The internet has been on a hate rampage for hot desking lately. A bunch of articles like this one, this one, and this one…. then this one… this one also… oh boy that’s a lot of negative posts. But hey, we here at FlySpaces will own up and say that hot desking is not for everybody. A company must do more than just convert their cubicle style office space into an open plan in any other coworking space. With that being said, there are ways to make hot desking work for both company owners and their employees, and here is how.
Ever watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Then you must be familiar with their favorite coffee shop, Central Perk, where they have not only coffee tables but also sofas, booths, single chairs, etc. Working hot desk is similar like working there, with a variety of seating options in mostly open communal area. In a hot desk area, every corner of the space should be able to be used as a workspace. Bean bags, kitchen aisle, dining table, and many other style of seating where you can change according to mood, you name it. On a company level, most if not all of your team members from different departments would be on the same room, saving real estate. With a cup of good coffee (which is now the norm in most coworking spaces), it will really feel like working in Central Perk.
Sounds great doesn’t it? No more boring half walls surrounding your workspace. But apparently there are some negative sides to hot desking. Let’s discuss each of them and we will tell you how to work your way around it.
With this kind of work style, it is true that you do not get a personalized table that you can put frames of your dog and cute succulents. I mean you can, it’s just too much of a hassle to keep putting them down every time you sit down. Even your laptop and gadgets needed for you to be productive must be set up every time. This could waste your time if you are not careful.
Our Suggestion:
If it is not obvious, your company chose hot desking in the first place because your work arrangement can be more mobile and flexible. That means that you don’t actually need that little planter of cacti and other things that would clutter your workspace! For your gadgets, charging them up fully every time you finish using them is basically the rules anyways. Also use cable organizers to save up time and you’re good to go.
When they are filled to the brim, the common area is closer to an arena with office workers. Not only is everyone fighting for that prime seat, the noise generated from the crowd can make work counterproductive, and that is something that you would not want.
Our Suggestion:
This is why choosing the perfect hot desking provider becomes most important. Though there are some of us that would benefit and prefer the background noises like such, it would be most beneficial if the noise in the communal area was controlled and members are respectful of each other. It is for this reason that we can help! With our service, we can help curate the perfect hot desking place for you, so your need of peace can be fulfilled.
In previous posts mentioned above, several have reported increase in anxiety levels when working in hot desks. With the need of finding a desk and setting up shop every time they come in, stress levels with these problems have gone to places unwanted.
Our Suggestion:
Early bird gets the worm, as people would say. Coming in early would be the obvious option for you to get that perfect spot by the open window with a view every time. But as I mentioned before, we understand that hot desking is not for everyone. Every individual is different for a reason. For that matter, we here at FlySpaces are happy to help you find alternatives that would suit your needs. After all, there are plenty to choose from in our website!
Now you’re probably asking yourself: then why in the hottest hell would I choose hot desking in the first place?! Well, here is a short list of reasons why:
Read also: 7 Reasons Why Coworking Can Help You Grow Your Revenue
This is usually the main reason for hot desking. It is, after all, a cheaper option than private offices and therefore would reduce costs in rent, leases, so on and so forth. And the last time I checked, cost savings is something that everyone wants.
Ever feel like not knowing your whole company? With hot desking, everyone would be in the same room as you, so no more lost moments looking for a certain someone from a certain department. Do note, that this only works for lean teams. If you're a team of 100 or more, hot desking may not be the best option for you, unless you're deploying a smaller team of about 5-10 people to use hot desks.
This style of work would let you declutter your workspace and keep you productive on the job at hand. You’ll be making Marie Kondo so proud.
Feeling too cold? That seat by the window is always there. Too much sunlight in your eyes? Another seat by the planters is also an option. Sit wherever according to your mood.
Since everybody from the company is there, a company culture is easily established. And since culture creates a sense of belonging and bring your team closer, it would be a great plus, isn’t it?
In conclusion, let me emphasize: hot desking is not everyone’s top choice for a productive environment. That being said, with the right mindset and set of cable organizers, both you and your company can be closer knit and satisfied on top of being productive. Believe it or not? You decide! Simply reach out to our Space Experts and we will help you with not only hot desking, but any flexible workspace needs!