How does Desana support happy employees and better business?

We answer this question all the time but, rather than expect you to take our word for it, we put some of our most common customer questions to the most neutral source we could find - OpenAI.

Yes, we sat down with ChatGPT to get their hot take on the burning questions… What's the issue with office stipends? Why is a single platform more beneficial? Why is workspace access better than just WFH? And how does this all impact staff retention and the bottom line??

Office stipends don’t work

Providing employees with a budget to spend on office space might seem straightforward, but in reality often introduces a range of unforeseen challenges that cause more problems than they solve.

Q: Hey ChatGPT, what issues might be caused by giving employees a stipend to spend on office space?

  • Inequality: Some employees may be able to afford better office spaces than others, leading to unequal working conditions and potentially causing resentment and division within the workplace.
  • Misuse of funds: Employees may choose to use the stipend for purposes other than office space, or they may overspend on unnecessary amenities.
  • Difficulty in tracking expenses: It can be challenging for companies to monitor how employees are spending the stipend and to ensure that it is being used appropriately.
  • Lack of standardisation: Different employees may choose different office spaces with varying levels of comfort, privacy, and productivity, making it difficult to maintain a consistent working environment across the company.
  • Complexity in budgeting: Allocating funds for office space stipends can add complexity to a company's budgeting process and may limit the amount of resources available for other needs.
  • Lack of control: Giving employees a stipend for office space may reduce a company's ability to control its working environment and ensure that it meets its standards for privacy, security, and accessibility.

Single platform booking is (unsurprisingly) simpler

It’s surely no surprise that simplicity is one of the most important factors when building effective management tools, but what exactly makes a single workspace booking platform so important for getting the best out of your team?  

Q: ChatGPT, why would a single platform that allowed employees to book space on demand be more beneficial than stipends?

  • Better visibility and control: Companies can see exactly how office space is being used, and make informed decisions about allocation and usage.
  • Ease of use: A platform can make it easy for employees to find and book available office space, reducing the amount of time and effort required to secure a working environment.
  • Standardisation: Companies can ensure that all employees have access to a consistent standard of office space, regardless of their location or seniority.
  • Improved cost-effectiveness: A platform can allow companies to optimise the use of their office space, reducing the amount of unused space and reducing costs.
  • Enhanced flexibility: With a platform, employees can easily find and book office space on demand, enabling them to work from a variety of locations and reducing the need for long-term leases.

Flexible working does not mean full time WFH

Working from home may seem like the ultimate iteration of flexible working, but the reality is the environment we work best in can be totally different on any given day. By providing employees with the autonomy and flexibility to choose the working environment that suits best each day, you’re helping them deliver for your business.

Q: So, ChatGPT, would allowing remote employees access to flexible workspace be better than only offering work from home?

Access to flexible workspace can have several benefits over only offering a work-from-home option, including:

  • Improved focus and productivity: Having access to a dedicated workspace can help remote employees to focus and be more productive, as it provides a physical separation from their home life and distractions.
  • Better work-life balance: Allowing remote employees to choose between working from home and accessing a flexible workspace can help them to find a better balance between work and personal life, as they can choose the option that works best for them on any given day.
  • Increased sense of community: Providing access to a flexible workspace can help remote employees to feel more connected to their colleagues and the company, as they have the opportunity to interact with others and build relationships in person.
  • Access to resources: A flexible workspace can provide remote employees with access to resources and facilities that may not be available at home, such as meeting rooms, printing and scanning equipment, and kitchen facilities.

Better for your people and better for business

In today’s competitive market employee retention is vital, but it also mustn't come at the expense of the bottom line. Offering your employees flexible, on-demand, workspace access ticks both boxes; the choice and autonomy over where they work helps keep your team happy, while also saving vital real estate spend by only paying for hours used.

Q: Does this impact staff retention and therefore cost savings?

  • Staff retention: Providing access to flexible workspace can help to improve job satisfaction and work-life balance for remote employees, which can in turn lead to increased staff retention. When employees are happy and feel supported in their job, they are more likely to stay with the company, reducing the need for frequent recruitment and training of new staff.
  • Cost savings: In addition, flexible workspace can also provide cost savings in terms of reduced overheads, as companies may not need to maintain as much office space if employees are able to work from a flexible workspace. This can help to lower the overall cost of running a business, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

So there you have it. If OpenAI does take over the world, then it looks like they’ll be providing us all with access to flexible workspace on-demand. If you’d like to get ahead of the curve, then speak to one of our team today.