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Improve your workplace management with sensor technology

  • Managing Occupancy

Justin Timmer is our In-House Researcher. Contact him via justintimmer@measuremen.io

Sensors are changing workplace management. Often seen as complex or futuristic, sensors are, in reality, simple tools that provide valuable insights into your workspace. By measuring consistently and accurately, sensors reveal the facts about space usage, occupancy trends, and employee behavior. 

This blog explains how sensors work, the benefits they offer, and how to use their insights to improve your organization.

What are sensors, and how do they work?

Sensors are measurement devices that record specific variables like temperature, motion, or CO2 levels. They operate by using technology such as lasers or infrared detection. The key to their value is the frequency of measurement, often referred to as sampling frequency.

A high sampling frequency ensures that sensors capture data consistently, even during off-hours or holidays. This makes them highly reliable for detecting patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Room occupancy sensors

At Measuremen, we use room occupancy sensors to help organizations monitor how their spaces are used. These sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect motion and heat.

Here’s how they work: The sensor detects motion within a 360-degree field of view, up to a distance of three meters. It then tracks how long someone occupies the space.

Every six minutes, the sensor sends this data to a 4G gateway. The Measuremen Portal displays the data, allowing users to analyze it for actionable insights.

Occupancy sensors don’t disrupt employees or their activities. They measure silently and objectively, and they provide an accurate picture of how people use spaces.

Workplace sensors are simple but effective.
Workplace sensors are simple but effective.

The truth about occupancy

Sensors offer a different perspective compared to surveys or manual observations.

Surveys often reflect subjective opinions, with employees perceiving occupancy to be much higher than it actually is. For example, surveys might suggest occupancy rates of 70%, while sensors measure just 12%. This discrepancy occurs because sensors measure around the clock, capturing data even during non-working hours or holidays.

On the other hand, observations provide real-time insights but limit themselves to specific timeframes. Sensors fill this gap by providing an objective, 24/7 view of your workspace.

Analyzing sensor data

The real value of sensors lies in the data they collect. By analyzing sensor data, you can uncover trends, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions.

For example, sensors reveal when meeting rooms are most used, how often spaces remain empty, and where bottlenecks occur. They also show seasonal patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as reduced occupancy during the summer months.

By identifying these trends, organizations can predict future behavior and adapt their spaces to meet changing needs. For example, if data shows a steady increase in teamwork, we can create more meeting spaces to support this trend.

Expanding the benefits of sensor technology

Beyond space optimization, sensors can improve broader workplace management strategies. This includes employee well-being, energy consumption and maintenance schedules.

Sensors allow you to keep track of actual workplace trends.
Sensors allow you to keep track of actual workplace trends.

Improve employee well-being

Sensors measuring variables like CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity help contribute to a healthier work environment. For instance, poor air quality can affect employee concentration and productivity. By monitoring air quality and adjusting HVAC systems accordingly, organizations can create more comfortable spaces that support well-being.

Optimize energy consumption

Sensors also help reduce energy waste. By tracking occupancy and adjusting lighting, heating, and cooling systems only when needed, businesses can lower utility costs and reduce their carbon footprint. This not only saves money but also supports sustainability goals.

Streamline maintenance schedules

Data from sensors can inform predictive maintenance. For example, motion sensors in restrooms can track usage patterns, ensuring cleaning schedules align with actual demand. This prevents overuse or underuse of resources, improving operational efficiency.

Addressing common concerns

Organizations new to sensor technology often have questions about privacy and data security.

To ensure privacy, occupancy sensors measure motion and heat but do not capture personal or identifiable information. This ensures employees’ privacy remains intact while still gathering actionable insights.

Another concern is about managing costs. Some worry about the initial investment in sensor technology. But, the return on investment is clear! Reduced energy costs, improved space utilization, and better employee satisfaction quickly offset these expenses. Many organizations also choose to start small, implementing sensors in high-priority areas before scaling up.

Turning data into action

Insights from sensors only become valuable when applied. Once you identify trends, you can take steps to address inefficiencies.

If people frequently book a room but rarely use it, consider adjusting your booking system. If data shows low occupancy at certain times, find ways to encourage employees to use the space then. The key is to use the data to make decisions that improve both space usage and employee satisfaction.

Sensors also allow you to measure the impact of your changes. For example, if you implement a new room booking policy, sensors can confirm whether it led to better utilization. This feedback loop helps you base your decisions on evidence, not assumptions.

Scaling sensor insights across locations

For organizations with multiple offices, sensors offer a consistent way to gather data across locations. By comparing occupancy patterns and space usage, businesses can identify which offices perform most efficiently and replicate successful practices elsewhere.

This level of insight becomes particularly valuable in hybrid work setups, where flexibility and adaptability are key. Sensors help determine how different teams use their spaces and provide evidence to support decisions about which locations need scaling up or down.

Your next steps in workspace optimization

Sensors are more than just tools for measurement. They give you a clear and fair view of your workspace. This helps you understand how people use it now, predict future trends, and take important actions.

By adding sensors to your workplace management plan, you can improve your work environment. This will help meet employee needs. The support will also align with your company’s goals.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities? Contact us today to learn how sensors can transform your workplace.

Contact us for more information about using sensors at your workplace.

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