More and more of us are hot desking and it’s not simply a response to this summer’s sweltering heat.
In offices where employees work shift patterns, asking staff to find a new spot every day instead of offering fixed desks is pretty commonplace.
Bosses like it because it’s a cost-saving measure – not everyone is in the centre at the same time so sharing desks saves space.
For employees, however, it can be a frustrating process. Who wants to do the office equivalent of getting your towel on the sunbed every morning to be sure of a good spot?
To avoid staff meltdowns over who gets the seat next to the window, employers are now bringing in hot desking etiquette.
Typical rules might include not eating at your desk (especially egg and tuna sandwiches!), a use it or lose it approach to unattended work stations, not leaving a cardigan over the chair to reserve the best placed desk and a ban on sitting next to your office bestie every day.
But if your hot desk anxiety levels are still rising, we’ve top tips to help you keep cool.
Get organised
Everything in life is easier if you’re organised. Being an office nomad means you can’t leave piles of paper or sticky reminder notes overnight so develop other ways of dealing with on-going work. Start by keeping a task list or store notes inside an easy-to-manage work folder.
Only carry what you need
Pare down your office equipment to the minimum so it’s easy to clear away at night and set up in the morning. You might need paper, pens and highlighter every day but only occasionally use a stapler, hole punch and files. Keep essential stuff with you and put the rest in a locker or sports bag.
Cleanliness is next to godliness
Unfortunately, hot desking means you’re potentially exposed to other people’s colds and bacteria, especially in winter. Thankfully, many firms have anti-microbial mice and keyboards, as well as a daily cleaning regime. But hand sanitiser, keyboard wipes and a packet of tissues are always handy to have.
Enjoy the social aspect
One of the benefits of hot desking is the chance to sit next to different people and get to know them better. This can create a more sociable office culture. It also means you can body swerve some of the less appealing colleagues you might otherwise be stuck with every day!
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