What is a Space Occupancy Study?
A Space Occupancy Study is a measurement of how individual workplace settings are utilized over a set period of time. Based on the data collected, Corporate Services HR and IT will be able to make plans about the best ways to use space and services. Sometimes the data shows better ways to meet the needs of employees. It can also lead to optimizing space utilization.
Why do a Space Occupancy Study?
The purpose of the study is to see how a company uses its work environment throughout the campus. The information gained from this study will give them a snapshot of how frequently their team members use different parts of campus. Equipped with these insights, they will be able to plan their space better in the future— building more of what’s being used most frequently, and less of what’s not used as much.
Who usually manages the study?
Corporate Services HR, Facilities/Real Estate, and Information Technology (IT) usually partner on this project.
How will it work?
The platform will use cellular technology gateways and wireless motion sensors under individual desks, as well as in conference rooms. When someone is using the area, the motion sensors detect movement to show how that space is being used. The data is sent back to the gateways and recorded. The sensor data is anonymous, and will primarily provide insight and trends into how to plan for future real estate remodels, lease renewals, etc.
The data collected from both sources will help Corporate Services HR to determine what to build more/less of in the future.
When and how long does the installation usually take?
Approximately 2-4 hours for 100 sensors and can be installed after business hours.
Will any of this interrupt the way I work?
No, there won’t be any disruption to the way you work. All equipment is designed to be installed out of the way.
Are there any health risks associated with the wireless network or devices?
No, the power levels are significantly less than those associated with WiFi or even individual cell phones.
I’m pregnant. Will the sensors or other equipment be dangerous to me and the health of my baby?
No. The sensors and equipment are fully checked for health and safety. We would not use them if there were any potential health and safety risks to anyone, regardless of being pregnant or not. All the equipment is fully compliant with FCC and CE regulations.
What if I’m on holiday or away from the office?
The system isn’t concerned with specific individuals and doesn’t know one employee from another. Rather, it’s designed to understand general trend information about how frequently the spaces are used.
Is this monitoring my timekeeping?
No, the system cannot identify or recognize an individual. Individuals will typically use multiple work styles or locations throughout a given day.
It all seems a bit like “Big Brother.” Is it really just a way of checking that I’m at my desk working?
This is a natural and common feeling associated with Space Occupancy Studies. Rest assured that the sensors can’t identify individual employees. It is purely a means of tracking how your workplace, collaboration rooms, conference rooms, and workstations are currently used. This data is used to plan for future office designs.
Will this interfere with WiFi signals or internet speed?
No, the technology used is separate from your internal IT infrastructure, and hence won’t cause any network connectivity issues.