In this episode of The Deep Dive, we explore how hybrid work has fundamentally transformed the modern office — and why the traditional assigned desk is quickly becoming a relic of the past. As companies adopt flexible work models, they face a complex logistical challenge: how do you manage expensive office space efficiently when employees come and go on different schedules?

To unpack this, we take a closer look at SeatSurfing, a workplace management platform designed to solve exactly that problem.

At its core, the software allows employees to easily book desks, rooms, or workspaces on demand. Instead of permanently assigned seating, organizations operate more like internal co-working spaces. The goal is simple but critical: maximize office utilization while ensuring that employees who come in still have a guaranteed place to work.

From the employee perspective, ease of use is everything. The platform promises frictionless booking in seconds, accessible via desktop, mobile, or directly inside tools like Microsoft Teams and Confluence. Built as a Progressive Web Application (PWA), it behaves like a native app without requiring complex installation — combining speed, accessibility, and simplicity.

On the administrative side, the software offers powerful tools for managing office layouts. Administrators can upload floor plans, configure desks and meeting rooms visually, and transform static maps into live availability dashboards. The system is designed to scale — from small teams experimenting with hybrid work (with a free plan for up to 10 users) to large enterprises.

Strategically, what makes SeatSurfing especially interesting is its dual approach:

A fully managed cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) option for convenience and ease.

An open-source backend available on GitHub for organizations that require full control, customization, or compliance transparency.

Technically, the backend is built in Go for performance and scalability, while the frontend uses modern web technologies like TypeScript and React. Self-hosting is supported via Docker Compose, making deployment accessible — though careful attention to security (such as immediately changing default admin credentials) is essential.

Ultimately, this episode highlights something bigger than desk booking software. It illustrates how digital transformation is reshaping physical workspaces. Offices are becoming dynamic, bookable resources — searchable, flexible, and optimized in real time.

And it raises a final thought: if desks and meeting rooms can now be managed on demand, what’s next? Parking spaces? Company cars? Lab equipment? Are we moving toward a fully on-demand office environment?

A fascinating look at how technology is redefining the way we use physical space in the hybrid work era.

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