How a Space Utilisation Survey will inform how you use your space
In the current workplace, space is no longer just about square footage. It’s about functionality, flexibility and financial efficiency. With hybrid working, flexible schedules and rising operation costs, organisations need clear insight into how their space is being used to ensure it's suitable. That's where a Space Utilisation Survey (SUS) comes into its own.
Why is an SUS important?
Failing to invest in a Space Utilisation Survey can result in you:
- Paying for space that you don’t need
- Downsizing too much
- Designing layouts that don’t really benefit your office
- Compromising your employees' experience
- Being unaware of which spaces are underused or overcrowded
What does an SUS look like?
An SUS report is a clear, data-driven overview of how effectively a workplace or building is being used. It’s a concise PDF, which combines charts, heatmaps and summary insights. It includes:
- Overall occupancy and utilisation rates
- Peak and low usual times
- Floor by floor analysis
- Meeting room and desk usage trends
It's delivered as a presentation-ready PDF report which summarises key findings, visuals and strategic recommendations for your leadership team to review. We can also offer a stakeholder presentation or workshop to provide a guided walkthrough of the findings, including discussion of scenarios, opportunities and next steps in order to turn insight into action. This flexible delivery approach ensures that the data doesn’t just sit in a report, but rather supports informed, confident decision making.
For The Workspace Consultants' Operations Manager, Molly Livings, there are several aspects that set their Space Utilisation Surveys apart from those of the competition. 'At Workspace we focus on insight, not just on data,' says Molly. 'In other words, we don’t just provide occupancy percentages, we also analyse behavioural trends, peak usage times and collaboration dynamics to deliver actionable recommendations. The results are tailored to your organisation. No two workplaces operate in the same way, so we design each survey around your specific goals. Whether you’re preparing for a relocation, testing hybrid policies, consolidating or redesigning your space or finding a suitable new space, your SUS will be specific to you. We also use human methodology. Technology plays a key role but so does understanding workplace behaviour, hence why we're always on the ground assisting with the surveys. Our surveys also combine quantitative data with observations, so we consider how people work, not just where they sit. Finally, we can take you from insight to implementation. Unlike providers who stop at reporting, we support you through the next steps, whether that’s space planning, workplace redesign, move management or project management.'
If you’re considering a relocation, planning a re-design or simply want clarity on how your workplace is performing, a professionally conducted space utilisation survey is the first step. Why not call us on 01223 656111 or complete our enquiry form to arrange an initial consultation?
