What is Hot Desking?

Hot desking is commonly used term to describe a concept where a limited number of available workspaces is shared amongst a workforce that does not need a permanently assigned desk.

Pre-pandemic, ‘hot desking’ had fairly negative connotations amongst workforces, and a rollout of a hot desking regime had to be sensitively handled. 

Specifically, individuals did not like the idea of giving up their dedicated workspace. 

Even if they regularly worked from home or at another site, individuals baulked at such issues as:

• Loss of personal storage space
• Not being surrounded by their personal effects
• Having to maintain a clear desk policy
• Concerns over the hygiene of other occupants
• Sitting in a different location away from their team members.

What has changed with hot desking?

Hot desking has evolved due to the pandemic and the increased popularity of remote working. Now, it’s widely embraced as part of hybrid working.

There has, however, been some refinements to hot desking strategies.  These include:

1. Enhanced Office Spaces: Offices have been redesigned to make the idea of switching between desks more appealing. This includes features like personal storage lockers, ergonomic furniture, charging stations, and versatile spaces catering to different work styles and planned activities.  For example, quiet zones or more casual, communal spaces.
2. Desk Booking Systems: Convenient desk booking systems allow individuals to easily locate and reserve their preferred desks for upcoming office visits.
3. Team and Departmental Hot Desking: Providing distinct hot desk zones for departments ensures proximity among colleagues, supporting effective teamwork.
4. Hygiene Measures: Some organisations have introduced more regular desk cleaning services between uses to ensure a sanitised and safe environment (and avoid those nasty sandwich crumbs).
5. Flexibility across office locations:  Many organisations are now offering a unified hot desking service across all their office locations.  This means that workers can easily be productive from the office that’s nearest to where they live or are visiting.  This can help save travel time and expense.

In conclusion, hot desking has evolved from a concept that used to raise concerns amongst workforces to a dynamic solution that embraces flexibility, efficiency, and collaboration.

The newfound benefits of hot desking, including enhanced office spaces, desk booking systems, and the freedom to choose the most relevant workspace, reflect its evolution into a strategy that empowers individuals and organisations alike.