FAQ - 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, Facilities, and IT teams can make informed decisions about the best ways to use office space and services.

The study helps organizations understand how frequently different spaces are used and can support future workplace planning, space optimization, lease decisions, and office redesigns.

The purpose of the study is to understand how a company uses its work environment throughout the office or campus. The information gained provides insights into how frequently employees use different types of spaces, such as:

These insights help organizations plan future office spaces more effectively — building more of what employees use most and optimizing areas that are underutilized.

Corporate Services, HR, Facilities/Real Estate, and Information Technology (IT) teams usually partner on this project.

The platform uses wireless occupancy sensors installed underneath desks and in shared spaces such as meeting rooms.

The desk sensors use Passive Infrared (PIR) technology, which detects natural body heat and movement to determine whether a space is occupied.

Importantly:

The sensors communicate through low-power wireless radio technology to nearby gateways, where anonymous occupancy data is securely recorded and analyzed to identify workplace usage trends.
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PIR technology is commonly used in everyday devices such as:

PIR sensors are passive, meaning they do not emit radiation or signals. They simply detect natural heat and movement within a limited area.

The desk occupancy sensors are designed to detect occupancy only around the lower desk area (typically legs and feet).

No. The PIR sensor itself does not emit radiation or tracking signals. It passively detects natural body heat.

The device does use low-power radio communication to send occupancy status updates to a nearby gateway. These radio power levels are significantly lower than those produced by common WiFi routers or mobile phones.

No. The sensors and gateways are designed to operate well within international safety standards and use very low-power wireless communication.

The equipment is compliant with major international regulatory requirements, including:

Yes. The sensors and related equipment comply with international health and safety regulations and are considered safe for everyone, including pregnant individuals.

No. The system is fully anonymous and cannot identify individuals.

The sensors only determine whether a workspace is occupied or vacant. They do not collect personal information and cannot recognize who is using a desk or room.

No. The system is not designed for employee monitoring or time tracking.

The purpose of the study is to understand overall workplace usage patterns and occupancy trends — not to monitor individual employees.

This is a common concern and completely understandable.

The sensors cannot identify individuals, record conversations, capture images, or monitor computer activity. The system only provides anonymous occupancy information that helps organizations improve workplace planning and office design.

No. The technology operates independently from your internal IT infrastructure and will not interfere with WiFi networks or internet speed.

Installation is typically fast and non-disruptive.

As a general estimate, installing approximately 100 sensors usually takes 2–4 hours and can often be completed outside normal business hours.

No. The equipment is compact, wireless, and designed to be installed discreetly underneath desks or within shared spaces without affecting daily work activities.