Many companies are trying
hybrid work arrangements.
Employees work in the office,
for example,
for 2 days a week
and from home for 3 days a week.
This setup usually means
employees share desks.
They don’t have
permanent spots in the office.
For some roles,
this is a great setup.
Salespeople, for example,
are accustomed to being mobile.
to working from anywhere,
surrounded by a variety of people.
They often approach others.
Others don’t tend to approach them.
For some roles,
however,
this is a terrible setup.
I was once forced into this arrangement
on a temporary project management assignment
in a large company.
Hours out of my day
were spent explaining to team members
where I was seated.
People I didn’t know
regularly overheard our conversations,
learning the details
of a ‘top secret’ product launch.
And YES, a competitor
launched a similar product
before we did.
It was a disaster
and, going forward,
I always asked future employers
if I would have a permanent desk.
Shared desks don’t work
for every role.
Consider offering
permanent desks
to those who need them.