Last year, in 2022, Disruptive Technologies launched its new Desk Occupancy sensor to help companies to understand how desks are used (or not) in the modern-day workplace. The timing was perfect, with companies reevaluating office layouts and making space for more flexible, hybrid working following the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw us all working from home.

In 2023 the work landscape continues to evolve, and understanding both real-estate and office usage is a hot topic as companies strive to eliminate waste wherever possible. Hybrid working is our new normal, with employees choosing their office hours and often working from home. Previously packed buildings are sometimes half empty, even if each employee still has their desk, making it difficult for companies to know what workstations, meeting rooms, and space, in general, are needed for employees to work efficiently and comfortably.

An increasing number of companies are looking for ways to understand occupancy in their offices and buildings. There are different ways to do this, including monitoring using cameras, badge data, or simply sending someone around to count heads. But the most efficient and accurate method of collecting space occupancy data is to use tiny, wireless sensors that identify if someone is sitting at a desk or not, and motion sensors that know when a meeting room or shared space is occupied.

Benefits of Understanding Space Occupancy

Cost Savings

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Workplace Productivity

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What to Consider When Implementing a Space Occupancy Sensor Solution

The benefits of understanding occupancy are clear. What should you consider when evaluating the best way to do it?

Ease of Set-Up

If you have an office space with hundreds, maybe even thousands of desks, choosing a sensor solution that does not require wiring, pairing or configuration will significantly reduce the installation cost and effort.

Low Maintenance

Choose a solution your IT team will love that, once set up, will carry on capturing data year after year without recalibration, battery replacement, or maintenance.

Employee Privacy

Employees don’t want to feel as if they are monitored, even if it is only to understand space utilization. Sensors that are discrete, anonymous, and respect employee privacy concerns will do away with these concerns.

Scalability

As your business grows, changes, and adapts to new working trends, a solution that is easy to scale up (or down) will ensure you are well-prepared for the future.

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