What’s the HOTTEST trend we’ve been seeing in work design and culture?
The majority of offices have “Safe Office Solutions” in place to ensure health and safety, but we are seeing other long-term changes that will last past the pandemic. Employers are not just creating spaces that include social distancing, or safe areas for interaction, they are creating spaces for employees that want to continue utilizing the flexibility of working from home and in the office. With more people working a hybrid schedule, corporations are opting to downsize their office footprint and implement things like “hot desking” and “pods,” but they are also including all of the “good stuff” that helps keep their employees engaged with each other and working happy! (ie/ gaming areas, casual meeting spaces, and outdoor offices)
What is hot desking?
This concept is not new, but it is undoubtedly becoming a work-space staple. Hot desking is a workspace that is not permanently allocated to a user. This is a great solution for those who are adopting a hybrid schedule.
These small drop-down areas provide a tech savvy space to plug in and take care of in-office tasks.
What are some of the benefits of hot desking?
- With less need for allocated workplaces, companies can downsize their office footprint. Less people in the office daily = less space required!
- Employees have the freedom to choose their own workstation for the day. Depending on workload employees can sit closer to other teammates they are working on a project with, or they can pick a quiet desk in the corner if you need to focus. Additionally, not being tied to working next to the people you always work with gives you the ability to form new connections.
- This option promotes a clutter free environment. This non-permanent solution means less clutter, which decreases distractions and can increase productivity. Typically, hot desks do not offer much paper storage but might have a communal storage area for office supplies, or lockers for personal items.
- Hot desking can also be configured into pods of 2 or more desks. With safe office solution dividers, these areas provide a socially collaborative but safe work
area.
Whether you are setting up hot desks or pods, make sure you have the right ergonomic solutions in place. Think about how your employees work and what they use as a primary work device. Make sure each desk is equipped with at least one monitor that is easy to plug into. Using a monitor arm will keep work area free for other workplace essentials. Do not forget to add some plugs and/or USB ports to make sure your employees have a hassle-free way to plug in their laptops, tablets, or mobile device. Make sure to choose a highly functional and comfortable desk chair at these stations. Since users may change daily having a sit-to-stand desk and chair with numerous adjustments will make them adaptable to any user. Look for seating with a sit slider, height adjustment, fully adjustable arms, and lumbar support.