The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way companies operate. Although the initial shift to remote work was born out of necessity, many companies and employees have discovered the unexpected benefits of a hybrid work model. The flexibility and improved work-life balance offered by remote work have noticeably increased productivity and satisfaction among workers. As a result, companies are actively seeking ways to optimise the hybrid model, envisioning a future where remote work is no longer a temporary solution but rather an integrated part of the work experience. Among the emerging solutions, office hoteling stands out as a promising approach to workspace management that allows employees to reserve desks, meeting rooms, and other resources in advance (think of it as booking a hotel room for your workday). This approach empowers the employees and unlocks the full potential of the hybrid work model. By embracing office hoteling, companies can position themselves as attractive and adaptable workplaces in the evolving work landscape. This innovative approach offers a valuable tool for companies seeking to thrive in the hybrid future.
What exactly is office hoteling, and how does it operate?
Office hoteling reimagines traditional office setups by offering greater mobility, productivity, flexibility, and efficiency. It is a dynamic workspace management strategy that allows professionals to reserve office space on demand, eliminating the concept of assigned seating. It enables employees to select workspaces in advance based on their specific needs and preferences. This could be a quiet corner for focused work, a collaborative space for brainstorming sessions, or a private office for confidential calls. In essence, office hoteling empowers individuals to “check-in” to available workstations as if they were booking rooms in a hotel, hence the term “office hoteling.” Hoteling empowers employees with control over their work environment, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction.
Difference Between Office Hoteling and Hot Desking
As hybrid office culture is on the rise, hot desking emerges as another flexible workspace option, which can sometimes be confused with office hoteling. Unlike office hoteling, hot desking provides unassigned workstations on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging spontaneous usage. However, the lack of structure in hot desking can lead to inefficiencies and conflicts over workspace availability. It can be unfit for teams requiring coordinated efforts or individuals who value consistency in their work environment. In contrast, office hoteling’s structured reservation system offers planned flexibility, catering to diverse needs while ensuring smooth operations.
How can office hoteling benefit your organisation?
Enhanced flexibility and control: The beauty of a hybrid work model lies in its flexibility, allowing employees to choose how much and when they work from the office. However, without a system for managing workspaces, this flexibility can turn into chaos. Office hoteling bridges this gap by empowering employees to design their workday. Need to focus on a complex report? Book a quiet corner. Brainstorming with colleagues? Pick a collaborative zone with whiteboards and a comfy couch. The flexibility of this system also eases the work-from-home to office transition.
Boost in team collaboration and productivity: In a hybrid work structure, synchronising schedules and working locations can hinder seamless team collaboration. Office hoteling fosters spontaneous interactions and enhances communication among team members, directly contributing to increased productivity. This streamlined collaboration accelerates project timelines, resulting in a significant boost in overall productivity.
Resource Optimization: Traditional office layouts with assigned seating often have empty desks when employees work remotely. Hoteling eliminates this inefficiency by allowing multiple employees to use one desk in rotation. Companies can also reduce unused additional resources to save costs. For example, if a company has 100 employees but data shows that only 60 of them come into the office each day on average, the company might only need 60 designated workspaces. This frees up valuable space for other purposes or allows the company to cut down expenses by relinquishing that space. This approach ensures that no desk is left unused and the company is making the most of its resources.
Some challenges to keep in mind
Potential for Disruption: Hoteling can disrupt workflows if high-demand periods leave employees struggling to find suitable workspaces. Imagine you have a critical project deadline, but you cannot find any available focus room. Additionally, hoteling can create confusion about locating specific individuals. It might hinder impromptu collaborative conversations and potentially delay projects.
Reservation challenges: Effective workspace allocation relies on a robust reservation management system. Without it, technical errors such as system glitches and lagging cause delays and conflicts over resource access. Implementing this system may be challenging, but it’s essential for streamlining operations and maximising office hoteling benefits.
Limited Privacy and Personalization: Without designated workspaces, some employees may struggle to create personalised environments and may feel a lack of privacy, impacting their comfort and productivity. Balancing flexibility with providing a sense of ownership over the workspace is crucial.
How to Plan Office Hoteling for Your Company
Assess Organizational Needs: Start by understanding your company’s workflow, culture, and space requirements to determine if office hoteling aligns with your objectives.
Designate Spaces: Identify areas within your office that can be designated for office hoteling, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary amenities and technology.
Establish Reservation Guidelines: Develop clear guidelines and protocols for workspace reservations, for instance, booking procedures, duration of work, and cancellation policies.
Communicate Effectively: Communicate transparently about the transition to office hoteling with employees. Provide training and support to ensure a smooth transition.
Evaluate and Adapt: Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of office hoteling in your company, gather employee feedback, and make adjustments as needed to optimise the system.
Office hoteling represents a paradigm shift in office management, offering a dynamic and flexible alternative to traditional workspace arrangements. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the potential benefits in terms of productivity, collaboration, and resource optimisation make it a compelling option for companies in the hybrid workplace era. By carefully planning and implementing office hoteling strategies, companies can position themselves as attractive and adaptable workplaces in the evolving work landscape, empowering their workforce to thrive in a dynamic and adaptable work environment.
Author- Hridita Islam
