What Is Hot Desking and What Are the Benefits?
Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing company, hot desking can be a great way to boost productivity and build your network. Learn about the benefits and how to find a space that works for you.
With the rise of remote work, coworking spaces, and open office plans, hot desking has become essential to the modern-day lifestyle. This tool is ideal for self-employed individuals and companies alike and a must-have for connectivity and productivity. It is an excellent tool for people who want to work on their own time. In this article, we will discuss what hot desking is and the benefits it comes with:
What Is Hot Desking?
Hot desking is an organizational workspace system in which multiple people use desks at different times per their needs. It aims to maximize space efficiency, lessen real estate risk, and minimize redundant office space. Businesses can implement hot desks in private office spaces and coworking spaces. The flexibility linked with this increases employee innovation and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration.
How Does Hot Desking Work?
It is pretty simple. You come to the office, find a desk, plug in and start working away. The concept is to offer space to professionals as needed. Businesses can do it in both private and shared spaces. While particulars for hot desking will vary based on the environment, the following are the key factors to consider:
Power Outlets and Phones
Hot desks generally have power outlets and WiFi connections. Sometimes, a phone will be attached to the desk as well. These spaces are dedicated to working and are away from shared lounges, phone booths, or socializing areas.
Bookable Meeting Rooms
Hot desking arrangements typically include booking meeting rooms as needed and offering access to the kitchen, shared lounges, conference rooms, and a network of professionals.
Printing Facilities
Shared spaces often have a central printer that workers can access with an app or an online login. Printer access can come in handy considering that they can be hard to come across in the modern digital age.
Storing Personal Items
Hot desking can also come with a storage compartment for bags, coats, and work accessories. This way, workers can leave their coats, bags, and other belongings at a hot desk for a specified time frame.
Technology and Internet
Hot desking is impossible without a steady WiFi to accommodate all laptops, tablets, and smartphones. However, some users need more than a laptop or a tablet to perform their day-to-day tasks. That is why specific hot desks come with a monitor and a VGA, DVI, or HDMI connection which works wonders for some professionals.
Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Communal Areas
You can access a clean and well-maintained kitchen and bathrooms with sharing desk space. Look for hot desk arrangements that give you access to free-flowing coffee, tea, quiet rooms, a well-stocked pantry, networking events, and other common areas to socialize.
Private Spaces
Many professionals require privacy during workdays to attend meetings and plan and manage finances. These elements are too sensitive for a hot desk when people from different teams and backgrounds surround you. Generally, you can access all the private spaces, conference rooms, and more as a part of your package.
Benefits of Hot Desking
You now understand that hot desking isn’t limited to one desk only. These benefits vary based on your work style and what you require from a specified arrangement. While freelancers love to have a working place to meet potential clients, business owners prefer flexible lease terms. So, how can you make hot desking work for you? Let’s discuss the leading perks below:
Hot Desking for Self-Employed Individuals
If you are self-employed, hot desking is a fantastic flexible yet cost-effective solution to finding a perfect office space. It doesn’t come with a long-term commitment or rigidity. On the other hand, it combats the isolation factor that many people experience when working from home. You can get the office experience without binding yourself to long, rigid working hours.
Moreover, you also get the opportunity to surround yourself with other freelancers and self-employed individuals. If you are someone who has to juggle multiple projects in different locations, hot desking will enable you to stay connected with all other cities. Alongside fueling productivity, you enjoy the perks of an office space regardless of location.
Hot Desking for Enterprise Companies
Hot desking increases business flexibility and improves business agility, a skill essential for business growth. It gives you the opportunity and flexibility to employ remote workers minus the upfront investment. Individual agreements enable you to scale to markets quickly and withdraw as needed.
It dramatically minimizes the risks associated with opening your own office. Hot desking also allows you to hire top talent without being bound to a particular location, allowing your business to benefit from sharing collaborative space with like-minded individuals. You can finally grow your time based on skill instead of being limited by a pool of candidates restricted to a specific area.
Apart from growth and scaling, you can also save on the costs that benefit from flexible rent agreements and staff outsourcing. Generally, amenities draw a massive chunk of money every month as a business expense. If workers alternate desk use, it can save you the trouble and money that gets out of your pocket monthly.
Final Takeaway
Hot desking is a blessing for modern-day businesses and self-employed individuals alike. It gives you the flexibility to work from different recourses and boosts productivity while saving you some money. We hope you found this post informative and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, leave them down in the comments section below.
