Desk Sharing Models: How to Find the Perfect Approach for Your Company
Which desk-sharing model is right for your company? We present the most popular approaches and show you what to look out for when choosing. Get started with flexible working with these tips!
The trend of desk sharing
Desk sharing is trendy – and for good reason. Flexible workplace models offer a wealth of advantages: they save costs, promote collaboration and enable employees to work independently. But how do you find the perfect model for your company? Here is an overview!
Free choice of seat: maximum flexibility in an open space
The principle is simple: all desks are freely available and everyone chooses a place of their own choosing in the morning. This allows for a high degree of personal responsibility and freedom of movement. In addition, teams mix naturally – exchange is encouraged and silo mentality is broken down.
However, it requires clear rules and discipline within the team. Because if every space is constantly “on air”, clutter can quickly arise. A “clean desk policy” is mandatory here: workplaces must be completely cleared in the evening. The technology must also be right so that everyone can quickly “plug in”.
Assigned areas: the best place for every task
A popular alternative is to divide the office into different zones. For example, there could be an area with individual workstations for concentrated work, one for teamwork and meetings, telephone boxes for undisturbed calls and a lounge for relaxation.
Employees can flexibly choose the place that best suits the task at hand. This enables focused work and spontaneous collaboration at the same time. In addition, the interior design can be optimally adapted to the needs of the various activities - from acoustics to technical equipment.
Homebase: your place in the company
For some, it can get too “bustle” without any fixed workstations at all. The Homebase model offers a good compromise: here, everyone has an assigned desk that they can design individually – a “regular place” in the office, so to speak.
At the same time, the company provides additional areas and rooms for shared use. This way, you always have a place to retreat to, where your personal equipment is safely stored. And yet you can also “move” to other areas and work with colleagues, depending on the task at hand.
Which desk-sharing approach suits you?
There is no single perfect model for all companies. Rather, it depends on individual factors, such as:
- Team size and structure
- Type of work
- Need for concentration or collaboration
- Extent of home office and external appointments
- Technical requirements
- Space situation and budget
That's why it's important to take a close look at your own requirements in advance. Talk to your employees, analyze workflows and get feedback. This way, you can ensure that your desk sharing concept really suits your team.
The key to success? Flexibility and participation!
No matter which model you choose, it must meet the needs of your company and be supported by your employees. Only when everyone can identify with the new way of working can desk sharing reach its full potential.
Involve your team in the planning from the outset and design your new workplace together. Try things out and optimize continuously. And above all: stay flexible! The world of work is constantly evolving – and with it, the requirements for modern office concepts.
Desk sharing offers the opportunity to create a future-proof workplace that motivates employees and creates space for innovation. So what are you waiting for? Start your desk sharing project now and bring a breath of fresh air into your office!