Hotdesking

Hot desking is a workplace arrangement in which employees do not have assigned desks. Instead, desks are shared and available on a first-come, first-served basis or booked in advance. The approach supports hybrid and flexible work models, allowing organizations to use space more efficiently.

The concept emerged in the late 20th century as companies sought to reduce real estate costs and support flexible work patterns. Early adopters in technology and telecommunications used desk-sharing and hoteling as a way to accommodate fluctuating headcount and remote or mobile workers.

In a typical hot-desking setup, employees reserve a workspace via a desk-booking system or simply find an open desk when they arrive. Workstations may be standardized and renamed, with shared computing and conferencing equipment. Policies often emphasize a clean-desk approach and secure storage for personal items.

Benefits include lower real estate costs, higher space utilization, and greater flexibility for hybrid teams. It can foster cross-team collaboration and reduce the need for long commutes to the office.

Challenges include lack of personal space, variability in available desks, noise, and potential privacy or security concerns. Onboarding and IT provisioning can be complex; amenities like lockers and storage are often required. Organizational culture and management of expectations are critical to success.

Variants include hoteling and desk sharing, and some offices adopt activity-based working where spaces are designated for specific tasks. Success depends on occupancy management, adequate facilities, and clear policies. Related concepts include flexible workspace and coworking.