Desk Sharing with a System: How Sparkasse Bodensee Transforms the Modern Workplace
An interview with Jörg Hund from Sparkasse Bodensee on desk sharing, digital transformation and the role of Gustav in their desk sharing journey.
Sparkasse Bodensee is one of the pioneers in mobile working and desk sharing among German savings banks. In this interview, Jörg Hund – IT Consultant responsible for workplace technology and mobile working – speaks with Gustav about how work is changing, the role Gustav products play in that shift, and why transformation starts with mindset.
Gustav: Mr Hund, how did mobile working and desk sharing come about at Sparkasse Bodensee?
Jörg Hund: Remote work has been on our radar for quite some time – we began pilot projects over 20 years ago. Widespread adoption started around 10 years ago. Today, 80–90% of our employees can work remotely – which is quite progressive for a regional bank and still rather unusual in the savings bank sector.
Gustav: What led you to introduce a structured desk sharing system?
Jörg Hund: Our headquarters in Friedrichshafen often had empty offices – a lot of unused space. That led us to question our space usage. We wanted to become more flexible and use space more efficiently, while also fostering new forms of collaboration. So we introduced a desk sharing model, with a booking system, clear guidelines like a clean desk policy, uniform equipment, and personal work tools for everyone.
Gustav: How did the team respond to such a fundamental shift in how they work?
Jörg Hund: Naturally, there were concerns at first. If someone’s worked at the same desk for decades, surrounded by personal items, change can feel huge. But we supported the transition with communication, workshops, and – importantly – our leadership led by example.
Gustav: When did the Gustav Organiser and Laptop Stand come into play?
Jörg Hund: We needed a solution for employees to transport and store their work tools neatly. I came across Gustav online – and was immediately impressed. I’d seen other products, but Gustav was in a league of its own. It’s not a plastic box – it’s a well-designed, high-quality product with character.
Gustav: What stood out to you about Gustav as a desk sharing solution??
Jörg Hund: The combination of organisation, storage space, and the integrated laptop stand is brilliant. Our employees love it – they can carry everything they need in one go and work effectively anywhere. Plus, Gustav looks great – its design fits beautifully in our updated offices.
Gustav: How is Gustav implemented across your organisation today?
Jörg Hund: We currently have about 200 Gustav Original XL units in use. New employees receive one during onboarding – it’s become a kind of welcome gift and immediately serves as their daily tool for mobile work. Overnight, the Gustavs are stored in open shelves; during the day, they’re on desks or on the move.
Gustav: How has the physical and digital workspace evolved as a result?
Jörg Hund: Previously, everyone had large, clunky drawer units full of paperwork and bits and pieces. Now, we think differently: digital, mobile, collaborative. Private offices are becoming open spaces – leading to more communication, flexibility, and interaction. Paper usage is declining, so we no longer need bins or office supplies at every desk. We’ve even started renting out the freed-up space.
Gustav: What advice would you give to organisations exploring desk sharing?
Jörg Hund: Three things: First, communication is key. Employees need to understand the "why" and the benefits. Second, company culture must align. If leadership reserves permanent desks while others go flexible, it won’t work. Third, the infrastructure must be right. Without the right tools and tech, desk sharing is hard to implement.
Gustav: Thank you very much for your insights, Mr Hund!
Conclusion: Sparkasse Bodensee proves that desk sharing is about more than just space – it’s about mindset. With a strong culture, modern infrastructure, and functional tools like Gustav, companies can create work environments that are truly flexible, efficient, and people-friendly.
➡ Learn more about Gustav Original and Loop: www.gustavconcept.com
