Hot desking vs. assigned desks

Choosing between hot desking and assigned desks depends on your business needs. Compare flexibility, cost efficiency, and employee preferences to determine the best fit.

Hot desking

• Maximum flexibility – Employees select a workspace that suits their tasks for the day.

• Better space utilisation – No empty desks, just a more efficient use of office real estate.

• Encourages collaboration – Sitting in different areas sparks new connections and fresh ideas.

• Supports hybrid work – Ideal for organisations where employees split their time between home and office.

⚠ Challenges: Some employees may miss the consistency of a personal desk, and popular spots can go fast.

Assigned desks

A dedicated desk means employees sit in the same place every day, creating a more traditional work environment.

• Predictability – Employees always know where they’ll be working.

• Personalised workspaces – Custom setups lead to comfort and productivity.

• Less daily setup – No need to search for a desk each morning.

⚠ Challenges: Assigned desks can lead to inefficient space usage, especially with hybrid working models.

Which one is right for you?

Hybrid work models often combine both approaches, offering assigned desks for specific roles while enabling hot desking for flexibility. The best choice depends on your company’s work culture, office space, and employee needs.

Read more about real-life implementation examples.