GSK’s London HQ named healthiest workplace in city award scheme

GSK’s new central London headquarters has been named as the winner of the workplace design category in the Healthy City Design Awards 2025, which aims to identify and celebrate the world’s healthiest workplaces, homes, neighbourhoods, public and community spaces.

Code-named Project Emerald, the relocation of the pharmaceutical giant from a dated edge-of-town campus to a state-of-the-art office in the heart of London’s West End has provided a smart workplace that takes a data-led approach to enhancing employee health.

To create a place where everyone can thrive and be healthy, the GSK project focused on energising teams, inclusive environments, effortless interactions, and positive ambition on sustainability.

The scheme has had a measurable impact on staff health, according to the company. Project Emerald has raised cognitive levels by 6% and reduced stress levels by the same amount; 59% of employees are more active; collaborative work is up 19%; and 69 million categories have been burned in the first year of operation. Project Emerald was designed by Penson.

Commitment to values

The workplace design category of the Healthy City Design Awards 2025 was supported by WORKTECH Academy. Two highly commended workplace projects also received awards from a judging panel chaired by WORKTECH Academy chairman Jeremy Myerson.

Lenova’s Farnborough office, designed by Area, was highly commended for its commitment to sustainability and circular principles, creating a vibrant, future-focused environment that reflects Lenovo’s values.

Arup’s Birmingham office, designed by HOK Architects, was highly commended as a standout example of neuroinclusive design, creating Neighbourhood Choice Environments underpinned by cutting-edge research into how diverse minds experience space.

Criteria for entry

The criteria for entry to the healthy workplace award called for ‘an innovative workplace design project, business park or innovation district that advances the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the workforce and wider community by applying a range of design principles and strategies, such as fostering a positive sense of community and belonging; bringing light and nature into the workplace or implementing more flexible ways of working; encouraging active and sustainable travel and workstyles; and creating greater comfort (thermal, acoustic, psychological).’

Academy director Jeremy Myerson comments: ‘In a strong field with some excellent work, GSK’s Project Emerald stood out as outstanding exemplar of people-centred design which places health right at the centre of the project and takes an evidence-based approach to workplace experience. Through robust measurement and feedback, the team translated insights into spaces that genuinely support connection, trust and belonging.’

The design awards scheme is linked to the annual Health City Design Congress, which this year took place at The Lowry in Salford, Greater Manchester, on 14-15 October 2025. WORKTECH Academy is a partner in the event. Read a review of the event Congress here.

The 2026 Healthy City Design Congress will take place in at The Lowery, Salford, on 13-14 October 2026.

To learn more about GSK’s health-centric headquarters in London, please read WORKTECH Academy’s case study on the project in our Innovation Zone here.

Our Innovation Zone case study content is exclusively for WORKTECH Academy members and partners. Join the Academy here.