Desk booking software is not new. However, in the post-COVID world, it serves a much larger purpose. It helps offices comply with safety guidelines for disinfection, social distancing, and not exceeding floor capacity limits. Thus, it forms the basis of a hybrid work environment that several companies are now adopting.
Switching to flexible working demands willingness and the ability to adapt to changing situations. A hybrid workplace is identified by its flexibility. So big and small changes are an integral part of a hybrid work model.
If your hybrid workplace is up for revamp, you must know the latest and the best desk booking trends in the market today. You could be an IT manager, a facility manager, or an HR manager – we will help you stay updated.
Also Read: What is Desk Booking Software?
How do You Decide What Needs to Change in a Hybrid Workplace?
Before you go ahead with a full-blown revamp, planning and prioritizing will help you save time and money. More importantly, you will realize its benefits sooner and how.
1. Take Note of Usage Patterns and Preferences
When you first switch to a hybrid work model, things may not pan out as per the plan. Even if it does, there is always scope for improvement. Do not be surprised to find processes circumvented or equipment lying unused. Identify your space requirements and list things you can do better in version two of your hybrid work model.
2. Speak to the Users, Your Employees
Space utilization data is half the story – the other half comes from qualitative surveys and anecdotal evidence. If users say they call to book desk because the app crashes all the time, you know what to fix.
Running periodic surveys will help you decide the scope of revamping better. You can get significant insights about
- Major draws to work on-site
- Changes that can make people more productive
- Features employees seldom or often use
- Ideal solutions from a user’s perspective
Bonus Read: How to Implement a Office Desk Reservation Software
3. Plan for the Future
Admittedly, a hybrid work model would be new for most companies. Also, many could be on the cusp of significant changes – accelerated growth, bigger teams, more locations, etc. Factor such possibilities into your plan to save time and effort.
Popular Desk Booking Trends in Hybrid Workplace
Once you have your requirements, it is time to start exploring the best options in the market. Here are a few features businesses are increasingly looking for in a desk booking solution. Make sure you have these on your list when revamping your hybrid workplace.
Desk Booking Trends 1: Elasticity in Inventory Management
Right now, you could have 20 percent of your workers visiting the office. If the regulations allow, it could be 60 percent soon. Consequently, your desk inventory requirements change. Therefore, you must pick a solution that offers you elasticity in inventory management.
Desk Booking Trends 2: Occupancy Sensors
Knowing when a desk is unoccupied and for what duration helps in several ways. For one, the housekeeping staff can clean and disinfect it without disturbing work. And say, if a desk stays occupied for only 5 percent or 10 percent of the time, you can try and optimize its usage.
IoT-based sensors can help you get this data with ease.
Desk Booking Trends 3: Real-time Monitoring
Data helps you make the right decisions. Real-time data helps make decisions in time. If a desk booking system collects real-time data and presents it through an easy-to-understand dashboard, go for it. Of course, it must also have other must-have features from your list of requirements.
Recommended Reading: How to make Desk Booking Accessible to All
Desk Booking Trends 4: Spatial Information/Neighborhood Discovery
When booking a desk, employees have their priorities and preference – natural light, low noise, or in-person collaboration with other team members. A desk booking solution should provide these details to help employees choose a suitable desk. Understandably, it reduces changes in booking and cancellation requests.
Desk Booking Trends 5: Mobile-first / Mobile-centric Experience
Another critical aspect of delivering a good user experience is to take a mobile-first approach. Choose a solution that lets employees book desks through a mobile application. At the same time, the backend desk management should also be accessible on a smartphone.
Not using a mobile-based solution takes away much-needed flexibility from the users. And flexibility forms the bedrock of the hybrid work model.
Desk Booking Trends 6: Automated request handling
The user experience of facility and IT managers managing desk bookings is equally crucial. If one were to handle booking and cancellations manually, a desk booking system serves little purpose.
Ideally, a desk booking solution must release a seat to the available pool post-cancellation. It must also handle change requests for time or location without manual intervention.
Desk Booking Trends 7: Modular Solutions
Uncertainty has always been a part of doing business. If anything, the pandemic only held a magnifying glass to it. Therefore, companies today prefer solutions where they buy capabilities incrementally when needed.
It helps minimize initial investment by not spending on features you do not require at the moment. However, you might need those later as you grow. A modular desk booking solution helps you do it with minimal effort.
Conclusion
The above list captures the common emerging trends in desk booking customer preferences across industries. While most companies are looking for these features, they have other unique requirements too. However, if one picks a common denominator, it is employee experience.
Employee experience has emerged as a compass for decision-making in a hybrid work model. It has helped companies attract and retain talent. A seamless hybrid work model experience also boosts employee productivity. So, striving to provide a great user experience is a win-win for both businesses and employees.
If a desk booking app is known for its relentless focus on exceptional user experience, make sure you shortlist it.
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