What are Hot Desks? & Why Companies are Using Them?

Introduction:

The world today is not what it was before the 2020 pandemic. Today’s economy has changed, reshaping the ways we used to work. These cascades of shifts also introduced a new work system called the hybrid work routine, a flexible work model that supports a blend of in-office, on-the-go, and remote work.

This new system is flexible for both management and employees, as they have the autonomy to choose where and how they work, allowing them to be most productive. Recent studies also indicate that, by 2026, almost 83 percent of businesses will be operating under a hybrid workplace model, with only 8 percent of employees willing to work in a full-time office setting.

This is a significant change, especially for millennials and baby boomers, who were once accustomed to holding only 9-to-5 jobs. This “unrestricted” working model has also shifted traditional office furniture toward more flexible seating arrangements in which “hot desks” remain the most popular.

What are Hot Desks?

Hot desking, also known as “hoteling,” is a seating arrangement in which office desks are not assigned to a single employee; instead, different employees use these desks at various times, with allotted periods to be more specific. Management allows both their employees and visitors to book and use a desk at any time during the day, just like a hotel.

This concept was not new; it was first introduced in the 1990s by IBM, but gained more attention in today's post-pandemic world with the rise of hybrid work models. This seating arrangement eliminates the need for a dedicated resource for employees only, making business operations more flexible.

Why are Companies Using Hot Desks?

The first reason is the emergence of hybrid work models; people no longer want to sit in the office all day, every week. This is why companies continue to want to invest in furniture items that will be allocated for them but not used. Secondly, the economy is not performing well, even five years after the pandemic, and businesses want to utilize every inch of office space to minimize operational costs. Businesses are also experimenting with new ways to support work driven by hybrid and remote models.

What are Hot Desks Best Suited for?

If your business doesn’t require a permanent desk for every employee every day, this seating arrangement would be suitable for your office. Nowadays, businesses such as tech startups, consulting firms, and creative agencies often utilize co-working spaces with hot desking. Such businesses usually have a workforce that comes and goes, collaborates in bursts with others, or works remotely for most of the week. This eliminates the need for assigned seating and utilizes hot desking to achieve agility and efficiency in the work environment, as well as to optimize the use of company resources.

Future of Hot Desking:

Companies are investing in fewer but smarter selections of office furniture, particularly working desks for hot desking. The idea is to utilize as little space as possible and accommodate more hot-desking teams throughout the day.

This is where the Durable Circular Staff Desks from GUDDORFISS are making an impact. Designed with a circular island design, these desks provide effortless convergence for the working team, allowing them to switch between multiple work scenarios and collaborate with others during hot desking. Being circular means it is accessible from all sides, making hot desking even more collaborative.

The desks are made from selected solid wood, handpicked for its resilience and premium feel. The entire structure utilizes Slab Butt-Joint Technology with this wood to resist deformation, even when multiple teams are working on it simultaneously. You also get super neat cable management and sturdy legs for stability for long working hours. 

Wrapping Up:

As we explored this year’s hot question of “what are hot desks?”, it is worth reiterating that they provide an efficient working environment and also foster more collaboration among teams if the desks used are suitable for such a seating arrangement. The circular desks from GUDDORFISS are designed to enhance the functionality of hot desking for businesses.