As hybrid working becomes a permanent fixture in the corporate world, companies face the challenge of redesigning office spaces to support this new model. The balance between in-office and remote work requires innovative strategies, data-driven decisions and the integration of advanced technologies.
At Stak, we specialise in reality capture services that deliver accurate, digital real estate data, including industry leading Stak Verified® measurement and 3D Revit® models. Here’s why accurate measurement data is crucial in creating effective hybrid work environments and how it underpins the adoption of new workplace technologies.
The challenges facing occupiers today
Hybrid working demands a rethinking of office design to ensure spaces are functional, inclusive and adaptable to the needs of the entire workforce. The key to success lies in understanding exactly what space you have and how employees use the office space, in order to leverage this data to make informed decisions.
Modern office design must holistically address employee wellbeing, performance and sustainability. Employers are challenged to balance cost-cutting measures with the need to encourage office attendance. This often leads to a mix of personal and shared spaces designed to meet diverse needs, from promoting wellbeing to supporting productivity.
Low office occupancy levels
Reducing operating costs is a primary concern for many corporate real estate leaders. In a survey by JLL, many companies report office utilisation levels are below 60%, so there’s a temptation to reduce office space. However, to entice employees back, leaders must also improve the office experience, meet sustainability standards and address DEI expectations.
Addressing employee needs
Despite the prevalence of shared spaces, hybrid workers often find their needs unmet. Most employees still spend a significant amount of time on individual tasks at their workstations. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Experience per Square Foot™ survey, employees spend 54% of their time on individual work and 21% on virtual meetings or calls. Therefore, office designs must cater to focused work, privacy and collaboration, ensuring that spaces are comfortable and conducive to productivity.
Creating flexible spaces
Flexible office spaces can adapt to changing needs and usage patterns. By measuring and analysing how offices are used, companies can create environments that support various work activities. This involves continuous assessment of employee satisfaction and adjusting spaces based on feedback and data.
The critical role of accurate measurement data
Stak’s reality capture services provide the digital real estate data needed to support these redesign efforts. Accurate scanning of real estate enables companies to understand their existing spaces and plan effectively for the future. Here’s how:
Collaborative design and space utilisation
Design and planning tools for capital projects use accurate 3D models to help companies transform their physical workspaces. These tools provide intuitive interfaces for collaborative design and can include VR walk-throughs to experience the design. This ensures that new layouts and finishes meet the needs of a hybrid workforce, along with key sustainability considerations.
Starting projects with accurately and rapidly captured spaces is crucial. Having precise measurement data at the outset ensures that all subsequent decisions are based on reliable spatial information. This foundational accuracy allows occupiers to identify underutilised areas and optimise space allocation, ensuring efficient use of every square foot.
Integrating smart technologies and CAFM software
The data delivered from Stak surveys supports the deploying of smart building technologies, such as occupancy and environmental sensors, smart contracts, and robotics. These technologies rely on accurate plans and 3D models to function effectively and improve the office experience. Software can predict maintenance and energy needs, reducing downtime and costs. Accurate spatial data is crucial for accurate predictions and effective management.
Portfolio data analysis
Portfolio management platforms help streamline lease administration, lease accounting, transactions, resource and cost planning and automated reporting. Leading portfolio management tools also enable forward-looking predictive tactics for strategic portfolio planning. Technologies such as blockchain and smart contracts are also anticipated to become increasingly integral to portfolio management.
The effectiveness of these platforms hinges on accurate and consistent measurement data. Stak Verified® measurement data, including CAD and 3D Revit® models, ensures that all analyses are based on insured and guaranteed accurate spatial data, resulting in better decision-making and optimisation across your portfolio.
Conclusion
Redesigning office spaces for hybrid working requires a data-driven approach and the integration of advanced technologies. Accurately capturing real estate provides the essential data needed to make informed decisions and create flexible, sustainable and productive work environments. By leveraging our reality capture services, companies can successfully navigate the complexities of hybrid work and optimise their office spaces for the future.
For more information and example projects, visit our dedicated page for digitising office spaces. Contact our team to discover how Stak can help you harness the power of accurate measurement data and innovative technologies for a successful hybrid working strategy.
