Powering Workplace Planning

Powering Workplace Planning

It’s no secret–technology has revolutionized the workplace. Today’s offices collect impossibly large amounts of data…but what are they doing with that data? The world’s most cutting-edge enterprises are unlocking the potential in this data to help them make smarter decisions around space planning and utilization, as well as employee engagement efforts.

Collecting raw data is one piece of the puzzle. The most robust softwares, those capable of providing the most value to an office, must find a way to capture data that’s contextually tied to natural human behavior. From tablets mounted to the doors of conference rooms to sensors attached to the seats of chairs, there are many forms of technology designed to try and capture workplace data. However most of these systems only capture a fragment of the information required to make a truly informed decision.

The important elements of a workplace management software

In order to leverage software to transform workplace performance, it must meet two key criteria: the software must add value to the employees and it must capture presence-based data.

It puts the employee first

Most workplace management softwares start by solving the problems of those in charge of an office, instead of those who will actually be using the software day to day. This is a missed opportunity. Adoption by the end user is what makes or breaks the successful implementation of a new software. This is why the employee mobile-first approach of Optix for Enterprise sets it apart from other workplace management solutions.

It’s a holistic solution, capable of delivering holistic insights

Data, by itself, is meaningless. Without a way to synthesize it into insights, raw data alone adds no value to an enterprise. This is why it’s so important to choose a workplace management software that involves a seamless collection and synthesis of information if you’re hoping to draw any kind of meaningful conclusions.

It’s easy to use

The tool must fit seamlessly into the everyday routine of the employees expected to learn how to use it. This means software that’s intuitive to navigate and straightforward.

It allows employees to anonymize their data

When employees find out that their employer will essentially be “tracking them,” some might feel a bit intimidated. But the best solutions will contain a way to anonymize data to put these employees at ease. After all, those in charge of making decisions don’t necessarily need to know who is spending time in a space. They’re more concerned with just knowing that someone is frequenting that space. This means that offering employees the option to anonymize their data can provide peace of mind.

The two ways contextual data drives real change within the workplace

The individuals focused on workplace planning, design and strategy want to make smart, informed decisions. This means they will continue to rely more and more upon data to drive the decision-making process.

Leveraging contextual data to drive decisions in the workplace ultimately stands to benefit both the managers of a space and the employees by leading to higher employee engagement and more efficient use of the space on-hand.

Workplace planning

Taking the opinions of employees into consideration when designing an office will make it easier to design a space employees will love coming to day after day. But what’s even more powerful than opinions? Taking their natural behavior into account. Data allows you to identify the spaces within your office that employees are naturally gravitating towards, versus which areas of your office tend to stand empty and unused throughout the day.

Space utilization

Speaking of standing empty, optimizing space utilization is the other exciting application of data-driven insights. In other words, data can help you determine the most efficient way to use the space you have. You can quantify the average square footage required per employee, how many focused work areas you need vs. collaborative work areas, and ultimately discover opportunities to reduce your overhead costs dramatically.

Ultimately, find a software that works for everyone

Finding a solution that meets the needs of employees, managers, and space planners alike is paramount. But it’s easier said than done. It requires a software which the employees are excited to use, a tool that seamlessly fits into their existing workday routine while adding value to their life. Simultaneously, the software must be capable of collecting contextual data and synthesizing it into insights managers can (and will) pass to workspace planners and designers to drive decisions.

Implement a workplace management software that’s capable of balancing these complex needs and you’re well on your way towards revolutionizing the performance of your office.