Scope & Methodology: This report covers the period of Q2 2023, from April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. During this time, the Vantage Space platform was used to collect 2,393,408 observations across 45,939 spaces, in 20 countries. The data is analyzed globally and broken down into three key regions: EMEA, APAC, and AMER.
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.
Q2 2023 showed a modest increase in global average occupancy, rising slightly to 37.0% (+1.0% from Q1 2023). Regional trends varied: APAC continued to lead with occupancy reaching 45.0% (+2.0%), while AMER demonstrated strong growth, jumping 7.0 points to 31.0%. EMEA saw a slight decrease, falling 3.0 points to 39.0%. This suggests continued return-to-office momentum in APAC and AMER, while EMEA might have experienced stabilization or slight seasonal effects.
| Region | Average Occupancy (%) |
|---|---|
| Global | 37.0% (+1.0%) |
| EMEA | 39.0% (-3.0%) |
| APAC | 45.0% (+2.0%) |
| AMER | 31.0% (+7.0%) |
Table 1: Average Occupancy by Region. Note: The percentage changes are calculated based on the previous quarter’s data (Q1 2023).
Chart 1: Average Occupancy by Region and Overall
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.
Globally, Work Space (40.0%) and Meeting Space (26.0%) occupancy saw minimal change (+1.0% each). However, ‘Other’ spaces experienced a significant jump in utilization, reaching 37.0% (+8.0%). This trend was particularly strong in AMER (+13.0%) and APAC (+9.0%), suggesting these ancillary and social spaces became more popular during Q2. APAC showed high occupancy across all types, especially ‘Other’ spaces (55.0%). AMER saw growth across all categories, while EMEA remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease in Work Space usage (-3.0%).
| Region | Work Space (%) | Meeting Space (%) | Other Space (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global | 40.0% (+1.0%) | 26.0% (+1.0%) | 37.0% (+8.0%) |
| EMEA | 42.0% (-3.0%) | 29.0% (-1.0%) | 41.0% (0.0%) |
| APAC | 47.0% (+1.0%) | 32.0% (+6.0%) | 55.0% (+9.0%) |
| AMER | 33.0% (+7.0%) | 22.0% (+2.0%) | 28.0% (+13.0%) |
Table 2: Average Occupancy by Space Type. Note: The percentage changes are calculated based on the previous quarter’s data (Q1 2023).
Chart 2: Average Occupancy of Meeting Type Spaces by Region and Overall
Chart 3: Average Occupancy of Work Spaces by Region and Overall
Meeting rooms are spaces designed for collaborative activities, such as team meetings or client presentations. The efficient use of these often high-value spaces remains a key focus for workplace optimization.
| Region | Average Meeting Size (Attendees) |
|---|---|
| Global | 2.6 (-0.1) |
| EMEA | 2.7 (-0.2) |
| APAC | 3.0 (-0.2) |
| AMER | 2.4 (+0.3) |
Table 3: Average Meeting Size by Region. Note: The changes are calculated based on the previous quarter’s data (Q1 2023).
The global average meeting size remained virtually unchanged at 2.6 attendees (-0.1 from Q1). EMEA and APAC saw slight decreases, while AMER experienced a small increase to 2.4 attendees (+0.3). Despite fluctuations in overall meeting space occupancy, the size of collaborating groups remained consistently small across most regions.
Chart 4: Global Meeting Room Capacity vs Usage
Chart 5: EMEA Meeting Room Capacity vs Usage
Chart 6: APAC Meeting Room Capacity vs Usage
Chart 7: AMER Meeting Room Capacity vs Usage
The Q2 data continues to highlight the significant disparity between meeting room supply and demand. Globally, 45.9% of meetings involved only one person, yet only 13.4% of rooms are designed for single occupancy. This trend was less pronounced in APAC (36.8% single-person meetings) but very strong in EMEA (50.4%). Conversely, rooms designed for 5 or more people constitute nearly 40% of the global portfolio but accommodated only about 12% of observed meetings. The demand clearly leans towards smaller, private spaces for individual work or pairs.
Q2 2023 maintained the overall global occupancy level seen in Q1, at 37.0%, buoyed by strong performance in APAC and significant growth in AMER. A key trend this quarter was the marked increase in the use of ‘Other’ spaces (lounges, cafeterias, etc.), suggesting a growing importance of social and informal collaboration areas. While meeting space occupancy fluctuated regionally, average meeting sizes remained small. The critical finding persists: a substantial oversupply of large meeting rooms and an undersupply of small, private spaces relative to how employees actually use the office. Rebalancing the meeting room portfolio remains a key opportunity for optimization.
About Vantage Space: Vantage Space is the world's leading workplace occupancy study app, designed to empower organizations with data-driven insights into their workplace usage. Simple to set up, easy to use, Vantage Space enables workplace leaders to gather the data they need to make strategic decisions about space planning and design.
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