Hybrid working is the new norm, and offices have had to transform: hotdesking arrangements now feature prominently in workspace design.
Hybrid and Hot-desking Stats: Then & Now
- In the UK in April 2025, 39% of the workforce worked from home at least part of the time, including 26% hybrid workers and 13% fully remote. Just a decade ago, in 2015, only around 5 % worked from home at all STAT
- In Great Britain, 28% of adults were working hybrid as of March 2025, up from near-zero before the pandemic STAT
- Globally, 74% of companies now offer hybrid options, and 83 % of employees prefer hybrid over fully in-office roles STAT.
- Hybrid work delivers measurable benefits: companies report 18% productivity gains, reduced turnover (resignations fell by 33 % at Trip.com after switching to hybrid) and more innovation STAT.
Design & Branding: Signage’s Unsung Role
To support flexible work, office design and branding must rise to the challenge. Signage does much of the heavy lifting:
- Guided navigation: Clearly marked zones (e.g., “Quiet Area”, “Team Pods”, “Huddle Rooms”) help employees adapt to changing desk availability.
- Booking system integration: Digital displays at desks show real-time availability, reducing confusion and friction.
- Consistent branding: From entrance signage to desk tags and meeting-room labels, cohesive branding reinforces company culture and professionalism.
- Wayfinding for newcomers: First-time hybrid workers rely on clear paths and branded touchpoints to feel at home.
- Health & safety cues: Signage reminds users about hygiene protocols, spacing rules, and sanitising stations — vital in today’s workplace.
Without intuitive, well-designed signage, hot desking can become chaotic — leading to lost time, frustration, or even safety risks.
Hot-desking & Hybrid Working: Signage Working for you
In a hybrid workplace where people come and go throughout the week, signage plays a vital role in creating a sense of order, familiarity, and continuity. For employees who may not visit the office every day—or may sit in a different spot each time—clearly branded, well-positioned signage helps them navigate with confidence. It reinforces the brand identity while making the environment feel cohesive, welcoming, and easy to understand.
From digital displays that guide people to available desks, to wayfinding graphics that lead them to breakout spaces or meeting rooms, signage reduces friction and helps people settle in quickly. It also subtly supports company culture, offering reassurance that—even in a flexible, ever-changing setup—there’s structure, clarity, and care behind the design of the workplace.
Outlook
Hybrid and hotdesking setups are here to stay:
- 77 % of UK employers now offer hybrid working
- The return-to-office movement remains strong in some sectors but only works if the workspace is designed to engage, guide, and comfort everyone.
Takeaway
Hybrid working and hot-desking offer major benefits — but only when supported by thoughtful design, intelligent branding, and clear signage. To make that transition smooth, your workspace must feel intuitive, trusted, and representative of your company culture.
How Signbox can help
Empower your hybrid workplace with expertly crafted signage solutions from Signbox. With 40 years of experience, we understand how signage influences flow, safety, branding, and employee satisfaction.
Whether you’re retrofitting for hotdesking or building a brand-new hybrid office, our team delivers. Get in touch with Signbox today and let’s design a workplace that truly works!
Contact our expert team today to discuss your requirements and discover how signage can elevate your workplace.
01784 438688 | sales@signbox.co.uk | www.signbox.co.uk
