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That is why office usage should be measured regularly

Written by Signe Kvitnes | Aug 14, 2026, 12:35:02 PM

The world of work has changed dramatically in recent years. Hybrid work, flexible work arrangements, and increased demands for sustainability mean that many companies no longer use their office spaces the way they used to. Nevertheless, a surprisingly large number of companies still base their decisions on space utilization on assumptions rather than current data.

Office use is constantly changing

An office that was optimally designed three years ago may not necessarily function as well today. Team sizes change, employees work more flexibly, and the need for meeting rooms, quiet spaces, and collaboration areas is constantly evolving.

That’s why it’s not enough to conduct a survey and assume the picture is complete. To make sound decisions, companies need ongoing insight into how their spaces are actually being used.

Data Replaces Assumptions

Many managers have an idea of which areas are popular and which are underutilized. But experience often shows that the reality is different.

By regularly measuring office usage, you can, among other things, find answers to:

  • Which meeting rooms are used the most?
  • Which areas remain empty for much of the day?
  • When is the office at its busiest?
  • Do we have the right balance between workstations, collaboration areas, and quiet zones?
  • Can we reduce the floor space or repurpose existing spaces?
  • Reduced Costs
  • Better use of space
  • Increased sustainability
  • Improved employee experience
  • More flexible workspaces

Workplace analysis enables businesses to base decisions on actual usage patterns rather than assumptions.

Significant costs are hidden in underutilized space

Office space is one of the largest expense items for many businesses. Rent, energy, cleaning, and operations add up to significant amounts every single year. When parts of the office stand empty part of the time, it means the business is paying for space that doesn’t create value. Regular assessments make it possible to identify such areas and evaluate whether they should be optimized, remodeled, or downsized. Several analyses show that insights into actual usage can contribute to both cost savings and more efficient space utilization.

A Better Workplace for Employees

Measurement isn’t just about square meters and finances. It’s just as important to understand employees’ needs. Perhaps there’s a shortage of quiet workspaces, while several meeting rooms stand empty. Perhaps employees find it difficult to find a place to work on certain days, while on other days the office is nearly empty.

By analyzing usage patterns over time, companies can create workspaces that truly support employees’ needs. The result is greater job satisfaction, higher productivity, and a stronger office culture.

Sustainability Requires Insight

Many companies have ambitious sustainability goals, but few can reduce their carbon footprint without understanding how the building is used.

Once you know which areas are used, when they’re used, and where capacity is over- or undersized, it becomes easier to reduce energy consumption and optimize operations. This yields both financial and environmental benefits.

How BLDNG Can Help

At BLDNG, we provide insights and analyses that make it possible to understand how office spaces are actually used. Through workplace analysis, businesses gain a detailed overview of, among other things, the utilization of workstations, meeting rooms, and common areas.

The goal is simple: we provide managers, property managers, and workplace managers with a solid foundation for decision-making. Instead of guessing which measures should be implemented, they can rely on concrete data to identify opportunities for:

As the world of work continues to evolve, the ability to understand and adapt the workplace is becoming increasingly important. Companies that regularly measure office usage will be far better equipped to create efficient, attractive, and forward-looking work environments.

The office of the future is driven by insight

The office is no longer static. It is a dynamic resource that must be adapted to the company’s needs over time. Therefore, measuring office usage should be an ongoing process, not a project carried out at irregular intervals. With the right insights, businesses can make smarter decisions, reduce costs, and at the same time create better workplaces for the people who use them every day.

Does this sound interesting? Book a demo with us to learn how we can help you and your workplace!