Facilitating Hotdesking in a Hybrid Office Environment: Lessons from the Hotdesking Experiences of Workers in a Malaysian GLC

Abstract

In recent years, the dynamic evolution of work arrangements has prompted organisations to adopt hybrid office environments, where remote work and on-site presence harmonise. Within this context, hotdesking has emerged as a flexible solution for optimising workspace utilisation and fostering collaboration. This research explores the experiences of workers within a prominent Malaysian Government-Linked Company (GLC). The qualitative research presented herein aligns with three pivotal research objectives, collectively contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the hotdesking landscape within the Malaysian GLC context. This research captures the essence of how workers navigate different types of non-territorial activities that are associated with hotdesking. Through illuminating direct and participant observation as well as semi-structured walking interviews that were conducted between July and August of 2023, the study unveiled three types of work activities and six types of non-territorial work settings within the organisation. The aims revolves around an exploration of the underlying themes that define the hotdesking experiences of workers at the study site. This thematic analysis provides insides into how different underlying themes are shaping up based on the evolving spatial and social dynamics of the hybrid office. The findings demonstrate the crucial role of the physical workspace, the adaptive strategies employed by workers, and the multifarious factors contributing to their satisfaction levels. These insights provide valuable guidance to organisations seeking to cultivate effective and satisfying hybrid office environments. This research provides a holistic view of the intricate world of hotdesking, anchored in the experiences of workers within a Malaysian GLC. By addressing the research aims, it extends the understanding of hotdesking dynamics, contributing empirically derived insights that enrich the discourse on modern workspace strategies.