Hot desking: How to avoid office chaos

Are your return-to-office mandates seeing pushback over hot-desking arrangements? Check out these top tips for avoiding conflict.

Hot-desking arrangements quickly became a staple in office environments in Australia. Particularly over the last few years, business leaders have adopted this strategy to better utilise office space and encourage workers to mix across departmental lines.

However, with return-to-office mandates taking off, there may be some headwinds you find yourself having to navigate – particularly among generations, according to a statement from hot-desking software firm OfficeMaps.

“Etiquette differences between the generations already lead to trouble at work, but when hot desking is thrown into the mix, chaos can ensue,” the firm said.

“Boomer workers are known for their competitiveness, self-sufficiency, and experience, while Millennials and Gen [Zers] tend to be collaborative, values-driven workers who eschew traditional hierarchies. In the middle are Gen X, who are defined by their balanced, practical, and informal outlook.

“Intergenerational conflict is largely driven by differences in values but can easily be overcome with a little mutual understanding. Things like communicating in person as opposed to email, embracing new ways of doing things, and connecting over shared goals are essential for a harmonious workplace.”

To avoid potential conflict over hot-desking arrangements, OfficeMaps recommends laying out some basic ground rules:

1. Always be on time.

“Some workers may frown upon their more laissez-faire colleagues for being late and staying past their booked time. Being respectful of the clock will help avoid this type of conflict.”

2. Be open-minded towards other people and their work styles.

“Some workers like to bring their laptops to the kitchen to keep working; others prefer to text rather than talk. No matter your preference, it’s important to keep in mind no approach is necessarily the ‘right’ one. So long as colleagues are not violating any rules regarding noise, they are valid in their choice of how they work.”

3. Stay home if you’re sick.

“Post-pandemic, there’s no need to soldier on if you’re feeling under the weather. Colleagues will be grateful for the lack of germs to spread, and you can always check into work remotely if needed.”

4. Don’t abuse the system.

“Conflict arises when some workers overstep by overbooking workstations and conference rooms, excessively using the printer, using others’ things from desks to ‘borrowed’ pens, and preventing others from doing the same. Likewise, no one likes a desk hog, so try booking a desk other than the office favourite with a view every once in a while to keep the peace.”

5. Lend a helping hand.

“Knowledge transfer is a huge perk to being in the office, and everyone stands to benefit from it. For younger workers, this could be mentorship and support for their budding careers. Older workers could benefit from learning how to navigate new technologies.”