a concierge service designed
to reduce staff stress, GSK’s
commitment to creating
one of the world’s healthiest
workplaces is woven into every
aspect of its new headquarters
at 79 New Oxford Street.
The judges were blown
away by what they described
as “an authentic, values-led
London headquarters”.
The project began as more
than a relocation from GSK’s
longstanding Brentford
home to 79 New Oxford
Street: it was an opportunity
to transform how its people
work, connect and thrive.
Delivered through Project
Emerald, the headquarters
brought around 3,000
colleagues into central
London on a hybrid working
model, including GSK’s global
leadership team.
bco.org.uk
Two years on from its
July 2024 opening, GSK is
clearly benefiting from the
extensive workplace research
which informed the project,
including gathering data from
more than 800 employees.
The judges were
particularly impressed by
the clarity of the strategy,
detailed employee journey
mapping and robust change
programme underpinning
the experience. Wellbeing
is embedded throughout. A
vertical farm supplies healthy,
sustainably grown ingredients
to the ground floor restaurant
and café, The Orangery. A
dedicated wellness floor
encourages movement with
a gym and active studios, as
well as offering treatment
rooms and multifaith spaces.
Careful thought has been
given to neuroinclusive
design, personalised support
and exceptional concierge
services, which save staff time
by handling errands from dry
cleaning and travel bookings
to emergency childcare and
trades people.
Clever acoustic design
includes the UK’s largest
installation of vibration
dampers for a quiet working
environment. Smart
technology and evidenceled interventions support
physical, mental and cognitive
health, while purposeful,
well-used spaces encourage
collaboration and community.
Above all, the judges
encountered a passionate
team that genuinely cares
about its people. “The
building felt busy, welcoming
and purposeful, with every
element reflecting GSK’s
values,” they said.
The project’s significance
reaches further: this is a
workplace model that can
be refined and scaled across
BCO Awards 2026
Property Facilities Manager
GSK
Asset / Corporate Real Estate
Manager
GSK
Service Delivery Partner
Sodexo
Front of House Service
Partner
Circles
CX Consultancy
Sodexo
GSK’s global estate. Its
Australian office has achieved
WELL Platinum certification
using the same design
principles.
GSK’s new headquarters is
an outstanding occupier-led
achievement and a highly
deserving winner of the
BCO Customer Experience
Award 2026.
October 2026 • ESTATES GAZETTE • 59
