It’s no secret that technology is rapidly changing the way we work, and workplace sensors are certainly playing their part. Employees expect to be at the centre of that change, with benefits like more flexible working and an increase in workplace wellbeing. However, this isn’t something we see every day in every workplace – yet.
In response to this demand for better work conditions, businesses are increasingly turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) as a way of creating human-centred workplaces that give employees everything they need while also cutting costs and boosting productivity.
Workplace sensors are one such type of IoT solution that’s fast gaining popularity among businesses in different industries looking to make their offices more efficient and productive while also streamlining their processes.
What is a workplace sensor?
A workplace sensor is a device that measures data from the surrounding environment and then transmits it to a software system. This makes it easier to measure metrics like noise pollution, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and other factors that impact employee productivity or occupant wellbeing. The data collected can then be used to create a more sustainable and efficient workplace.
For example, by using sensors to monitor CO2 levels, businesses can plan when to use the HVAC system more effectively and reduce the energy used. This means lower energy bills along with a more comfortable working environment for employees.
Workplace sensors have fast become a cost-effective way of creating a more sustainable and optimised environment for employees – but there’s more to it than that. Let’s take a look at five key benefits of workplace sensors and how can they help your business.
Better Employee Health
Employee satisfaction is linked to better overall health. When employees feel happy and valued, they are less likely to take sick days. In fact, according to the ONS, in the UK an estimated 149.3 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in 2021. This is the equivalent of 4.6 days per employee.
The good news is that sensors can be used to monitor things that often lead to absenteeism, such as noise levels. A study found that excessive noise pollution can lead to stress, strain, and headaches. When employees are healthier and happier in the workplace, productivity goes up, up, up!
Increased workplace efficiency
As we’ve seen, workplace sensors can be used to help reduce noise pollution and impact employee health. However, they can also be implemented to track the performance of energy-guzzling systems, like HVAC, helping to reduce energy consumption and waste. With sensors tracking data like temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, businesses can see how the systems are being used, when they need to be adjusted and where energy is being wasted.
This allows companies to optimise the performance of things like HVAC systems, which in turn lowers energy costs and gives employees a more comfortable, productive working environment. All of this adds up to improvements in building efficiency, thanks to less waste. In this day and age, energy efficiency is a hot topic due to the cost of living crisis, so this is certainly one area piquing the interest of building owners and operators.
Better building sustainability
Sustainability is now a very real focus for many businesses, and not just in a performative sense. They’ve recognised the value they can add to society by being more responsible with their building emissions, and sensors are helping them achieve this.
As we’ve mentioned, sensors can be used to track everything from water consumption to energy usage. This allows companies to see how they’re using resources, how efficiently they’re being used and which areas need improvement. With sensors tracking data like power consumption, businesses can also see where they can save money by making small adjustments or even switching to renewable energy sources.
Sensors can be used to track everything from temperatures to CO2 levels, helping businesses plan their energy use to ensure the temperature is comfortable for employees and the climate is appropriate for the work being done. All of this amounts to a more sustainable approach to energy consumption, with the added benefit of saving the business money.
Cash and the bottom line
We’ve already seen how sensors can be used to track resource consumption, monitor employee wellbeing and drive sustainability. These three areas appear to be the most common use cases for building sensors at the moment, with another overriding goal – saving money!
No business owner is going to turn down the opportunity to improve their bottom line, especially with the market the way it is. Sensors play a pivotal role in these three areas, which all have a knock-on effect on the operational costs and overheads associated with maintaining an office space.
Workplace sensors can really have an impact on businesses. Not only do they improve employee wellbeing and productivity, but they also save significant costs. Additionally, there are several sustainability-related benefits that come from the use of smart sensors.
With green initiatives and energy consumption firmly in the spotlight, workplace sensors just might be what we’ve needed all along.
