11 Ways to Use Office Sensors in the Workplace

IoT sensor technology, also known as office sensors or workplace sensors, is rapidly becoming standard in modern workplaces. These sensors can transform any facility into a smart workplace, improving efficiency and employee well-being while providing workplace leaders with real-time insights that were previously difficult to obtain.

Occupancy sensors collect data based on how spaces are used, allowing building owners and operators to optimize real estate through real-time occupancy data.

Here are 11 ways to use office sensors in the workplace:

Live presence detection

Office sensors can track and report current occupancy in real time, allowing you to see who is in your building at a glance. This technology can also pinpoint employee presence on a map, which is especially useful during emergencies and evacuations.

Anonymous data collection

To address privacy concerns, workplace sensors are designed to collect data anonymously and send it securely to a cloud platform. This ensures that workplace leaders have access to valuable data and insights while maintaining employee privacy and security.

Improve space utilization

Many companies have more real estate than they need. Office sensors help avoid unnecessary expenditure and increase utilization by:

• ​Showing how spaces are used throughout the day
• ​Providing exact occupancy numbers
• ​Reporting average, peak, and range of occupancy over time
• ​Producing occupancy snapshots for specific periods
• ​Measuring workspace and conference room usage

Improve employee well-being

Workplace setup and design are crucial for employee well-being. Sensors can help by:

• ​Offering insights into why certain areas are more popular
• ​Helping reconfigure underutilized spaces to better suit employee needs
• ​Automating areas to consistently support comfort and performance

Improve your real estate strategy

Sensors enable data-driven real estate strategies by:

• ​Identifying opportunities to consolidate or sublet unused space
• ​Determining future occupancy needs
• ​Helping decide when to acquire more space
• ​Avoiding premature expansion

Offer free addressing desks and neighborhoods

Sensors can automate the management of shared desks and neighborhoods. When integrated with a workplace management platform, you can:

• ​Offer free addressing desks without manual booking
• ​Help employees quickly find available desks
• ​Anonymously monitor desk usage over time

Increase meeting room availability

Sensors linked to room booking software can automatically free up booked rooms that are not in use. Reports show which meeting rooms are in high demand and which are underutilized, providing clues for improvement, such as adding amenities to less popular rooms.

Monitor maintenance tasks

Sensors can notify facilities teams when maintenance is needed. Examples include:

• ​Sending notifications when trash cans need emptying
• ​Alerting when printers need refilling
• ​Monitoring perishable items in fridges or pantries

Automate climate control

Temperature and humidity sensors can monitor and adjust the climate in different areas. This ensures employee comfort and protects workplace equipment from adverse conditions.

Conserve energy

Optical sensors connected to building automation systems can detect light and electricity usage, automatically turning off appliances and HVAC systems in unused spaces. This leads to energy savings and helps maintain compliance with energy codes.

Sensors work best with an IWMS

Combining sensor technology with Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) software provides the data, insights, and tools needed to optimize the workplace. Integrations with leading sensor providers enable comprehensive facility management and transformation.