What is Hot Desking? Everything your Business Needs to Know

With the rise of open-plan office spaces and hybrid working models, hot desking has become a popular option for many businesses and freelancers across the country. Offering flexibility, collaboration and an increased sense of office community, it has a number of different benefits. So, what exactly is hot desking, how does it work and what are the advantages and disadvantages? We’ve got everything you need to know to help you decide whether it is right for you and your business.   

What is a hot desk and how does it work?

To put it simply, hot desking is when there is no designated seating. Instead, desk spaces are taken on a first come, first served basis.

Whilst hot desking is commonplace in coworking spaces, allowing people to simply pay as you go using a hot desking booking system, many businesses have also been adopting this working model with the rise of hybrid working. This provides employees with the freedom to choose when they’re coming into the office and where they’d like to work from for the day.

Hoteling vs. hot desking: What’s the difference?

Although many people use the terms ‘hoteling’ and ‘hot desking’ interchangeably, there are some notable differences between the two.

Whilst hot desking refers to unassigned seating which works on a first come, first served basis, hoteling works on a reservation-based system. This allows workers to choose and book their desk in advance, so they know exactly where they’ll be sitting for the day and have peace of mind that they’ve reserved their favourite spot!

Hot desking is often preferred by those who have irregular schedules, giving them the flexibility they need to use a desk for an hour or two in-between meetings, without the need to book in advance. However, hoteling gives people more control over where they’ll be working for the day and can allow colleagues the opportunity to book seats next to each other, which wouldn’t be possible with hot desking.

The benefits of hot desking

Hot desking offers a number of different benefits to both employers and employees. From increased flexibility to reduced costs – it’s no wonder so many people are opting to hot desk over more traditional office seating methods.

The benefits of hot desking for employees

If you’re considering implementing hot desking into your workplace, you may be wondering what the benefits will be for your employees. Some of the most notable benefits of hot desking include:

• Increased flexibility over their daily work environment
• Improved sense of community within the workplace
• More opportunities for collaboration with other colleagues
• A sociable work environment
• More autonomy

The advantages of hot desking for employers

The advantages of hot desking aren’t limited to employees – it also boasts a number of benefits for employers too, including:

• Improved output from staff
• Reduced costs when compared to leasing an entire office
• Tidier offices and increased sanitation

Not only can businesses save money through hot desking by reducing office rental costs, but as more flexible working can increase productivity from employees, it can also have a huge, positive impact on the success of the business.

Hot desking and hygiene: Is it safe?

When it comes to hot desking and hygiene, many people are concerned that sharing desk spaces among so many people may not be as sanitary as having a dedicated desk – especially because of the pandemic.

However, one of the benefits of hot desking is that desk spaces are generally kept a lot tidier than dedicated desks, as people are unable to leave personal belongings on their desks. Not only does this make for a tidier workspace, but it makes it a lot easier to clean and sanitise the desk at the end of each working day.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to give your employees more autonomy, or a freelancer looking for a flexible coworking space to work around your schedule, hot desking might just be the solution you’re looking for. Here at Bruntwood, we have got a number of coworking offices across the North West, so get in touch today to experience hot desking for yourself.

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The GC Business Growth Hub's #HereForBusiness support package provides practical help, guidance, and expert advice on a range of subjects to help companies in Greater Manchester navigate the current economic crisis.

To find out more, and access help and support, contact us now.

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This article was written solely by the identified authors and/or organisations. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and/or organisation – not those of the #HereForBusiness campaign or GC Business Growth Hub.