Unassigned seating is on the rise — our data shows 10% of the U.S. workforce no longer has an assigned seat at work, doubling from 5% in 2019. While the idea of unassigned seating (also known as ‘hot desking,’ ‘dynamic seating,’ and ‘hoteling,’ etc.) isn’t new, its recent growth in application is notable. With a large enough portion of the workforce now in unassigned seating, we’re able to more deeply examine the qualities of their workplace experience, and begin to understand the implications of this trend for overall effectiveness and experience.

HALF OF THOSE IN UNASSIGNED SEATING WANT THEIR SEAT BACK

The reviews are mixed: many workers in unassigned seating want their seat back, while many are happy with the scenario. There was a significant year-to-year increase in those reporting working in an unassigned seating arrangement, however, our findings demonstrate that workplaces considering a shift to this option should proceed with caution. In fact, half of those in an unassigned seating scenario want their seat back.

PEOPLE IN UNASSIGNED SEATING REPORT LOWER WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE

Taken as a whole, our data suggests unassigned seating has a negative impact on performance and experience — a challenge to a dominant narrative centered around assumptions about associated increased choice and freedom. For the people who like unassigned seating, the negative impacts are diminished. Those workers report lower performance, but a slightly better experience than the average worker.