As 2026 approaches, workplace leaders are looking ahead, asking how their spaces can best support people, performance, and productivity in an increasingly hybrid world. For many, the challenge isn’t just managing square meters — it’s understanding how those square meters are actually used. The answer lies in strategic space planning informed by real insight, not assumptions.
The final months of the year present an ideal moment to gather that insight. Attendance patterns naturally shift, collaboration rhythms change, and utilisation dips in ways that reveal underlying behaviours. This is a chance to observe the true dynamics of your workspace, free from the distractions of peak activity. By collecting and analysing data now, organisations can forecast demand for 2026, optimise occupancy, and make decisions with confidence.
Seeing Beyond Raw Occupancy
Traditional occupancy metrics give a snapshot of who is in the building, but they rarely tell the full story. A desk might be booked but empty, a meeting room may host two people in a space designed for six, or informal collaboration may occur in zones that aren’t monitored by sensors. Without context, these numbers can mislead, suggesting either under-utilisation or overcrowding where neither truly exists.
This is why integrating multiple sources of data is essential. Combining sensor feeds, booking records, Wi-Fi and badge logs with human observation creates a richer, more nuanced picture of how spaces are used. Observational studies can reveal patterns that purely automated systems miss — which areas consistently attract people, which spaces are blocked but unproductive, and how collaboration flows across the office.
Tools such as Accordant by CadM make it possible to pull these disparate datasets together, providing visual dashboards and heat maps that clearly illustrate not just occupancy, but behavioural insight. By layering observation with sensor and booking data, workplace managers can distinguish between spaces that are genuinely utilised and those that are simply unavailable — a distinction critical for strategic planning.
From Observation to Strategic Space Planning
Collecting this insight is only the first step. The real value comes from turning it into actionable strategy. As you prepare for 2026, understanding how people move, work, and collaborate enables you to forecast demand more accurately and allocate space efficiently.
Occupancy planning should move beyond averages and look at peak load versus typical usage. Observation studies show not just how many people are in the building at any given time, but when and where they are concentrated. Are mornings consistently busier than afternoons? Are certain collaboration zones underused while informal breakout areas are thriving? These patterns inform decisions about desk ratios, meeting room sizing, and flexible collaboration zones.
By combining historical occupancy trends with behavioural insight, organisations can model multiple scenarios: what if hybrid attendance increases? What if team layouts change? What if collaboration moves predominantly to informal zones? This forward-looking approach allows planners to design a workplace that is flexible, responsive, and ready for evolving work patterns in 2026.
Pulling Data Together for Forecasting and Planning
Strategic space planning for 2026 requires integrating multiple layers of information. No single dataset tells the whole story. Occupancy sensors capture presence, bookings indicate intent, Wi-Fi and badge logs show movement, and human observation provides context. By combining these sources, you can see where utilisation aligns with expectation and where it diverges.
This integrated approach enables forecasting with confidence. Rather than relying on static headcount assumptions or outdated floor plans, you can model realistic scenarios for hybrid attendance, seasonal fluctuations, and team growth. You can anticipate peak periods, plan for occasional events, and allocate resources where they are genuinely needed.
Accordant by CadM provides a platform to pull these insights together, offering visual reporting, heat maps, and scenario modelling tools. This allows workplace managers to move from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based decisions — optimising space, enhancing collaboration, and preparing the office for the year ahead.
Turning Data Into Action for 2026
Collecting and analysing workspace data now isn’t just about reporting; it’s about taking control of the future. By understanding how spaces are actually used, leaders can make decisions that balance efficiency, employee experience, and flexibility.
This might mean adjusting desk ratios based on observed attendance, redesigning meeting zones to better match actual use, or reallocating breakout spaces that are consistently vibrant while freeing underused areas. It might mean planning cleaning, maintenance, and energy schedules to align with real usage patterns, reducing costs without compromising comfort.
The common thread is actionable insight. The quieter months of late 2025 provide a rare opportunity to collect detailed, accurate data. When integrated and interpreted, that data allows organisations to enter 2026 with a workspace that is informed by evidence, tuned to behaviour, and ready for the evolving demands of hybrid work.
A Positive, Forward-Looking Opportunity
As organisations look to 2026, the message is clear: don’t wait for challenges to dictate your space strategy. Use the time now to gather insights, understand true occupancy, and forecast intelligently. Strategic planning, informed by real-world data and integrated analytics, ensures your workplace is not only efficient but also supportive, flexible, and aligned with how people actually want to work.
By acting today, you can transform what might look like under-utilisation into strategic opportunity, turning insight into action and preparing your workplace for a successful, adaptable, and productive 2026.