Desk sharing

Definition

Desk sharing consists of sharing the offices of a company. Employees no longer have an assigned desk and can choose their workspace, which can take the form of an open space or a coworking space, for example. This therefore requires a reorganisation of the work environment.

Companies have been implementing desk sharing since the generalisation of remote work, where employees visit the office less regularly.

The management of these flexible spaces often requires the use of desk booking tools, allowing the employee to reserve their workstation quickly, and the company to have a concrete view of the occupancy of the spaces.

Do not confuse desk sharing and flex office

Be careful not to confuse desk sharing and flex office! Like desk sharing, flex office involves sharing workstations. However, flex office goes further in the concept of shared office: the different spaces of the company will be modified. Some parts of the premises will be redesigned to meet the needs and expectations that Employees may have during their day in the office. This may involve the creation of relaxation areas, meeting rooms and areas dedicated to collaboration.

Advantages

This more flexible work organisation has several advantages for employees:

• Creation of social links: as offices are shared, it is easier for Employees to interact. In addition, they will not necessarily be in the same office every day and may find themselves next to other employees from different teams, encouraging meetings.
• Better collaboration: with employees in open spaces, they can work and communicate as a team more easily.
• Increased productivity, accentuated by regular changes of location.

There are also advantages for the company! First of all, by adopting this shared office organisation method, savings can be made, as employees visit the office less often.

This solution is also an effective way to improve the employer brand. In 2022, 28% of employees were already in flex office (Parella), which shows that more and more employees are joining office sharing because of the various advantages mentioned above. Companies are then more likely to reduce their departure rate and attract new talent.

In summary

The principle of desk sharing is the sharing of office resources and workstations. The employee no longer has a fixed office, promoting better collaboration and allowing cost savings. However, desk sharing should not be confused with flex office. Flex office goes further by redeveloping or creating spaces, which often requires a period of work.