The Effects of ‘Hot-desking’ on Staff Morale: An Exploratory Literature Scoping Review

Introduction: This scoping review investigated literature from both national and international databases to identify any published literature noting the effect and efficiency of “hot-desking” among health and wellbeing professionals. Aims/purpose: The aim of this report was to provide a review of the literature that addresses the utilisation of hot-desking — specifically, the effects of hot-desking upon productivity and staff morale of health and wellbeing professionals. Method: To successfully conduct this study, a modified scoping review framework from Arksey and O’Malley (2005) was utilised, namely: (i) identification of the research question, (ii) developing an exclusion and inclusion criterion, (iii) categorising relevant studies, (iv) charting data, and (v) assembling, summarising and reporting the results. Results: Four key themes were identified throughout the sourced literature: (i) teamwork, (ii) communication, (iii) impact of the work environment and (iv) productivity. Discussion: Currently there is minimal literature relating to the effects and efficiency of hot-desking among health and wellbeing professionals. However, key findings suggest that while there may be some benefits in hot-desking, there is an overall negative impact on staff morale due to teamwork, communication, and productivity being reduced within the workplace, when compared to staff having individually assigned desks. Conclusion: The limited number of specialist literature obtainable in relation to health and wellbeing professionals indicates a need for further research on the impact of hot-desking. While further research in this field is warranted, this exploratory scoping review suggests that, overall, even given some benefits of hot-desking, there should be considerable concern for the mental wellbeing of personnel due to increased workplace distractions, an increase in staff absenteeism, subsequent reduced levels of communication and interaction, as well as a reduction in staff moral.