An office hoteling app is proving to be a standout solution for a safe return to work as companies struggle to maintain workplace operations during an ongoing pandemic. There are many reasons why organizations are moving towards hoteling, including seat oversight, contact tracking, better space utilization, and improved individual workspace management. Using an Office hoteling app is the key to successfully navigating the new floor plan after COVID-19 and a lynchpin for returning to work.
Wayfinding involves both the user and the environment. Hotels need to manage their hoteling systems so that they can oversee things like workspace accessibility and seat availability. During the reintegration process, employees need to interact with that system and engage with it. An office hoteling app needs to support the latter’s role in seamless hoteling. Here are some of the most important features.
A real-time view of the desk
Workspaces must be visible to employees in real time. Real-time visibility is essential in the hospitality industry. What happens when a desk appears full but is actually vacant, or when two people book the same desk at the same time? Hoteling has the potential to serve as a flexible solution that empowers employees after they return to work, but only if the app provides real-time insights.
To achieve real-time desk visibility, look for cloud-based hoteling apps with low latency integrations. Double-bookings should also be handled by systems that recommend adjacent spaces or cancel a booking after another is confirmed.
Information that identifies the workspace
Apps that provide employees with more information will be more valuable to them. Information about the workspace must transcend the physical location of the desk or its square footage. Hotel desks should include the following information:
Size and location of the workspace
Furnishing type (desk, chair)
Plug-ins or USB connections are available
A/V and Ethernet hookups are present
Considerations particulières
The information presented here is intended to answer as many questions about the workspace as possible up front. Setting expectations is also a part of identifying the information. The presence of a standing desk in the profile may persuade an employee to choose that area over another. Be careful to set expectations that are realistic! When employees book a standing desk but arrive at one with a traditional sitting desk, they won’t be happy.
An integrated wayfinding system
Hoteling apps for employees need to include a wayfinding component for companies with multiple floors or large campuses. However, descriptions of the location of the desk (third floor, northeast corner by the copy closet) leave room for misunderstanding. Wayfinding is invaluable if dozens (or hundreds) of desks have similar layouts. The term “third floor cubicle cluster” is not an effective description and will result in employees seating themselves in the wrong seats. Using the navigation they should be taken directly to their seats and be able to confirm their location.
Integration with directories
Even with social distancing measures present, team dynamics remain important at the workplace. Even if they have to keep some distance between them, employees should sit near the people with whom they work. Under new social standards, it’s far easier to occupy a conference room when everyone is within a few desks rather than several floors.
