Is there an optimal people to desk ratio for hybrid teams?

​​Yes, there is an optimal people-to-desk ratio for a hybrid company, but it’s not one-size-fits-all, it depends on factors like how often employees come into the office, how predictable that usage is, and what kind of work is being done on-site.

Common Benchmark Ratios

For hybrid work environments (where not everyone is in the office at the same time), typical people-to-desk (P:D) ratios range from:

• 1:1 (1 person per desk) — For roles requiring frequent in-office presence (e.g., lab work, trading).
• 1.3–1.7:1 — Moderate hybrid models (e.g., 2–3 days/week in office).
• 2–3:1 or more — More flexible/hoteling environments with heavy remote work and lower in-office attendance.

How to Determine Your Optimal Ratio

1. Analyze Attendance Patterns
   Use badge data, desk booking systems, or surveys to understand average office occupancy by day and team.
2. Calculate Peak Demand
   Plan for the busiest in-office days (usually midweek) rather than average use. For example:
   • If you have 100 hybrid employees, and 60% typically come in on peak days, you’ll need ~60 desks.
   • People-to-desk ratio = 100:60 → 1.67:1
3. Consider Booking Tools and Policies
   • Desk booking systems (hoteling or hot desking) help manage higher ratios.
   • Assigned desks reduce efficiency but improve comfort.
   • Policies like “team anchor days” can help spread out usage.
4. Factor in Job Role & Space Use
   • Some roles may need permanent desks.
   • Collaboration space, meeting rooms, and breakout areas also affect how desks are used.

Summary Table