Hot desking vs. neighbourhoods

During recent collaborations with clients, we’ve noticed a strong preference for the ‘neighbourhoods’ workspace model over hot desking. We tailor solutions to suit company preferences whilst prioritising employee needs, creating spaces that truly enhance work environments.

Hot Desking:

A flexible office arrangement where employees do not have assigned desks and choose a workspace daily.

Positives:

Flexibility in choosing workspaces, fostering a dynamic environment.

Cost-effective, optimising space utilisation, reducing energy bills and therefore benefiting the environment.

Encourages broader social connections within the company by sitting next to different people.

Negatives:

Lack of personal space can be challenging for employees.

Searching for a workspace can be distracting and time-consuming.

Shared desks may lead to cleanliness issues.

Less extroverted employees may struggle to build relationships.

Neighbourhoods:

A structured office layout grouping employees into designated areas based on teams or functions, fostering community and collaboration while providing a consistent and personalised workspace.

Positives:

Fosters a strong sense of community and belonging.

Consistent workspaces enhance productivity.

Personalised spaces create a comfortable environment.

Grouped teams facilitate better communication and collaboration.

Negatives:

Fixed workstations can limit adaptability.

Potential for underutilised spaces if employees work remotely often.

Poorly designed neighbourhoods may be less energy efficient, and therefore worse for the environment.

Our clients increasingly prefer the neighbourhood’s model, balancing community and consistency for a more productive and satisfied workforce. As seen below, Bruntwood’s Head Office utilises neighbourhoods and agile workspaces like these soundproof virtual meeting pods. We are experts at enhancing the positive aspects, and mitigating the negatives, of whichever workplace model you choose, to deliver the office your employees deserve.