A hardware device that detects whether a workspace is physically occupied, using infrared, motion, or other technology to provide real-time presence data.
Occupancy sensors are small devices installed under desks, on ceilings, or in door frames that detect whether a space is in use. They typically use passive infrared (PIR), thermal imaging, or ultrasonic technology. The data feeds into workspace analytics platforms to show real-time and historical occupancy patterns.
Sensors solve the gap between bookings and reality. A desk might be booked but empty (the person is in a meeting or working from home) or occupied but unbooked (someone just sat down). Sensor data captures actual physical presence, making utilization metrics far more accurate than booking data alone.
The trade-off is cost and complexity. Sensors require hardware installation, network connectivity, and ongoing maintenance. Many organisations start with booking-based analytics and add sensors later when they need higher-fidelity data for specific decisions like floor consolidation.
The percentage of available workspace being actively used, calculated as occupied hours divided by total available hours.
Data and reporting on how office spaces are used, including occupancy trends, peak times, underused areas, and booking patterns.
A process requiring people to confirm their physical presence at a booked resource, typically within a set time window, or the booking is automatically released.