Large estates rarely fit a single archetype. Different floors, sites and periods may display different utilisation patterns, so each archetype should be used as a diagnostic lens rather than a fixed label for the whole organisation.
Archetype 1: Excess capacity
Overview
This workplace consistently operates below demand expectations and contains significant unused capacity.
While utilisation remains low, there is often substantial opportunity to consolidate, repurpose or redesign space to better align with organisational needs.
Typical characteristics
- Low average utilisation
- Spare capacity across the workplace
- Large numbers of unused or lightly used assets
- Limited occupancy pressure
Common symptoms
- Empty desks
- Underused floors
- Low workplace activity
- Perception that there is “too much space”
Typical questions
- Can we reduce our footprint?
- Can we close a floor?
- Can we repurpose unused areas?
- How much capacity do we actually need?
Typical transformation scenarios
- Floor consolidation
- Portfolio rationalisation
- Workplace redesign
- Alternative space allocation
Archetype 2: Attendance concentration
Overview
Average utilisation appears healthy, but demand is heavily concentrated around specific periods, days or events.
This often creates a workplace paradox where employees experience crowding and availability issues despite significant unused capacity elsewhere.
Typical characteristics
- Moderate average utilisation
- High peak utilisation
- Large peak to average gap
- Strong “midweek mountain” attendance patterns
Common symptoms
- Busy Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Empty Mondays and Fridays
- Complaints about desk availability
- Perceived shortage of space
Typical questions
- Do we actually need more space?
- How can we reduce peak demand?
- What desk sharing ratio can we support?
- How can we improve attendance distribution?
Typical transformation scenarios
- Attendance balancing
- Team neighbourhood planning
- Hybrid workplace redesign
- Person to desk ratio optimisation
Archetype 3: Efficient workplace
Overview
This workplace demonstrates healthy utilisation and balanced demand distribution.
Capacity is being used effectively without creating significant occupancy pressure or employee experience issues.
Typical characteristics
- Balanced average utilisation
- Stable demand patterns
- Good space efficiency
- Predictable occupancy behaviour
Common symptoms
- Consistent workplace performance
- Limited complaints regarding availability
- Strong alignment between supply and demand
Typical questions
- Can we improve further?
- How do we compare to peers?
- Where are incremental opportunities?
Typical transformation scenarios
- Continuous improvement
- Benchmarking
- Workplace optimisation
- Portfolio monitoring
Archetype 4: Capacity constrained
Overview
Demand regularly exceeds comfortable operating levels, creating pressure on workplace resources and reducing employee choice.
Without intervention, these workplaces may experience declining employee experience and operational inefficiencies.
Typical characteristics
- High average utilisation
- Limited spare capacity
- Frequent occupancy pressure
- Reduced user choice
Common symptoms
- Difficulty finding desks
- Meeting room shortages
- Crowding during peak periods
- High competition for workplace resources
Typical questions
- Do we need more capacity?
- Should we expand or redesign?
- Can demand be managed differently?
Typical transformation scenarios
- Capacity expansion
- Space reconfiguration
- Behavioural interventions
- Demand management programmes
Archetype 5: Room mix mismatch
Overview
The workplace appears to have insufficient meeting space, but the underlying issue is often a mismatch between room supply and actual demand.
Large rooms are frequently occupied by small groups while demand for smaller collaboration spaces remains unmet.
Typical characteristics
- High meeting room demand
- Significant room size mismatch
- Frequent booking complaints
- Poor alignment between room supply and room usage
Common symptoms
- “We need more meeting rooms”
- Large rooms occupied by small groups
- Small rooms consistently unavailable
- High levels of booking friction
Typical questions
- Do we have the right room mix?
- Which room sizes are actually needed?
- Are we optimising existing space?
Typical transformation scenarios
- Meeting room right sizing
- Small-room expansion
- Collaboration space redesign
- Room portfolio optimisation