Hotdesking

[theeternalstudent]

I've been offered my dream job. It's been a long time in the planning. However, I've only just found out that the company operate a hot desk policy. Think large open plan department and free for all on computers/desks. Turns out that there just isn't enough desks or equipment for everyone. So much so that they have had to implement a compulsory 'work at home' day for everyone. Work at home doesn't really work for me and my personal circumstances. TBH it just sounds like hell to me. Doesn't everyone like to have their own desk where they can set out their stuff and make themselves comfortable?

Do I have to accept that this is the way of office working in the future? or should I just turn down the job.

I sound like I'm a bit full of myself saying that I won't do it as I need a desk. So does everyone!

I hate this. I have a few medical conditions and I'm dyslexic so it can take time for my workspace to be right for me, too much time to do it every day.

One place I worked had this and there were a few problems, one person liked to use a particular PC, which was fine, except that he insisted on closing it down every time he's used it, which was not fine because it was also the print server.

velvetspoon
Your employer is breaching the HS at Work Act, amended by the DSE regulations (sometime in the early 1990s).

So what happens if you get to work and there's no desk left for you?
Do you go home or have to stand around waiting for somebody else to leave?

I've never worked in an office... I can't get my head around this at all...

Can you install your own desk? With your name on it. With planning permission of course.

Hot dealing would be my idea of hell! I'm both a hoarder & a nester. I think I would seriously consider turning down a job because of it. I'm also not a fan of working from home

Wonder if hotdeskers could get away with one of these!

Ooh that fold-away desk is amazing! Definitely a good compromise to the hot-desking thing.

No its not, that desk is a terrible ergonomic design. That chair is completely unsupportive, the laptop is the wrong height and the desk isn't big enough by a long shot.

I'd rather the unergononmic desk than the previous person's snot/lunch crumbs/norovirus germs!

It was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek. Can you imagine coming back from annual leave and pulling yours out only to find someones borrowed it a fortnight ago and left their brew and half eaten apple inside ?grim?

Hot desking doesn't remove the need to make reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone has a workspace set up to suit them, ie supportive, adjustable chair, monitor at correct height, foot stool etc. Those who need special software (eg because they are visually impaired or have dyslexia, for example) must also have it made available by the employer.

I like the idea of having your own mouse and keyboard. They are pretty cheap compared to staff being off sick after picking up germs.