The VergeSense Occupancy Intelligence Index underscores the importance for facilities managers to adapt office spaces to align with evolving employee workplace behaviors and preferences, particularly in light of the growing push for more in-office work. The report highlights the need for a shift in office design to better accommodate collaborative work and provide spaces that meet the new preferences for in-office work.
According to the index, collaborative spaces are underutilized compared to desks, suggesting that many office designs are not effectively meeting the needs of employees. To address this imbalance, the report recommends transforming desk areas into more flexible, collaborative spaces or private spaces for video calls. This repurposing of space aims to better align office layouts with employee preferences and optimize productivity.
While the trend toward more in-office work is evident, hybrid work schemes continue to dominate, with certain days of the week showing higher average capacity usage. However, concerns about insufficient space hindering productivity in the office are emerging, highlighting the need for strategic office redesign.
Facilities teams can leverage data-informed decisions to optimize office utilization and improve the employee experience. Conducting audits based on capacity usage and active time can help identify areas for improvement and guide design decisions. Subdividing large conference rooms, utilizing modular architectural solutions, and incorporating technologies like large monitors can enhance privacy and flexibility in open collaboration areas.
Looking ahead, 2024 is expected to be a year of making intelligent design decisions informed by occupancy data and insights. By leveraging this data, facilities managers can make more informed and impactful design choices to create workspaces that better meet the needs of employees and drive productivity.
