We all like to have our own space when it comes to working, so the idea of sharing a desk with others is not always accepted with an open mind. However, since many businesses have shifted to hybrid work, overall workspace occupancy hardly reaches total capacity in offices with the traditional assigned desk system. Companies face serious underutilization and high maintenance costs due to a higher number of employees working remotely. Thus desk-sharing was born as a way of using unused space better.
To share or not to share? That is the question many companies worldwide are asking themselves before implementing a desk sharing system. If you’re one of them, maybe these main pros and cons will help you decide:
Saves office space and lowers utilization costs
Desk sharing at work is an effective way for businesses to use less office space and invest in fewer desks, which can reduce business expenses by up to 30% depending on various factors.
Helps to attract and retain talent
You are more likely to attract talent if your workplace is current with workplace trends and expectations. And giving your employees the flexibility to work where and when they want helps you to retain your current staff.
Enables flexibility for employees
The hybrid work model and desk sharing are well-known for giving employees more freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to manage their own work-life balance more effectively.
Creates collaboration among coworkers
Desk sharing encourages social office culture, new connections, and collaborations. When employees have assigned desks, they work with the same people, but desk sharing creates new cooperation opportunities and expands knowledge.
Creates equality between employees
Desk sharing at work promotes greater networking and more close relationships both horizontally and vertically. It reduces workplace hierarchy and promotes networking at all levels. Furthermore, individuals in decision-making positions benefit from a better understanding of their employees.
Loss of privacy and personal space for employees
Because there are no assigned desks, employees may perceive their workplace as less personalized. When an office loses its personality, it can become alien, affecting company culture and people’s sense of belonging to the company.
Creates challenges for support and IT infrastructure
The company may need to increase IT resources to install a desk sharing policy. However, the increased costs can easily be covered by savings from spending less on office space.
Takes employees longer to get settled and work
When people are not guaranteed their own desk, they may waste time looking for an available desk and then arranging their belongings to their liking.
Can increase distractions at work
Increased distraction can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from teams having to collaborate while sitting in different parts of the office to people introducing themselves to colleagues they have never sat with before.
May trigger an inner germaphobe
Desk sharing means more people and germs, which may make your employees uncomfortable. Make sure your company has ample antibacterial cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer!
Now you know the pros and cons of desk sharing at work, and if it’s still challenging to decide whether to implement this practice in your company, these 6 tips will help you make informed decisions and ensure a successful transition.
Analyzing employees’ work patterns is crucial to determine if they need a dedicated desk. It is essential to consider the frequency of employees’ office attendance and their work requirements to determine the most effective strategy. If many employees work remotely or come in only a few days a week, desk sharing may be a good fit.
The rise of hybrid work arrangements has led many businesses to adopt desk sharing. This practice does have some significant benefits, such as the ability to save space and money. But it also has drawbacks, like a tendency to create more disruption. But every company should identify the best desk sharing practice for itself and its employees according to the company culture, values, and strategy.
If your company decides to adopt the desk sharing policy, we will gladly help you make it happen.
Want to learn more?
By clicking the “Subscribe” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
2014 – 2022 Proudly designed and made in Lithuania
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Tell us what you are looking for,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us what you are looking for,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us what you are looking for,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us what you are looking for,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can!
By clicking the “Let’s talk” button above, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy