Nomadic workstations: why adopt this solution?

Traditional workplaces are gradually giving way to more dynamic and flexible workspaces that align with the evolving aspirations of nomadic employees. The freedom to choose where and how to work is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

With the rise of remote work, flexible hours, and new technologies, the nomadic workstation has emerged as an essential solution. Fewer closed offices, greater agility, and improved collaboration—this model is redefining how companies organise their workspaces. Could greater flexibility in office spaces be the key to boosting both performance and employee well-being?

In this article, we explore why the nomadic workstation is gaining traction among businesses and how it can revolutionise the way you work. Discover its benefits, its tangible impact on productivity, and flexible solutions such as Hopper Collections by Deskeo, which allow companies to fully embrace this shift.

What is a nomadic workstation?

The nomadic workstation, sometimes referred to as “hot desking,” “flex office,” or “shared office,” eliminates assigned desks for employees. Instead, nomadic workers can choose and book a workspace from various available locations depending on their immediate needs—whether for a meeting, individual work, or a team brainstorming session. The goal is to encourage mobility, cross-team collaboration, and spatial flexibility.

Some key figures:

• According to a study by JLL, 40% of companies worldwide have already adopted or are considering adopting shared workspaces.
• The actual occupancy rate of a fixed office desk in a company typically ranges between 50% and 60%.

In other words, transitioning to a more mobile workspace helps optimise available space while catering to employees’ increasing demand for flexibility.

Meeting the new expectations of employees

Today, freelancers and remote workers are increasingly seeking purpose and well-being in their professional lives. They value the ability to choose their work environment and to change settings based on their tasks and preferences. Millennials and Generation Z, in particular, place a high value on work-life balance and consider flexibility a key factor when choosing an employer.

Adopting the nomadic workstation offers:

• The opportunity to explore diverse work environments (private offices, open-plan spaces, meeting rooms, coworking areas, etc.).
• A greater sense of trust and autonomy.
• Increased networking and exchange opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

The result? A significant boost in employee engagement and satisfaction, which directly impacts productivity and talent retention.

Enhancing productivity and collaboration

Contrary to common misconceptions, not having a fixed workstation does not mean a lack of structure or reduced performance. On the contrary, numerous studies show that a more flexible and adaptive workspace positively influences productivity.

When employees can choose a quiet space for focused work or a livelier area for discussions, they work more efficiently. Additionally, the nomadic workstation encourages spontaneous collaboration—physical barriers are removed, making it easier to interact with colleagues from different teams and departments.

A Deloitte study found that 89% of French employees report higher satisfaction with their company when they have access to flexible benefits tailored to their needs. Moreover, businesses that implement flexible policies typically see a 22% increase in employee productivity.

Optimising costs and space utilisation

Commercial real estate costs often represent a significant business expense. Traditional offices with assigned desks frequently suffer from underutilisation due to absences, holidays, remote work, and business travel. The nomadic workstation ensures optimal space use while reducing unnecessary costs.

By avoiding an excess of individual offices, businesses can reallocate square metres to create:

• Modular meeting rooms.
• Relaxation and social areas.
• Internal coworking spaces.
• Phone booths or soundproof pods.

This shift not only saves costs but also enhances workplace quality. A CBRE France internal study revealed that before transitioning to a flex office model, 40% of assigned desks were unoccupied at any given moment, and 15% of supposedly occupied desks remained vacant. After adopting flex office strategies, workspace distribution was adjusted, with over 20% of the total area dedicated to alternative workspaces.

These insights suggest that embracing the flex office model can improve workspace efficiency and potentially increase occupancy rates while contributing to both cost savings and a better employee experience.

Driving innovation and creativity

Working at the same desk every day with the same people can sometimes stifle creativity. Conversely, the ability to switch work environments encourages employees to step out of their comfort zones and engage with diverse profiles.

This diversity of perspectives, the exchange of varied expertise, and the breakdown of silos between departments create fertile ground for innovation. Ideas circulate more freely, cross-functional initiatives multiply, and teams become more receptive to constructive feedback. The nomadic workstation thus becomes a catalyst for organisational creativity.

Adapting to future challenges

Recent crises—whether health-related or economic—have demonstrated the importance of being able to quickly reorganise workspaces and schedules to ensure business continuity. Companies that embrace flexible work environments and encourage nomadism among employees are better equipped to:

• Implement distancing and hygiene measures if needed.
• Redefine the balance between in-office and remote work.
• Reconfigure office layouts to accommodate more collaborative or individual spaces as required.

Agility thus becomes a strategic asset, enabling businesses to navigate uncertainty and proactively prepare for future transformations.

Hopper Collections: A turnkey flexible solution

Implementing a nomadic workstation does not necessarily require a complete office overhaul. Solutions like Hopper Collections by Deskeo provide a turnkey alternative, offering companies access to flexible workspaces, such as La Casa Deskeo, without the complexities of real estate management.

With Hopper Collections, businesses gain access to a network of premium workspaces in strategic locations. Employees can easily book a workspace that suits their needs—whether they have a meeting in the city centre, a collaborative project, or simply want to work in an inspiring setting.

Why choose Hopper Collections?

• Access to premium offices: Workspaces designed for well-being and productivity.
• Total flexibility: Choose where and when to work based on your needs.
• No real estate constraints: No long-term lease or logistical management required.
• Optimised workspaces: Designed to encourage collaboration, focus, and creativity.

By integrating Hopper Collections into their organisation, companies gain agility and attractiveness while providing employees with a modern and stimulating work environment.

Conclusion: A smart investment for the future

The nomadic workstation is not a passing trend but a lasting evolution in the world of work. By combining smart spaces with solutions like Hopper Collections, businesses can optimise costs, enhance employee satisfaction, and remain competitive.

At Deskeo, we help companies implement flexible solutions tailored to their needs. Interested in providing your teams with a more agile and high-performing work environment? Let’s talk!