{"id":3655,"date":"2023-06-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-21T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/discover-more\/blog\/what-is-hoteling-in-the-workplace\/"},"modified":"2024-09-10T00:33:43","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T04:33:43","slug":"what-is-hoteling-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/what-is-hoteling-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Hoteling in the workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Definition of hoteling\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

When traveling far from home, you visit a hotel and need a place to rest and recuperate. You might stay a few days, but eventually, you\u2019ll be on your way. The concept of a hotel desk is much the same\u2014everything you need to work when you don\u2019t have a workplace to call \u201chome.\u201d But there are some significant differences.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is hoteling in the workplace and how is it different from hot desking?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s essential to understand hoteling as a practice in <\/span>the modern workplace<\/span><\/a>. Having a grip on the framework of<\/span> revolving desk reservations<\/span><\/a> will help better integrate this concept into the workplace. With the right processes, it\u2019s easy to maximize the convenience of hoteling while downplaying the pitfalls of non-traditional desking arrangements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoteling vs. hot desking<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a lot of confusion between workplace hoteling and hot desking. The terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably. The difference comes down to the level of control and <\/span>organization<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoteling<\/span><\/a> involves pre-booking and checking into a concierge to access a space, much like at an actual hotel. Even in a room full of empty desks and unoccupied workstations, a person has to check in with central booking to access their spot. It may be a person, or it could be self-directed software. What matters is that the process is the same for everyone, and there\u2019s a standardized record of the desk assignment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hot desking is more free-wheeling. It\u2019s still based on an unassigned desk concept, but the execution is first-come, first-served. If any employee sees an open space, they can claim it and get to business \u2014 no reservation is required. Some hot desking setups may still require a check-in, but there\u2019s no need for reservations. Check-in is merely a form of capacity control.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Though similar in concept, hoteling and hot desking diverge in how workers access space. Workplaces seeking more control over space utilization will opt for hoteling; casual environments without capacity concerns tend to embrace hot desking.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does hoteling work?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The benefits of office hoteling or hoteling desks come from its marriage of order and freedom. Just as you can pick the room right at the hotel you want over defined dates, hotel desking works the same way. There\u2019s freedom of choice dictated by standardization. An example:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim wants a workspace with a view on Friday. There are two coworking spaces within walking distance from his apartment, both with great views. Jim checks Friday availability for both and sees that Workspace A is booked, while Workspace B has an open workstation from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. He books Workspace B, arrives on time, and enjoys his workspace.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this simple scenario, there\u2019s no frantic search for a space with a view or finding out last-minute spaces aren\u2019t available. Jim knows exactly what he\u2019s getting and for how long. He\u2019s paid upfront. All he needs to do is check in to his workspace and get to work. The process is straightforward and chaos-free.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Standardizing the hoteling process\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Desk hoteling isn\u2019t without its drawbacks. Thankfully, they\u2019re easily handled if the process is well-standardized. Workplace hoteling software resolves many of the common gaps.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n