Numerous businesses have adopted hot-desking before the pandemic. After the pandemic, many people prefer a hybrid working style, making the idea of hot desking more popular. But what makes it so attractive?
In this article, we will cover:
- What is Hot desking? How does it work?
- Why is Hot desking popular?
- Is Hot desking a suitable option for you?
- Benefits and drawbacks of Hot desking
What is Hot desking? How does it work?
With the rise of different working spaces, such as open office plans, or shared co-working spaces, hot-desking has become a popular term in modern working life. Furthermore, with the rise of remote and hybrid work after Covid-19, more people care about hot desking. So what is hot desking, and how does it work?
Hot desking is about sharing your working space with other workers rather than having your own assigned desk. No one has a set spot. It can be understood as ‘booking’ an available desk space when you arrive at your work. Hot desking can be implemented in private or co-working spaces. Therefore, nowadays, many co-working spaces have available hot desking for rent.
Why is Hot-desking popular?
Flexibility. When talking about hot desking, flexibility is the main reason making it so popular. Hot desking is a creative and effective solution for maximising working space efficiency. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, hot desking allows people to work when and where they want, helping them to stay productive and connected.
Is Hot-desking a suitable option for you?
Although hot desking is a popular term today as it brings back flexible options, it does not suit all industries or all work styles. Here are the reasons why.
Depending on each employee, their required level of privacy might be different. If the employees deal with highly sensitive information, hot desking might not be a preferred solution. Furthermore, changing seats frequently could grow frustration among the team, leading to problems in finding colleagues. In these situations, dedicated desks or a private office should be considered. Your team would have a more controlled, personalised, and high-privacy workplace while retaining a co-working community.
On the other hand, if you are a freelancer or you are running a remote team, hot desking helps grow productivity and creativity at different locations. Moreover, it allows you to reach further opportunities.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Hot-desking
Benefits
Everything has two sides, so is hot-desking. The biggest advantage would be flexibility – people can work wherever and whenever inspiration strikes naturally through knowledge-share and social interactions. Many studies stated an increase in innovation and entrepreneurship with hot-desking. Getting stuck in the same working area leads to the risk of burnout and project fatigue.
Hot-desking forces employees to be more ordered and minimalist, meaning they have to be cleaner and more organised after using a desk for the next person. Hence, the company would save money on tools and equipment. It will also help cut down on repair and replacement costs.
Drawbacks
Having said above, there would be less privacy for every employee. They no longer can keep personal items in their desk drawer or take a call through the company’s phone system. Using digital communications or offering a phone system that can be transferred directly to an employee’s mobile phone can help resolve this issue.
The second disadvantage would be the cleanliness issue. Although COVID-19 has passed its serious phase it is still in our daily lives. A shared workspace allows team members to share germs, bacteria, or illnesses accidentally through shared tools and equipment. Providing antibacterial spray and wipes and encouraging them to use them before and after using the area can help reduce the spreading of any kind of bacteria to others.
With the rule of first come first serve, it might cause difficulties for employees to find a space quickly every day. 84% of participants in the survey by Brickendon said they spend five minutes on average daily searching for a seating place while other 38% spend more than 15 minutes. There is a way to solve this issue is to book in advance.
Hot desking is not for everyone and it is important for the company to understand their employee’s expectations when it comes to changing any working practice.
