Five years have passed this month since the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world and how much it affected the traditional work system. teleworking It was implemented in all companies, and the return to the workplace has been carried out gradually, promoting a mixed model which combines, during the week, work at home and in the office.

What is “hot desking”?

In this staggered return to the offices, the following is imposed: “hot desking” or hot table, a trend that has existed for years in the offices of large technology companies, which were the first to eliminate the permanent jobs, establishing that each worker would occupy the work table that he wanted or needed according to his daily functions or tasks.

At "hot desk"Employees can reserve or choose a position based on availability. This system has a dual objective: on the one hand, it helps to encourage collaboration and promotes communication between employees from different departments; and on the other hand, optimize space reducing costs.

In the more traditional environment, this was little less than a waste of labor rights, because it deprived workers of their own space, with their personal belongings, filing cabinets, drawers, etc. As the Technological advances, the way we work has been greatly simplified. Now all you need is a laptop and an internet connection to work virtually anywhere in the world. All the tools and equipment office accessories (from the landline telephone to staplers, filing cabinets, folders, trays, clips, etc.) in many work environments are practically non-existent.

The avant-garde design of the table Heaven V.2. is ahead of trends by offering a model that is rises up to 125 m, which allows the user to change positions, avoiding muscle fatigue and encouraging movement throughout the day. 

In addition to promoting interaction between employees, encouraging networking and reducing and optimizing office expenses, the “hot desking” It is a very effective instrument for enhance work of the employee, as they can choose the environment that best suits them (or most appeals to them) depending on their needs and mood. Thus, depending on the type of work they have to do on a given day, they will choose the most appropriate and conducive environment to do it, which benefits their productivity.

On the other hand, the elimination of fixed desks erases the presence of the personal items On the desk, objects that, in excess, create an unprofessional appearance and in many cases distract the worker's attention.

Another advantage of this system is that it requires a maximum digitalization of work, forcing us to do away with paper and other analog tools.

In general, the “hot desking” It is a very effective formula for saving space and resources, since it forces the simplification and efficiency maximums.

La Nature series, Like other Limobel Inwo designs, it offers multiple combination possibilities to create multipost working ergonomic and efficient, with all the technical needs, such as electrification to acoustic panels separator.

In traditional offices, around 75% of the space is intended for individual jobs and the 25% to meeting rooms. Today, with rising land prices and the growing number of vacant offices due to remote working, this trend is reversing.

The “classic” work organization, in which each employee has the same space throughout the year, is becoming obsolete. “hot desking” allows companies to significantly reduce their operating costs, while achieving space savings of up to 40%. Create flexible spaces It is the optimal formula for maximizing office space.

In addition, the company also saves by reducing equipment, as employees can share computers, phones, printers, routers, etc.

The tables of the Nix collection can be used to create from executive positions to multi-position operational complex, already integrated design, ergonomics and technologyIts modularity allows for the creation of non-fixed collaborative and functional spaces, fostering productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Precisely what is an advantage for some is a conclusive disadvantage for others. For example, not having a own space and personalized can create a sense of "not belonging" and generate disaffection from the company. Ultimately, it can create a depersonalization effect on the workplace, which, if not compensated for, can be detrimental to the community.

However, experts agree that this "deficiency" can be overcome by offering the worker other environments where they can interact and create community, such as pleasant social areas, play or sports areas. 

Efficient management

Another of the most frequent questions is the need to manage spaces efficiently. It can be extremely frustrating when an employee can't find a place to meet, talk on the phone, or simply work focused. The good news is that reservation management of spaces is vital in this system, and it is not always a simple matter, because in addition to occupancy, cleaning and maintenance must be planned.

Finally, some critics point to the heavy dependence on technology on which this system is based, since at any point in the office there must be a digital infrastructure and adequate connection, with Internet access, printers, audiovisual systems, etc.

Table Kea Folding Limobel Inwo is a versatile design conceived to create work stations wherever they are needed, thanks to its mobility and flexibility, which integrates a folding system in just one click.

Keys to integrating hot desking into a company

To begin with, it is necessary to clarify that not all companies can or should implement this system, since it depends on the activity that they develop. For example, there are many workers who handle personal data, confidential documentation, and even cash boxes, which logically require a stable and dedicated location.

Likewise, there are other types of collaborative work, for example, magazine or newspaper editorial staff, They have a chain work system, which is not convenient to modify and alter by changing jobs.

To implement this system the first thing is to take into account the organizational system of the company itself, the type of work being done and whether employees are willing to work in a flexible environment.

Of course, having the digital tools adequate is essential for the flexibility of jobs, since the connectivity It must be secured down to the last corner. 

Lockers are essential to the system “hot desking”, as workers need a private and secure space to store their belongings. Limobel Inwo offers box office with multiple finishes that adapt to any aesthetic.

The company has to be open to the opinions of its employees. between workers., establishing clear rules on the use of shared spaces, but also offering lockers and personal areas, as well as an adequate cleaning system. A digital space reservation system through a extranet or a app of the company is very convenient for the proper management of shared tables.

El “hot desking” It is a flexible and efficient solution that optimized The use of workspace reduces costs and encourages collaboration. However, its implementation must be well managed to avoid setbacks and ensure its success within the company. With a proper plan and the right technology, “hot desking” It can improve employee productivity and will undoubtedly be one of the models to follow in the offices of the future.

Photos: Limobel Inwo and Office Snapshots