The gentle art of desk‑claiming in a hotdesking world

Sunday, 29 March 2026

Hotdesking may be convenient at times, but it can easily feel pretty impersonal. Having spent recent years making my home office a personal hub of productivity for me, I’d struggle to switch back to generic, non-personal desk spaces.

A former Sunday Star news editor used to stake claim to his favourite hotdesk space by adorning the area with plants and personal items. A bit cheeky, maybe, but effective.

I don’t think I’d be brave enough to go full jungle to claim office territory, but there are ways to leave a subtle “this desk belongs to someone” signal to anyone eyeing up your favourite desk.

When decorating in a shared space, it’s a good idea to go small. Think trinkets or photos over framed artwork and a floating globe next to your mini fridge. Also, it is a shared space. If you leave your generic charging cables next to the keyboard when you clock off, it may have been “borrowed” before your next shift.

Here are a couple of small ways to stake claim to your favourite desk.

Go photo mad

Nothing screams “this desk has an owner” quite like hoards of photos adorning the desk space or corkboard like you’re a teenager decking out your bedroom wall.

I’ve recently had the chance to take the newest FujiFilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema Camera for a ride and, while the actual photo is not on par with what you get with a phone (especially if your subject, like my cat, refuses to take “stand still” instructions seriously) there’s something that’s pure fun about snapping pictures or short videos of random objects, printing them out and watching them develop.

If you’re fast enough you might even capture your manager’s unimpressed look, in roaring 40s retro style, when they realise you haven’t done a lick of work all day.

There are a few Polaroid-style camera options on the market. The one I’ve been playing with this week is the FujiFilm Instax Mini Evo Camera: $699

Have a personalised mug or coaster

It’s so incredibly simple, but when you rock up to a desk and the perfectly placed mug and coaster is not one of the many white, stained and chipped ones stacked in the communal kitchen, you tend to second guess before setting up camp for the day.

The beauty of a mug as a territorial object is they add functionality, personality and take up very little space.

I have an inherited “San Fran Cisco” coaster that holds a Le Creuset mug. Both have a permanent spot to the left of my laptop.

Granted, I don’t run the risk of someone “stealing” my desk (or mug), but the ol’ cup next to the keyboard always worked as a tactic to keep me away from certain workspaces when I last worked in a shared office.

The cost: Varies. If you decide you want to show off your love of peanut butter, Pic’s has released an Acme mug adorned with Pic’s branding for $27.

Colourful desk mat

With a desk mat you’re winning on a couple of levels. It helps keep things tidy and in place, is useful for any spills, and can add a touch of personality and fun to an otherwise generic space.

The Logitech deskmat can add a dash of colourful function to the desk that you’ve illegitimately staked claim to. And if you ever get pulled up on it, it’s easy enough to roll up and take home at the end of the day.

The cost: $39.90

Add some greenery

With a column partially inspired by a former news editor known for his plant-adorned desk space, it feels a little wrong to not pay homage with a suggestion of a bit of greenery.

Just how brave you want to be with the size of your jungle is up to you. Small succulents or aloe plant doesn’t take up a lot of room but adds a sense of life to the space. A collection of monstera plants that you need to push your way through to find your monitor? That’s a little more bold.

Keep a book nearby

A good book serves a couple of purposes. It gives anyone walking by the impression that this space may be taken, plus you have something to immerse yourself in during your lunch break.

For any music fans, I recently finished the memoir, The Uncool, by Cameron Crowe. And I highly recommend it.

The cost: $39.99