Hot desk summer: what your desk choice says about you

What’s this summer’s hottest workplace accessory? No, not a company-branded mask (those are so 2020). It’s your hot desk. Hybrid work is here, which means that desks, like fashion accessories, are interchangeable. Permanent desk assignments are likely a thing of the past in your workplace. What desk (and what day of the week) you choose to work from may actually be guided by your personality. Let’s break down what your desk choice says about you.

If you prefer the desk right in the middle of the action

You’re an extrovert who thrives off of interacting with coworkers. WFH has been killing you slowly because you miss the hustle and bustle of workplace life. You don’t mind some background noise or ambient music while you work—in fact it helps you focus. You prefer to take work breaks in common areas, having a chat and grabbing a snack with a teammate. You can’t wait to spend a few days a week (probably Tuesday-Thursday) back with your coworkers and surrounded by friends again.

If you prefer the quiet desk by the window

You may be a bit more on the introverted side, or you just have work to do. No time for fun and games or loud neighbors. It’s heads-down, focus time. You’re the type to pop in your noise-canceling headphones, set up your laptop and snacks, and crank away for hours on end. You’re sick of sharing a dining room table with roommates or kicking your kids out of your WFH-office a million times a day. The workplace for you is a mini-haven—and that quiet spot by the window is calling your name.

If you prefer the desk in the same neighborhood as your team

You’re likely headed into the workplace a few days a week for in-person meetings. Maybe a team brainstorm or a big presentation. Either way, you need your people next to you. Not just because you miss your work bestie (let’s face it, constant Slack convos just haven’t been cutting it for the two of you), but also because your job depends on collaboration. If you’re going into the workplace, securing a desk in the same neighborhood as your teammates is a must.

If you prefer a different desk each day

You’re a socialite who loves to meet new coworkers and have a chat with someone who isn’t on your team. You know that changing up who you sit near can have a massive impact on your productivity and collaboration. Maybe you’re in a cross-functional role and would benefit from sitting near coworkers with whom you wouldn’t normally interact. Maybe you just get bored looking at the same view day after day. Either way, you’re the type who likes to mix it up. Let someone else (or something else, hint hint Envoy Desks) make the decision for you and select your desk for the day.

If you prefer the couch in the lounge

WFH has been a breeze for you. Pajama pants and no shoes all day? Score! Now that you’re back in the workplace a few days a week, you want the most comfortable spot in the building. Ambient noise doesn’t bother you, as long as you can kick back with your computer in your lap to work—after all it is called a laptop. You get your best work done with cozy coffee-shop vibes, with your favorite tea or latte right next to you, and a coworker or two jamming away nearby. Free up that desk you booked for the day for someone else to use. You’re kicking it on the couch. Did you see yourself in more than one category? That’s the beauty of hot-desking. You’re no longer tied down to the same desk each day. You can be a team-neighborhood-desk person on some days but a quiet-desk person on others.

Seamless hot-desking tools, like Envoy Desks, make it easy to get the desk you need to do your best work–no matter where that is.