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Observational study
What is an observational study in the workplace?
An observational study in the workplace records how spaces are actually used, by people walking the floor at set times and noting which desks and rooms are occupied and by how many. It is often used before an office redesign to compare real use with what was planned.
How it works
- Observers walk set routes at fixed times
- Each space is recorded as empty, occupied or reserved but empty
- Results are summarized by space type, area and time of day
Strengths and limits
Observation captures what really happens, including unbooked use. But it covers a short period, takes effort, and only shows moments in time.
How booking data complements it
AskCody workplace analytics reports time and capacity utilization from room and desk bookings in Microsoft Exchange, continuously and over longer periods, as a complement to a time-limited study.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an observational study last?
Typically one to a few weeks.
What is the difference between booked and used?
A room can be booked but empty, for example when a meeting is a no-show. Observation shows actual use, while booking data shows reservations.
Related terms