The essential guide to workplace occupancy sensors

Workplace occupancy sensors are revolutionizing how offices are managed. But what problems do they solve, how do they work, and which type is right for you? This guide explores the technologies reducing costs, improving collaboration, and boosting employee satisfaction in modern workplaces.

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Find the right sensors for your office

Smart office sensors can automate valuable facility insights and empower better workplace experiences for employees. But only if you choose the right technologies for your office, follow best practices, and respect employee privacy.

What are the benefits of occupancy sensors?

Occupancy sensors help optimize office space usage, reduce real estate costs, improve employee satisfaction and productivity, and give managers real-time data to make informed workplace decisions.

The Hidden Costs of Inefficient Office Spaces

Mismatched, poorly designed, and underutilized offices are an immense burden on companies. Not only do they skyrocket corporate real estate costs, but they can also drag down employee satisfaction and productivity.

Turning Office Data into Better Decisions

There are plenty of different products to choose from today, but the principle is the same: sense how people use an office space and use that information to help people make better choices. The result? Employees have an easier time using their offices, and office managers can answer key workplace questions instantly.

Different types of occupancy sensor

Some sensors are more essential than others. The foundation of any smart office is motion-based  occupancy sensors. They are the building blocks for smoother workdays and space utilization metrics. They support frictionless room booking thanks to real-time availability statuses, enable more accurate cleaning services by showing what has been used, and make hybrid workplaces more efficient, because employees and managers know precise occupancy rates.

But there’s more to smart office sensors than occupancy tracking

Smart offices can also collect data about badge swiping, indoor climate and air quality, or people counting metrics. These insights power smarter workplace strategies, enabling you to select the right mix of sensors to make well-informed decisions for your office.

Which type of sensor is best?

The best sensor depends on your office’s specific challenges, data needs, and goals. Identifying these first ensures that you choose the right technology to address workplace issues and deliver the most valuable insights.

Choosing the right sensor for your office

To get the most from your smart office, you’ll need to find the right approach for your company. This means avoiding common mistakes that apply to every workplace, but it also means defining exactly what your own challenges are. What is your office struggling with? What data do you need to solve those struggles? What workplace questions do you want to answer?

Get your free guide to mastering workplace occupancy sensors

After reading The Essential Guide to Workplace Occupancy Sensors, you’ll be equipped to choose the right approach. The guide introduces you to the wide range of smart office technologies and sensors, how they solve workplace challenges many businesses face today, and it also includes expert advice for getting the best results. Ready to get started?

FAQ

What is the difference between an occupancy sensor and a motion sensor?

An occupancy sensor continuously detects whether a space is being used, while a motion sensor only reacts to movement. This means occupancy sensors can track presence even when people are sitting still — providing more reliable data for workplace analytics and space planning.

What are the best strategies for deploying sensors in office spaces?

Start with a pilot installation to test performance and coverage before scaling up. Position sensors strategically to cover key areas like meeting rooms, open workspaces, and entrances. Combine different sensor types — such as desk, room, and door sensors — to get a complete picture of office utilization.

How many occupancy sensors do I need?

The number of sensors depends on your office layout, goals, and desired data accuracy. High-traffic or shared spaces often require multiple sensors for full coverage. As a rule of thumb, begin with critical areas and expand gradually for optimal insight and cost efficiency.

Where should office occupancy sensors be placed?

For best results, mount sensors in locations with a clear view of activity — under desks, on ceilings, or near doorways. Avoid obstructions and ensure sensors aren’t affected by lighting, temperature, or movement outside the intended area.

Can occupancy sensors protect employee privacy?

Yes. Modern occupancy sensors collect only anonymous data about motion or presence — not personal or identifiable information. This ensures compliance with privacy regulations while still providing valuable insight into workplace usage patterns.

Ready to get started?

After reading "The essential guide to office occupancy sensors", you'll be equppied to choose the right approach.

Get your guide today Contact sales

Ready to get started?

After reading "The essential guide to office occupancy sensors", you'll be equppied to choose the right approach.

Get your guide today Contact sales