“Employee Frustrated by Overcrowded Hot Desking, Told by Boss to “Arrive Earlier” for a Spot “

A Singaporean employee recently voiced her frustration with the challenges of “hot desking,” describing how the system has created added stress and logistical issues at her workplace. According to her, the office has more employees than available desks, leading people to occupy lunch tables or meeting spaces just to find somewhere to sit.

Adding to the difficulty, her boss insists that she sit in a spot where she’s visible, rather than wherever there’s available space. This has left her “worrying if there’s a place to sit or not” each day, she shared. When employees raised these concerns with the director, they were simply told to “come earlier” to reserve a desk.

Other Singaporeans responded, noting that while hot desking can work with proper scheduling and planning, her company’s setup appeared inadequate. In well-managed systems, employees can book desks in advance, ensuring enough space and reducing daily anxiety.

Many companies have adopted hot desking as part of a hybrid work model to better utilize office space and reduce overhead. However, for some, like this employee, the lack of coordination can turn an intended benefit into a daily inconvenience.