Why ongoing measurement matters for workplace design and management

Thinking of the office as just a building is outdated. With 1 in 3 companies offering flexible remote working, employees now work in new ways. While hybrid schedules mean more people are working from home, they’ve also reshaped how offices function. Employees now have more say in what they need from a workplace.

The office is no longer just a daily destination—it’s a place for collaboration, innovation, and interaction. These changing needs call for more flexible schedules, dynamic workspaces, and adaptability in how space is used. Workplace managers need creative solutions to keep spaces engaging, functional, and productive. Real-time data on how people use the office is essential to make this happen.

Why understanding employees' needs matters

Over half of employees say their decision to stay at a company is influenced by the ability to work flexibly, according to Gartner. Hybrid work models can boost productivity, but they also mean employee retention depends on meeting new needs—like flexibility and workplace functionality.

Experts predict that more companies will focus on meeting employees’ needs to attract and keep top talent. Offices need to adapt to these shifting demands, ensuring they meet the expectations of a hybrid workforce. But what does that really look like in practice?

But what does that really mean?

Companies are rethinking office layouts to support the collaboration that draws employees in. While people can tackle solo tasks from home, the office offers something unique: in-person interaction and participation.

Old office setups—individual desks and small conference rooms—don’t cut it anymore. Flexible work has changed how people interact with physical spaces. With office measurement technologies, workplace leaders can gather accurate data on how spaces are being used and make informed decisions.

For instance, if you know that individual desks are often empty while larger meeting rooms are always in demand, you can redesign the layout to support more collaboration. Without clear data, big real estate decisions are just guesses. But with accurate measurements, you can create practical, well-used spaces.

Creating a space your team wants to be in

Offices not only need to function well—they also need to be places employees actually want to come to. Since collaboration is a big part of the modern office, creating spaces people enjoy is key. This isn’t just about convenience and function; it’s also about creating an exciting and positive company culture.

Amenities that were once seen only at top tech companies are now expected in many workplaces. You don’t need to build tennis courts or nap pods, but a workplace that attracts and retains talent must be somewhere people enjoy working. Since collaboration thrives in person, creating a welcoming space is part of meeting employee needs.

At the core, this comes down to better spaces. The bare-bones office is no longer viable. Offices need to be flexible and centered around employee satisfaction. Well-designed spaces lead to better outcomes, and using workplace data helps make these spaces possible.

For example, if an outdated workstation is rarely used, while another area is always booked, simple upgrades can make a big difference. It might seem obvious, but having data to support these changes shows a commitment to employee comfort, creativity, and productivity. Innovation happens when people come together in a well-optimized environment.

How technology can improve office experience

As offices evolve to meet the needs of hybrid employees, real-time data becomes even more valuable. Desk booking and conference room software can help employees find the right space for their tasks, based on real-time availability.

Certain areas of the office are bound to get more use than others. Knowing which spaces are under- or over-utilized helps workplace managers design more efficient, balanced spaces. However you approach it, measuring how people use the office is key to improving the employee experience and ensuring teams are comfortable and productive.

A flexible future 

Managing a workplace is more complex than ever. These shifts create exciting opportunities but also bring new challenges for decision-making and space management. Offices need to be flexible and adaptable to meet the evolving demands of hybrid work.

Workplace management must embrace a data-driven approach to space utilization to create better spaces for their teams.