Occupancy monitoring or people counting is a very nominal affair and helps count the number of people who are present in a given space at a given point in time. The need for occupancy tracking systems has indeed spiked in the time of the pandemic, as corporations all over the world promoted hybrid working systems once the pandemic slowed down. It is a mechanised version of taking attendance and helps get the exact number of people that enter an office and exit it at a given time. The attendance or count is taken using occupancy sensors that are installed in the space, which determine the number of people. The occupancy system brings a lot of benefits to the workplace, and in this blog we try to discuss them. Before we get started, let us take a look at the different occupancy sensors.
Different types of occupancy tracking system sensors
Here are some of the common occupancy sensors, as follows:
Cameras: Digital cameras have a very explicit processing algorithm which helps in the precise monitoring and tracking of the occupancy in the workplace. The kind of image resolution that you require will depend on the amount you plan to spend and for this reason it can be more expensive than the other options.
RFID: Radio frequency identification monitoring system counts the tags that are handed personally to the employees. Using RFIDS are pretty inexpensive and easier to comply with. The RFID tags are normally used in closed systems like the laboratories and warehouses.
WiFi or Bluetooth: These sensors also function similarly to that of RFID tags but instead of personal tag handover, the system recognises the smart devices in the possession of the employees. The con of using this sensor system is that it can be weak and might detect everyone who walks in and out of the shop.
Thermal Sensors: These occupancy tracking sensors are detectors attached to a camera and are very expensive and have a very difficult configuring system.
Now, let’s get down to the different benefits of occupancy tracking systems in workplaces.
Benefits of occupancy tracking system for offices
Real-time occupancy data
The management needs to know effectively how the space management systems is being utilised. The information that the company derives from the occupancy monitoring systems can help understand how to manage the office space in a much better way. Better strategies can be crafted that will benefit the employees' growth and development. Occupancy data retrieved from the tracking sensor can be utilised to make good use of the space and allocate the space in the rightful way if you are following a hybrid working model.
Space Optimisation
The workflow of an organisation has a direct dependency on how the space is utilised in the office. When the occupancy data is retrieved, it can help identify the areas in the room that are put to effective use and the areas that are not put to effective use. Employees' favourite areas can be redesigned and upgraded with better amenities to help them embrace the workplace in a positive way. If the space is comparatively smaller, then you can use that to create a hybrid work atmosphere that can help accommodate and chart the larger number of employees in a given number of days.
Improved experience for employees
Employee experience is key, as it is the best way to ensure that there will be far less employee turnover in the workplace. Helping them find the right fit for work is the best possible way to make sure that you can give them a comfortable working environment. The occupancy information can help the management provide amenities that match the requirements of the employees, which helps increase productivity. Personal work conference stations and unique work cabins can help employees contribute well to the work atmosphere.
Healthy and Safety
In the event of a pandemic, social distancing was of prime importance. The reason behind it was to stop the spread of the disease. So keeping this in mind, the layout of the offices has to be devised in such a way that it should have enough space between the two employee desks. If the workplace is small, the occupancy monitoring will help determine the number of employees that need to come in one day. The seating arrangement should be such that in case of a fire break or any other emergency, they should be able to immediately evacuate the employees in a room scheduling system.
Reduce Workplace Costs
Occupancy analytics will help in understanding space utilisation and using the space that meets the needs of the employees. The remaining space needs to be auxiliary to the work of the employees. The amenities like air conditioning, heat, and even fresh air flow will be possible at maximum efficiency only if the space is optimised in the correct way. It also helps save on energy costs.
The disruption of the pandemic in the workspace has resulted in issues concerning occupancy. Hybrid working systems have been introduced in corporations all over the world; this has fairly decreased the need for real-estate. This can be done in the right way if there is an occupancy tracking system in the office or workplace.