Scope & Methodology: This report covers the period of Q2 2021, from April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021. During this time, the Vantage Space platform was used to collect 430,474 observations across 12,232 spaces, in 4 countries. The data predominantly reflects trends in the APAC region, as EMEA and AMER data were not available for this specific reporting period in the source file.
Our data is collected through visual observations, capturing two types of occupancy: "active" (individuals physically present in a space) and "passive" (signs of life, such as belongings indicating recent use). We combine both active and passive occupancy to calculate our "occupancy figure," which represents the capacity that is not available for use by others.
Global average occupancy decreased in Q2 2021, falling to 41.0% (-9.0% compared to Q1 2021). This decline mirrored the trend in the available APAC data, which also stood at 41.0% (-9.0%). This suggests a potential pullback in workplace activity or return-to-office progress in the observed APAC locations during this quarter compared to the start of the year. Data for EMEA and AMER was not available for Q2 2021.
| Region | Average Occupancy (%) |
|---|---|
| Global | 41.0% (-9.0%) |
| APAC | 41.0% (-9.0%) |
Table 1: Average Occupancy by Region. Note: The percentage changes are calculated based on the previous quarter’s data (Q1 2021). EMEA & AMER data not available for Q2 2021.
Chart 1: Average Occupancy (Global & APAC)
Space Type Definitions: Because offices vary widely - especially in how each company labels their own spaces - we've standardized our definitions to keep everything clear and consistent. Below you'll see how we define each space category.
Occupancy decreased across most space types globally (and in APAC) compared to Q1: Work Spaces dropped to 44.0% (-8.0%), and Meeting Spaces saw a significant fall to 23.0% (-16.0%). Interestingly, ‘Other’ space usage saw a slight increase globally/in APAC, rising to 47.0% (+4.0%). This might suggest that while formal work and meeting activities decreased, usage of ancillary or alternative spaces saw a relative uptick.
| Region | Work Space (%) | Meeting Space (%) | Other Space (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global | 44.0% (-8.0%) | 23.0% (-16.0%) | 47.0% (+4.0%) |
| APAC | 44.0% (-8.0%) | 23.0% (-17.0%) | 47.0% (+4.0%) |
Table 2: Average Occupancy by Space Type. Note: The percentage changes are calculated based on the previous quarter’s data (Q1 2021). EMEA & AMER data not available for Q2 2021. APAC Meeting Space comparison uses specific Q1 APAC value from source (0.40).
Chart 2: Average Occupancy of Meeting Type Spaces (Global & APAC)
Chart 3: Average Occupancy of Work Spaces (Global & APAC)
Analysis of meeting room usage patterns in the observed regions.
| Region | Average Meeting Size (Attendees) |
|---|---|
| Global | 2.5 (-0.6) |
| APAC | 2.5 (-0.6) |
Table 3: Average Meeting Size by Region. Note: The changes are calculated based on the previous quarter’s data (Q1 2021). EMEA & AMER data not available for Q2 2021.
The average meeting size decreased notably to 2.5 attendees (-0.6 compared to Q1) globally and in APAC. This significant drop, combined with the fall in overall meeting space occupancy, suggests a strong shift away from larger group collaborations during this quarter in the observed locations.
Chart 4: Global Meeting Room Capacity vs Usage (Reflects APAC Data)
Note: Regional Meeting Room Capacity vs Usage charts for EMEA and AMER are not available as data was not present for Q2 2021.
The Q2 2021 meeting room data (reflecting APAC) showed a continued, though slightly different, pattern of mismatch. Single-person rooms represented a significant portion of capacity (24.9%) and hosted the largest share of meetings (43.4%). Two-person meetings were also common (25.5% of meetings) relative to capacity (22.2%). Larger rooms (5+ people) still accounted for a substantial part of the portfolio (~35% capacity) but hosted only around 12% of the meetings. The underutilization of large spaces remained evident, although the portfolio mix in these specific studies appeared slightly more balanced towards smaller rooms compared to some other quarters.
Q2 2021 showed a decrease in overall workplace occupancy to 41.0%, primarily reflecting trends in the available APAC data, which indicated a pullback from Q1 levels. This decline was seen in Work Spaces and particularly in Meeting Spaces, although ‘Other’ ancillary spaces saw a slight increase in use. The average meeting size also decreased significantly, pointing towards fewer group collaborations. While the specific meeting room portfolio in these studies seemed somewhat more aligned with the demand for smaller spaces (1-2 people) than in other periods, the general trend of underutilizing larger meeting rooms persisted. This quarter reinforces the dynamic nature of workplace usage and the consistent challenge of matching space provision, especially for collaboration, with actual user needs.
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