Defining “Hot Desking” as an Office Solution
As working-from-home begins to faze out, businesses are seeking alternative workplace solutions to minimize expenses, increase flexibility and efficiency, and provide their employees with a physical place to work. “Flexibility” and “hybrid” are two buzzwords society has been hearing more frequently and “hot desking” is right up there with them. As this trend gains popularity, it could be the solution to the workplace flexibility need. Let’s take a look at how a hot desk is defined and answer some of the questions that come with a hot desking:
Definition:
Hot Desk | noun
“the practice of not assigning permanent desks in a workplace, so that employees may work at any available desk”
Hot desks have become a popular option in coworking/flex office facilities, as it allows an increase in members without having to increase floor space. Hot desks have no assigned seating, so workers can choose any desk or seating area that is available and use it as they please. This flexibility allows users to come and go, and even though it means giving up their seat if they decide to take a meeting elsewhere, they have the ability to come back and still choose any available desk.
What are the benefits of using a hot desk?
Hot desks give the ultimate flexibility, at a low cost. If you are someone who is looking to work a few days a week in a space that is not your home, but don’t want to spend a lot of money to do so, this could be a great option for you. You have the ability to work from home or work from an office depending on your schedule or mood that day. Many coworking facilities, like CommonGrounds Workplace, factor travel into their memberships, so if you are traveling for work you still have a hot desk to work from in your city.
Another benefit of utilizing a hot desk is the included amenity options (depending on your facility). At CommonGrounds, our Communal Membership offers hot desks, as well as full amenities like conference room hours, utilization of the kitchen/pantry, and access to lounges/relaxation rooms/phone booths. You can also use the printer stations and enjoy high-speed WiFi on a secure network, so the days where you need to print are the days you use your hot desk.
What is the difference between a hot desk and a dedicated desk?
Dedicated Desk | noun
“a desk that is permanently assigned to a particular person or company, but located within a shared space with other desk users”
The main difference between a dedicated desk and a hot desk is the permanence. A hot desk is first come first serve and open to anyone with a hot desk membership, where a dedicated desk is a desk that you have chosen and no one else can use. Both desks are still in a shared space, however dedicated desks are usually within an office instead of a communal area.
The other significant difference between a dedicated desk and a hot desk is price. A hot desk will be less of an expense, since there is no assigned seating. With a dedicated desk, there is a slightly higher price attached, as you are guaranteed permanence, privacy, and storage.
Which solution is right for me (hot desk or dedicated desk?)
If you are considering either of these flex options, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself:
- Is privacy a factor for me?
- Will I need to leave any personal items in my workspace?
- Am I willing to share my desk with others?
- What is my budget?
By answering these questions, you will be able to come up with an idea of the workspace that will work for you. If you are looking to spend less and have maximum flexibility, then a hot desk or Communal Membership might be the best fit for you. If you are looking for more privacy and are willing to spend a little bit more for that, then at CommonGrounds Desk Membership or Office Membership might be the right fit for you.
When it comes to your work life, never settle. If you are ready to take the next step away from working from home, but are still looking for flexibility then consider the membership options of a coworking or flex space. Your dream desk is right at your fingertips and you should enjoy not just what you do for work, but where you work.
