Hoteling

Definition of Hoteling

Hoteling is a modern office management concept where professionals are not assigned permanent office space but rather utilize workspaces on an as-needed basis. This practice is especially common among firms such as law offices, accounting firms, and consulting businesses whose employees spend a significant amount of time traveling. When professionals come into the office, they are assigned temporary workspaces, similar to how hotel guests are allocated rooms. These workspaces come equipped with necessary work tools and can be personalized temporarily for comfort and efficiency.

Examples of Hoteling

1. Law Firms:

   • Harold, an attorney, travels frequently for cases and client meetings. When he returns to his firm’s primary office, he checks in with the receptionist, who assigns him a prepared workspace. Key items like family photos are brought in for the day.

2. Consulting Firms:

   • Jane, a business consultant, is on-site with clients four days a week. When she needs to work from her company’s headquarters, she books a desk for the day online, knowing that everything she needs will be set up when she arrives.

3. Accounting Firms:

   • Stevens & Co., a CPA firm, utilizes hoteling for their auditors who are often out in the field. Each time the auditors are in the office, they are assigned a different desk and necessary files and tools are loaded onto their computers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between hoteling and hot desking?

• Hot Desking: Employees choose any available desk upon arrival.
• Hoteling: Employees reserve desks or offices in advance, often with assigned seating similar to hotel room bookings.

What are the benefits of hoteling?

• Efficiency: Maximizes office space utilization.
• Cost Savings: Reduces the need for individual workspaces for every employee.
• Flexibility: Supports modern work lifestyles and remote working trends.
• Customization: Can be tailored to meet the specific needs of an employee during their stay.

Are there any disadvantages to hoteling?

• Disruption: Lack of a permanent desk can disrupt work routines.
• Storage: Personal items need to be moved frequently, which may be inconvenient.
• Communication: Impromptu meetings and communications may be hampered without regular physical presence.

How is a hoteling program typically implemented?

• Technology: Use of desk management systems for reservations.
• Policies: Clear guidelines on booking, usage, and etiquette.
• Support: Availability of tech support and concierge services for seamless transitions.

Related Terms

Hot Desking

A workspace system where employees do not have assigned desks but take an available one each day.

Coworking Space

Shared offices used by people from different organizations, typically used by freelancers and small businesses.

Remote Work

Employees can work from any location outside the official offices, often from home or other remote locations.

Flex Office Space

Flexible office spaces that can be adapted or rented according to the fluctuating needs of a business.

Online Resources

1. Cornell Real Estate and Hotel Administration Journal
2. Gartner: Office Hoteling vs. Hot Desking
3. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

References

1. Becker, Franklin. Offices at Work: Uncommon Workspace Strategies that Add Value and Improve Performance. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.
2. Duffy, Francis, et al. Work and the City: A Speculum Guide to the Future of Office Buildings and Precincts. Routledge, 2013.
3. Gandini, Alessandro. The Reputation Economy: Understanding Knowledge Work in Digital Society. Springer, 2016.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Laing, Andrew. Workplace Strategies and Facilities Management. Routledge, 2012.
2. Kampschroer, Kevin & Heerwagen, Judith H.. Creating the Productive Workplace. Taylor & Francis, 2000.
3. Wong, Edward. Open Office Design. RIBA Publishing, 2018.

Real Estate Basics: Hoteling Fundamentals Quiz