How to integrate hoteling space into your office infrastructure
As the digital age progresses, businesses are tasked with finding innovative ways to accommodate employees that work off site from remote locations, while still maintaining an office presence. One of the most practical, growing solutions is to create hoteling space. Hoteling space usually means setting up multiple desks in a designated area of the office for those employees that come and go.
Some of the benefits of hoteling space include greater mobility, flexible use of satellite offices, an improved central filing system, and a more compact and efficient office, not to mention reduced real estate expenses. Traditionally, desks in hoteling spaces are reserved in advance, while hot desking spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Regardless of the structure, the workspace is available for daily and hourly use, without designating a permanent assigned seat. So this wouldn’t be the right environment for plants and family pictures.
Who is it for?
Hoteling space isn’t for every business, but it is great for those that have multiple satellite offices. This way, employees can check in from different offices to have touchdown space while visiting other cities. It’s a convenient solution for businesses that provide consulting services, where personnel spends a lot of time on the road, but might need a place to work for a few hours while in another city. It also bodes well for industries that have a heavy sales force who spend most of their time out in the field. While they might not need a permanent desk, it provides them with a space to work when they have to be on site.
What should you know?
Since the hoteling model means that the spaces are available for temporary seating, it should be managed effectively. That means developing clear policies on the use of space, including how to reserve them, for what time frame they may be utilized, and how the spaces should be left once the workers are finished using the space. There is reservation software that can help track use and make it easy to know who goes where and at what time. In addition to hoteling software, the technology component should also be addressed if such a model is adopted. Businesses will need to have a system in place for cloud-based technology, so that employees can access the server files and storage on a shared drive. Technology is a critical component of mastering hoteling space.
What are ways to stay organized?
Utilizing hoteling space is an easy solution for some businesses, but it does require a bit of advanced thinking. The overall furniture schematic of the office space should be factored in before any decisions are made. That means accounting for additional meeting spaces, using sound-masking technology to reduce noise and making comfortable furniture selections — not to mention choosing desks that accommodate the right number of users. Evaluate all of the different types of space that employees could need when designing the floor plan. Another thing to consider is security, so providing a place for employees to safely store their belongings is an additional convenience.
Once the space is properly configured for shared seating, the benefits can be limitless. From a reduced footprint, to accommodating today’s digital workforce, productivity could certainly increase. Plus, it will give the employees who spend most of their time out of the office, a place to call home — even if just for a few hours.
Thinking about setting up hoteling space in your office? Rightsize can help. Please contact us for more information and one of our representatives will walk you through the process.
About Rightsize:
Rightsize Facility Performance, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is a nationwide office interiors and facilities services firm serving corporate clients in transition. Founded in 2004, Rightsize employs an industry leading “Design/Furnish” approach to ensure seamless workplace transitions and is a single source for interior design, furniture procurement, delivery and installation, asset disposition, facility decommissioning and ancillary project services. Through its Office Furniture Center brand, which includes OfficeFurnitureCenter.com and a 200,000-square-foot showroom, Rightsize also provides a single source for quality workstations, desks, seating, filing, conference and reception furniture. For more information please visit www.rightsizefacility.com.
