What is the way forward?
As flexible and hybrid working strategies gain a stronghold in the world of workplace, how do you know which direction is the best for your employees, your organisation and your buildings?
Companies are increasingly asking why they should assign desks to employees who use them only a fraction of the time. Though a valid question, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding which seating strategy is best for your workplace, and there isn’t a one size fits all approach.
Our research delves into the benefits and challenges of assigned and unassigned seating strategies, and explores the role variety plays in work settings and achieving a positive workplace experience for your employees.
The current landscape
While it’s easy to believe that assigned workplaces lead to better employee experiences, our data suggests that both assigned and unassigned workspaces offer similar levels of experience. However, workplaces with unassigned seating strategies have some of the highest Leesman workplace experience scores (Lmi), but equally, also some of the worst scores.
Why do the outcomes vary so significantly from one unassigned workplace to another?
Simply put, not all unassigned workplaces are the same. And this is where variety comes to play a crucial role. There are two types of unassigned workplaces most commonly found: those that offer a range of workspaces to employees depending on the activity being performed, and those with only a uniform sea of desks and minimal meeting rooms, commonly referred to as hot-desking.
So, what are workplaces doing across different regions and industries?
While the unassigned seating approach is gaining traction, the rate of adoption varies. For example, Oceania has the largest portion of unassigned workplaces overall (81%), but more importantly are committed to providing employees with good variety (54%). In contrast, North America has the biggest share of workplaces with assigned strategies (65%), and the lowest share of unassigned workplaces with good variety (15%).
The Value of Variety
Making the right choice
Though it may seem as if the business case for unassigned workplaces with a good variety of workspaces is the strongest, the decision is not that simple. While unassigned workplaces with good variety offer a better employee experience, assigned workplaces see higher attendance. So, how do you strike the right balance?
The assigned approach
Of assigned workplaces, nearly half score an Lmi ≥70.0. There are simply some aspects of the employee workplace experience that an assigned seating strategy supports better. For example, personalisation of the workstation, which 55% of employees are satisfied with in assigned workplaces. This can be important in a hybrid world where employees are used to having workstations they can customise at home.
The unassigned approach
Unassigned strategies can lead to the best or worst experiences, with workspace variety being the key differentiator. Variety is crucial for supporting all types of activities, and when done right, unassigned workplaces can outperform assigned ones in most aspects, significantly improving business outcomes. Of the workplaces with good variety, 65% score an Lmi ≥70.0, compared to 17% of those with poor variety.
Understanding the users
Even if you have invested in a variety of workspaces and your employee experiences scores are promising, you shouldn’t assume that everyone in your unassigned workplace will be having the same great experience. We have identified three key groups based on their experience in the work environment.
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Our latest research delves into the strengths and challenges of different seating strategies to help organisations support their employees in an ever-evolving workplace dynamic.