2024 Space Usage Trends: From Passive to Active
VergeSense
We help companies unlock the potential of their spaces to foster connection, inspiration, and sustainability.
Hey there,
The latest edition of the Occupancy Intelligence Index is available now. Explore the latest trends and insights, so you can better understand the state of the workplace.
Each week we’ll dive into specific findings, and break down what they mean for leaders like you. This week we’re looking at passive occupancy.
Let’s dive in.
What is passive time usage?
Passive time usage refers to the measurement of how much time spaces are occupied, not by people, but by their belongings over a certain period. This includes items like backpacks, jackets, or laptops left behind, indicating that while the space isn’t actively in use by people, it’s still technically occupied.
Why is this important?
Understanding passive time usage is crucial for leaders aiming to optimize space utilization. It highlights how spaces are truly being used and helps prevent issues like meeting room squatting, where spaces are reserved but not actively used, leading to perceived space shortages.
In our latest Occupancy Intelligence Index, we examined both active and passive time usage across various space types, uncovering some interesting trends, particularly with desks, offices, and collaboration spaces.
Our findings show that Desks and Offices have a higher percentage of passive time usage than any other space type.
Nearly a third of the total time usage for Desks (8.3% out of 22.8%) and Offices (10.3% out of 31.3%) is passive. This indicates that while people are in the office, they often use these spaces as a home base but prefer to work in other areas.
Interestingly, Phone Booths have one of the lowest percentages of passive time usage. Unlike desks or conference rooms used for virtual meetings, phone booths aren’t typically utilized for day-to-day work or as storage spaces.
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What does this mean?
Last week, we discussed how people are spending nearly three times more time actively using collaboration spaces than focus spaces. The increase in passive time at Desks and Offices supports this trend.
As we look ahead to 2024, we’ve noticed a shift toward more active use of collaboration spaces and more passive use of desks. We anticipate this trend will continue as flexible workplaces evolve.
For more trends and insights from Q1 & Q2 2024, download the 4th edition of the Occupancy Intelligence Index and watch our on-demand webinar.
The Occupancy Intelligence Summit provides leaders like yourself with a community of professionals eager to turn data into decisions and stories into strategies. You'll learn from real experiences that can guide, inspire, and support workplace planning, as well as witness the unveiling of our brand new platform.
Join us Tuesday, September 17th at 11:00am ET. Come with questions and leave with inspiration and new ideas. Don't think you can make it? Register now and receive a recording of the Summit right in your inbox.
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See ya next time 👋
The VergeSense Team
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