What Your Workplace Data Can’t Tell You
As workplace strategists, we often find ourselves inundated with data about office occupancy and space utilization. The focus, understandably, tends to be on peak occupancy days. After all, companies are eager to "right-size" their workplaces, ensuring they're not overcommitting to space and unnecessary costs. This approach aligns with the growing trend of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, as discussed in our previous article on "Hybrid Working and Workplace Data." www.nextworkplace.com.au/workplacedata
As we discussed in the previous article, while occupancy data and heat maps can show us how many people are in the office and where they're sitting, they often fall short of revealing the full story. These metrics don't necessarily tell us why people choose certain spaces or how satisfied they are with their work environment. To gain deeper insights into what employees truly want and need from their workplace, we need to shift our focus to the days when occupancy is at its lowest.
LOW OCCUPANCY REVEALS PREFERENCES
Low occupancy days, typically Mondays or Fridays in many organizations, offer a unique window into employee preferences. On these days, when the office is less crowded, people have the freedom to choose where they want to work. Their choices on these days can reveal valuable insights about their preferred work settings, whether they gravitate towards quiet, individual spaces or collaborative team areas.
Let's consider an example to illustrate this point. Imagine two different types of spaces in an office - let's call them Space A (individual focus pods) and Space B (open collaborative areas). On peak occupancy days, both spaces might show 100% utilization. At first glance, this could suggest that both spaces are equally popular and meeting employee needs.
However, if we look at a low occupancy day, we might see a different story unfold. Space A might still be at 60% capacity, while Space B drops to 25%. This discrepancy tells us that when given a choice, employees seem to prefer the individual focus pods. This insight could inform decisions about increasing the number of these spaces to better accommodate preferences during peak times.
PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR
But the analysis shouldn't stop there. We can glean even more insights by digging deeper:
Time-based preferences: By examining when people choose certain spaces throughout the day, we might discover patterns. For instance, focus pods might be popular in the morning, while collaborative spaces see more use in the afternoon.
Duration of use: The length of time people spend in different spaces can indicate whether they're being used for quick tasks or longer, focused work sessions.
Repeat usage: Are the same individuals consistently choosing certain types of spaces? This could point to personal preferences or job role requirements.
Group dynamics: On low occupancy days, do team members still cluster together, or do they spread out? This can provide insights into team cohesion and collaboration needs.
Technology usage: Which technologies are most used in different spaces? This can help in optimizing tech provisions across the office.
Seasonal variations: Preferences might change with seasons. For example, spaces near windows might be more popular in winter for natural light.
USING THE DATA ANALYSIS
By analyzing these nuanced behaviors, we can start to paint a more comprehensive picture of how employees interact with their workspace. This deeper understanding can drive more informed decisions about office design and space allocation.
Moreover, this approach allows us to anticipate future needs better. If we see a trend of increasing preference for certain types of spaces on low occupancy days, we can proactively adjust our office layout to meet this growing demand before it becomes a issue on busier days.
It's also worth noting that preferences revealed on low occupancy days might indicate ideal working conditions that employees can't always access on busier days. This insight could lead to innovative solutions, such as implementing a reservation system for popular spaces or creating more versatile areas that can adapt to different needs throughout the week.
In conclusion, while traditional occupancy data provides valuable insights, it's the analysis of low occupancy days that can truly unlock the secrets of employee preferences and behaviours. By understanding what choices people make when they have the freedom to choose, we can create workplaces that are not just efficient, but truly aligned with how people want to work.
This deeper analysis of data can help us better understand the type of spaces people prefer and how we might need to re-engineer our workplaces. It allows us to move beyond simple occupancy metrics to create environments that enhance productivity, satisfaction, and wellbeing. As we navigate the complexities of hybrid work models, this nuanced approach to workplace strategy becomes increasingly crucial.
By designing our offices based on these insights, we can create spaces that are not just full, but fulfilling. We can ensure that our workplaces are not merely accommodating employees, but actively supporting and enhancing their work experience. In the end, this data-driven, employee-centric approach to workplace design can be a powerful tool in attracting talent, boosting engagement, and driving organizational success in the new era of work.
Next Workplace are workplace strategists that helps organisations re-discover the benefits of the workplace to bring their employees together. www.nextworkplace.com.au