Flexible working means different things to different businesses. For some, it means flexible working hours, for others it means co-working or hot desking… Hot desking might be on the rise but what exactly is a hot desk? And how does it work? This Love Mondays Office Space blog explores the topic of hot desking, delving into both its benefits and its drawbacks.
Defining Hot Desking
Hot desking is a system where workspaces, typically desks, are not assigned to specific employees. Instead, they are available for anyone to use on a first-come, first-served basis, or through a booking system.
With ever-changing diaries and employees regularly working remotely or out visiting clients, it’s not uncommon for an office to have lots of empty desks. Hot desking allows companies to maximise their office space by eliminating unused personal desks instead creating a core pool of flexible working desks.
What are the benefits of Hot Desks?
Hot desks can be advantageous for both employees and business owners, here’s how…
- Cost Saving: By eliminating the need for dedicated desks for all employees, companies can reduce their overheads. This is particularly beneficial in expensive office locations that aren’t frequently used.
- Improved Collaboration: Hot desking can bring together employees from different departments who might not otherwise interact. Working alongside new colleagues can spark new ideas and lead to better problem-solving.
- Community Feel: With employees on different schedules, when team members do come into the office they are no longer faced with rows of empty desks. Instead, there are people to engage with no matter the day of the week.
- Flexibility: Employees can choose a workspace that suits their tasks. For example, a desk in a quiet corner or one that is based near team members they are currently working alongside.
- Environmental Friendliness: Hot desking often reduces an office space’s overall footprint, which can lead to lower energy consumption.
What are the challenges of Hot Desking?
While hot desking has many benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are three points to consider:
- Loss of Personalisation: Hot desking can feel impersonal and can be difficult for those who value routine.
- Finding Available Desks: Depending on the office layout and number of employees, finding an available desk in a preferred area can be challenging during peak hours.
- Technology and Equipment: With lots of people coming and going it’s important to keep on top of all equipment and ensure that everyone has access to what they need, when they need it.
For some businesses, hot desking is a suitable option, for others, not so much. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and because of this, some companies opt for a hybrid approach. That is, having both hot desks and dedicated desks set aside for those that need them. If you’re currently looking into different flexible working options for your business and would like some free advice, we’re here to help. Just get in touch and one of our friendly advisors will reach out to you.
