Case Study: University Health Network (UHN)
Optimizing Workplace Utilization Through Occupancy Analytics
To better understand the impact of hybrid work on administrative space demand, HH Angus deployed ARMS using infrared occupancy sensors and utilization analytics across UHN office environments. The solution provided objective occupancy data that identified significant hidden capacity within existing administrative spaces, enabling UHN to consolidate departments, reallocate space, and make more informed real estate planning decisions. Similar to higher education institutions facing evolving workplace models, the project demonstrated how occupancy analytics can replace assumptions with actionable data, leading to more efficient use of existing facilities and reduced pressure for additional space.
The Challenge
University Health Network (UHN) sought to better understand how administrative office spaces were being utilized following the adoption of hybrid work arrangements.
While facility teams had anecdotal and observational evidence that significant unused capacity existed within administrative areas, there was limited objective data available to support space planning discussions with departmental stakeholders. Many groups believed their assigned space was fully utilized despite indications that occupancy patterns had changed substantially.
UHN required reliable utilization data to understand actual workplace usage, identify opportunities for consolidation, and support more effective use of existing real estate assets.
This challenge closely mirrors those faced by higher education institutions, where hybrid work, flexible schedules, and evolving workplace models have created uncertainty regarding the actual demand for offices, administrative workspaces, and support areas.
The Solution
HH Angus deployed the Angus Remote Management System (ARMS) using infrared occupancy sensors to monitor utilization across administrative office environments.
The implementation included:
- Deployment of infrared occupancy sensors throughout administrative spaces
- Real-time and historical occupancy analytics
- Utilization dashboards and reporting tools
- Space utilization trend analysis
- Occupancy-based planning and decision-support metrics
The solution provided objective occupancy data that allowed facility and planning teams to compare perceived space requirements against actual utilization patterns.
By continuously monitoring occupancy levels and usage trends, ARMS provided a clear picture of how administrative spaces were being used across departments and over time.
The Results
The deployment provided UHN with reliable, data-driven insight into administrative space utilization.
Teams gained:
Objective Occupancy Data - Quantifiable utilization metrics replacing anecdotal observations and assumptions.
Visibility into Hidden Capacity - Identification of significant underutilized space within administrative areas.
Improved Planning Insights - Data-driven evidence to support workplace planning and departmental discussions.
Historical Utilization Analytics - Occupancy trends that highlighted how hybrid work arrangements were affecting space demand.
Better Space Allocation Decisions - Reliable information to support more effective use of existing office space.