What is desk sharing?

Desk sharing gives workers the flexibility to choose which desk they want to work at. It is the opposite of fixed desks where each employee is allocated their own desk. Without each employee owning a desk, workers are free to move around the office and work where they can be most productive, which also encourages teamwork and collaboration.

How do you share a work desk?

To share desks effectively, businesses should deploy a workspace scheduling system. Our desk management software enforces workspace booking, meaning employees have the flexibility and choice of which space they wish to book before they arrive at the office.

What is a desk sharing policy?

A desk sharing policy is where employees share desks instead of each employee being assigned a permanent desk. An employee can book or work at any free desk and once they have finished, the employee can leave the desk and another employee can then use it. The useful thing about our desk management software is that it ensures workspaces are cleaned after every use through an automatic vendor workflow when the desk occupant changes. With our software, the desk can only be used once the sanitization processes have taken place.

Desk sharing etiquette

When it comes to sharing workspaces, there are a number of dos and don’ts which should be understood by all employees to ensure everyone in the shared space remains happy. General desk sharing etiquette includes the following:

• Workspaces should be booked in advance
• Always clear up after yourself once you are finished using a workstation
• Keep noise to a minimum
• Follow the hygiene practices that are set out in the office
• Leave communal areas how you found them
• Respect the privacy of other workers
• If you are ill or sick avoid using a desk sharing space

Desk sharing tips

Here are some key tips to make desk sharing successful in your organization:

• Implement an easy-to-use workspace scheduling solution
• Involve employees in the implementation process
• Make sure all employees understand your desk sharing policy
• Create guidelines that cover desk sharing etiquette
• Provide access to a variety of spaces including open collaborative spaces, huddle rooms, individual touchdown spaces
• Keep your workstation clean and always clear up once you are finished working