In an increasingly flexible working environment, “hot desking” is becoming increasingly popular. But what exactly is hot desking? Hot desking is a workplace concept in which employees do not have a fixed desk. Instead, they use flexible workspaces — so-called “hot desks” — which are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Find out in our blog what you need to consider when designing!
The most important things in brief
- Hot desking is a flexible workplace concept in which employees do not have a fixed desk but use free workspaces (“hot desks”).
- The advantages are in particular the Cost efficiency, flexibility, promotion of collaboration and optimal use of space.
- Less privacy, increased organizational effort and potential discomfort due to a lack of structure are among the disadvantages of hot desking.
- Hot desk offices use booking systems such as Seatti and flexible rooms to efficiently support hybrid work models.
- Especially for modern, globally active companies, hot desking is a future-oriented solution for adapting to the flexible working world.
Hot desking: definition and meaning
Hot desking is synonymous with Flex Desk, Desk sharing or hybrid work. Similar to the other terms, the hot desking concept is about the elimination of assigned or fixed workplaces in favor of a flexible work structure.
The importance of this concept lies in the efficient use of space resources and the promotion of a dynamic work environment. As the number of hybrid work models and mobile teams increases, the concept is becoming even more relevant.
Hot Desk Spaces: How do they work?
Hot desk spaces are specially designed areas in an office that offer employees a temporary workplace. This room concept provides that only some or none of the workforce has a permanent job anymore.
Instead, these areas are equipped with all necessary resources, such as monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure productive work. Many companies rely on booking systems that allow employees to reserve a hot desk in advance.
Hot desking advantages and disadvantages
Like any workplace concept, hot desking has advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview:
advantages:
- Cost efficiency: By reducing permanent jobs, companies can Optimize areas or office expenses Lower.
- Flexibility: Employees are free to decide where they want to work, which in turn leads to a better Work-life balance leads.
- Collaboration: The changing seats next to each other promote exchange between teams.
- Optimum use of space: Vacant jobs are avoided, particularly with hybrid work models.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of privacy: Without a fixed desk, there is less personal space.
- Organizational expenses: Managing hot desk spaces can require additional effort.
- Sense of impermanence: Some employees prefer fixed structures and may feel less comfortable.
- Lower engagement & interaction: The team bond & the cohesiveness can sometimes suffer with a hybrid working model.
The hot desk office: A glimpse into practice
A hot desk office is designed to combine flexibility and productivity. Many modern companies use these office concepts to meet the needs of their employees. Hot desks prove to be an efficient solution, particularly for globally active teams with a hybrid work approach.
One successful example is the implementation of a hot desk office at an international technology company. With a digital booking system and specially equipped work areas were able to improve both employee satisfaction and office utilization.
Is hot desking the future of work?
Hot desking offers many benefits that are particularly worthwhile in a flexible working environment. But whether this concept is suitable for a company depends on individual requirements and corporate culture off. However, with the right tools and a clear strategy, a hot desk office can be an ideal solution for challenges to meet the modern working world.
Hot desking with Seatti: The smart solution for hybrid teams
Software solutions can be helpful to make optimal use of your office space. A booking system is particularly useful in small offices, where there are more employees available than desks. This guarantees that your employees have a place for the working day.
The Seatti office management module allows you to combine classic desk booking in an intuitive design with a high level of functionality. In addition to workstations, rooms or parking spaces can also be booked with just a few clicks. With our data analysis, you can use the anonymized data to find out how many individual floors or entire building complexes are.
If your office space is unused and you want to unleash their potential, our Office Engagement module helps you get your employees back to the office with social incentives.
