Disadvantages of desk sharing

In recent years, desk sharing has become a popular concept in modern offices. The idea is compelling: instead of having a permanently assigned workstation, employees use the available desks flexibly as needed. This promises greater efficiency, flexibility and space savings. However, as tempting as the advantages sound, the model also presents some challenges.

In this article, we want to take a closer look at the other side of the coin. What are the disadvantages of desk sharing in practice? What do companies need to bear in mind to ensure a successful transition? And what can employees do to cope well with the changes? Let's delve into the world of flexible workplaces!

Disadvantage 1: Loss of personal workspace

Perhaps the most obvious disadvantage of desk sharing is the loss of a personal workplace. For many people, their own desk is more than just a place to work. It is a piece of their identity and a home in the office. Photos of loved ones are displayed here, favorite calendars are hung up and the desk plant is cared for. With desk sharing, all of this is no longer the case.

Instead, employees sit in a different place every day, surrounded by the traces of the previous user. This can initially be a major adjustment and trigger feelings of loss of control and insecurity. Some miss the familiar atmosphere and find it harder to cope in the changing environments.

Tip: Create balance by giving your employees space for individuality. For example, provide lockable cabinets or personal roll containers in which everyone can store their utensils. It should also be possible to adjust the table and chair individually. This makes it easier to feel at home in a flexible workplace.

Disadvantage 2: Challenges for concentration and accessibility

Another disadvantage of desk sharing is that it breaks up familiar structures and routines. Instead of booting up their computer every morning and getting started, employees first have to find an available seat, connect their equipment and find their way around in changing surroundings. This costs time and nerves.

Desk sharing can also be a challenge when it comes to concentration. In a traditional office, you know which colleagues prefer quieter corners and where the communicative chatterboxes are sitting. With flexible workplaces, the composition changes daily. So it can be more difficult to find a place that meets your individual needs – whether it's absolute peace and quiet or an inspiring exchange with others.

Tip: Clever zoning of the office space can help here. Set up different areas – from quiet rooms to places for focused work and communicative team zones. This way, all employees can find an environment in which they can work productively. Clear rules of conduct, for example regarding volume or telephone calls, also help to create a pleasant working atmosphere.

Disadvantage 3: More difficult team building and collaboration

Closely related to this is the question of collaboration. Because if colleagues sit somewhere else every day, personal contact is often lost. You see each other less often, the little chat at the coffee machine is no longer possible. For some employees, this can lead to a feeling of isolation.

Desk sharing can also be a challenge for teamwork. Instead of a quick chat at the desk opposite, meetings now have to be planned in a more targeted way. Spontaneous idea generation is made more difficult when you first have to find a suitable room. And if you need help with a tricky task, you can no longer simply ask the colleague sitting next to you.

Tip: You can counteract this by consciously creating spaces and times for personal encounters. For example, a weekly get-together where teams sit together. Or a coffee corner that invites spontaneous chats. Co-working areas are also a good way to easily get in touch with colleagues and work together.

Disadvantage 4: Challenges for managers

Desk sharing can also mean a change for managers. Instead of having their team around them, they have to reorient themselves daily to where their employees are sitting. This can make personal exchange and collaboration more difficult. Sensitive conversations also have to be planned proactively instead of being conducted situationally at the workplace.

On top of that, there is the challenge of keeping an overview. How are things going in the team? Who needs support right now? Is the work being done? All of this is more difficult to see when you don't have your team in front of you every day. Leadership must now be more targeted and often more digital – a change that is not always easy.

Tip: It's important to have clear agreements and structures here. Arrange fixed times for team meetings and feedback sessions. Use digital tools to stay in touch and document project progress. And be consciously present as a manager – for example, by deliberately seeking proximity to your employees or offering digital office hours.

Conclusion: desk sharing needs preparation and support

The disadvantages mentioned show that desk sharing is not a sure-fire success. For the concept to work in practice, it needs careful preparation and continuous support. The challenges must be recognized and actively addressed. The early involvement of employees is a crucial success factor.

Talk openly about concerns and develop solutions together. Provide compensation for the loss of personal workplaces by offering space for individuality and encounters. Support your managers with training and tools for the changeover. And be patient – changes take time. It's best to start with a pilot area and gain experience before rolling out the model.

With the right preparation and an open corporate culture, you can effectively cushion the disadvantages of desk sharing and fully exploit the opportunities of flexible working. It pays to be brave and break new ground. Because the future of work is flexible – with desk sharing, you'll be well prepared for it!