Rather than maintaining desk space and amenities for employees who might not use them regularly or may be out of the office at any given time, “hot desking” allows for space savings and cost reduction, because a 1:1 employee to workstation ratio is not necessary. Employees work in unassigned workstations, with multiple employees sharing single physical workstations. Rather than storing their personal items at their desks, employees can use their personal lockers or crates. Through technology, files can be stored on a central computer network and can be accessed from any computer.

ERM’s workspace was designed to accommodate a projected employee growth from 131 to 205 by 2017, allowing for a 1:1.5 desk to employee ratio. Not only were workstations unassigned, but offices could also be reserved on an as-needed basis. Varied meeting spaces, ranging from conference space to small huddle and phone rooms, to completely open lounge areas were strategically placed to accommodate a variety of meeting scenarios and the diverse work habits of the employees. In order to maintain spaces for private conversations and group work, the meeting spaces throughout became a key element in ERM’s workplace design. ERM’s open plan gives access to natural light throughout, provides high energy efficiency, and a heightened employee satisfaction level.