More than 40 percent of employees are already working fully or partially remotely - and the trend is rising, according to the software company LIZ Smart Office. Office utilization has fallen by a third from around 60 percent to around 40 percent. Even on busy days, every second workstation remains unoccupied. Robert Dittrich, CEO of LIZ Smart Office, explains: "The choice of work location varies not only from employee to employee, but also from week to week. This means that offices can be almost completely empty one day, while the next day there is no longer enough workspace."

Robert Dittrich, CEO of the software company LIZ Smart Office

© LIZ

The start-up has developed software that makes it possible to flexibly adapt the space requirements in offices - based on sensor data and artificial intelligence. The software collects the environmental parameters and supports their analysis and interpretation. "With the help of intelligent software, it is still possible to respond to each individual person, even in the largest office. This boosts motivation to return to the workplace and delivers real added value for employees," says Dittrich.

Virtual twins specify the space requirements

Manuel Weber, Product Manager at Waldmann

© Waldmann

"Different sensors are able to record a variety of environmental parameters. Depending on the location and application of the sensors, they provide a valuable insight into the actual use of rooms and much more," adds Manuel Weber, Product Manager at Waldmann. "PIR sensors at workstations or in meeting rooms detect movements in real time, VOC sensors record air quality by measuring volatile organic compounds, and sound sensors also record the volume level." As soon as one of these factors is outside the limits set by the customer, the system proactively informs the user. In addition, intelligent lighting systems with integrated sensors help to optimize energy efficiency, which can save operating costs.

"These systems use the data in combination with AI to monitor the occupancy status in real time and automatically release the rooms," explains Dittrich. The use of digital twins - virtual replicas of physical office environments - allows companies to simulate different scenarios and observe the effects of changes in real time. This is particularly important for planning and optimizing the use of office space. "Our experience shows that companies look at booking data over a period of three or six months. This allows them to precisely determine their requirements and then decide how they want to change their workspaces," continues Dittrich.

In conclusion, the CEO emphasizes: "Without the support of modern technology, such as the high-tech sensors, the office quickly becomes an unused space. It is therefore essential to invest in intelligent systems in order to design the workplace of the future effectively and in the interests of employees."