Office, Hot-Desking or a Dedicated Desk Space? How to Find the Best Workspace for You

12th March 2019 | 6 min read

How-to-Find-the-Right-Workspace-Office, Hot-Desking or a Dedicated Desk Space? How to Find the Best Workspace for You

Finding the right workspace for your business is easier said than done. As technology continues to change the way we work, huge, corporate offices are no longer the only type of workspace you’re likely to come across. According to the FSB, the UK is home to approximately 5 million freelancers and 5.6 million small businesses (employing around 16.3 million workers) – and these figures are set to rise. With that in mind, it’s little wonder that shared workspaces have become so popular. Even among big corporations coworking is seen as a good idea: it solves the problem of maintaining an exclusive space for businesses, while at the same time promoting a more open attitude towards innovation and collaboration. But how do you ascertain what’s right for you? Luckily, we’re experts in the field (not that we’re boasting!); here’s everything you need to know about serviced offices, hot-desking and dedicated desk spaces.

Serviced Office

What is it?

Serviced offices are furnished, fully-equipped office spaces located in buildings that are managed by a separate company (or an office provider). They offer agility for businesses and are hassle-free in comparison to traditional offices; bills, day-to-day cleaning and general upkeep are all taken care of with one simple monthly payment. With things like Wi-Fi included as standard, businesses can move in and get going right away. What’s more, they offer new businesses the chance to set up in sought-after locations that may otherwise be unaffordable. And with networking events and training courses on offer (not to mention free tea, coffee and biscuits), serviced offices promote employee satisfaction to the fullest.

Is it Right for Me?

Traditionally, serviced offices were used by start-ups and SMEs (and they’re well suited to this type of business), but there’s growing evidence to suggest that big corporations are utilising the flexibility afforded to them by this type of space too. In fact, their use is set to grow by 30% annually for the next five years across Europe, according to property firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

If you’re a business owner or CEO looking for flexible lease terms with the ability to scale up or down as required, a serviced office space is the perfect option. You’ll also get access to fully-equipped, design-led meeting rooms, which is ideal if you’ve got clients to impress. If you need complete control over meeting rooms and communal spaces, a serviced office may not be right for you – you’ll be sharing these with other companies and freelancers. And if you want an office that wholly reflects your brand identity, the ‘ready to go’ nature of a serviced office space may not be suitable. Having said that, most serviced offices are beautifully designed; the look and feel of them is usually a huge boon to businesses and clients alike.

Hot-Desking/Coworking

What is it?

Hot-desking is where workers have no set workspace; it’s all about setting up camp at an empty desk in your usual office. And given that most of us need only a laptop to get started, it’s perfectly suited to the modern workplace.

At the BBC, it’s purported that around a third of the workforce is hot-desking every day. And if you think about it, most modern workplaces require staff to hop from meeting to presentation to plain old independent admin, making hot-desking the perfect solution for busy employees looking to streamline their working processes. So, if you find yourself with a working schedule that demands greater mobility, giving hot-desking a go might just be the best thing you can do for yourself and your professional life.

Is it Right for Me?

If you want to stick to one location but aren’t fussy about having your pen pot nearby, hot-desking is the one for you. Companies and freelancers alike can benefit from this setup. It’s a cost-effective solution for employees who often work remotely or spend much of their time out of the office. Hey, if it works for the BBC, it’s got to be doing something right.

Are you a freelancer or the head of a team that could benefit from a flexible working space as required? If so, hot-desking is ideal. Sitting and working alongside different people every day allows you to build rapports with people you’ve never even met or develop stronger rapports with those you already know within your workplace. Communicating better with more teams and departments makes collaborating on future projects much easier, allowing you to be more productive in your role. Hot-desking is also beneficial when it comes to you learning new skills; the chance to work alongside an expert in an area of the company you’d like to learn more about is one of the best ways to pick up all the required information, and this can happen so easily and quickly if you hot-desk.

Dedicated Desk Space

What is it?

If you’re coming from a traditional office environment or have been working from home for an extended period, it’s understandable that you’d want your own space. Which is why a dedicated desk might be your best option. A dedicated desk is exactly that: a desk in a coworking space that’s yours and yours alone. No one else should use it without permission while you’re gone (annual leave, working from home, etc.), and you can rest assured knowing there’s a spot waiting for you when you get back and it’s time to work. What’s more, dedicated desks are usually designated to independent working areas, so you don’t have to worry about your space being near collaborative or social zones where you might be distracted.

Is it Right for Me?

If you’re the kind of person who likes plenty of personal and storage space, there’s no better choice than a dedicated desk. In fact, it’s a particularly handy workspace for all, ensuring that everyone feels secure and adequately supported in their day-to-day tasks; whether you’re a CEO, a freelancer or just entering the workforce, there’s something special about having an area to call your own, where you can carry out tasks efficiently and effectively.

Dedicated desks give you all the benefits of a shared space but with an added level of permanency and personalisation. You can also enjoy the luxury of leaving your belongings at work and always having a personalised workspace to return to day after day. Additionally, you can make the most of a thriving collaborative environment. But of course, it’s up to you how you want to use this joint space, if at all – it’s just good to know the option is there. Odds are your dedicated desk space will be mere feet from others who might be exactly the help you need to grow as a professional. With endless opportunities for shared working, dedicated desk space is as suitable for collaborators as it is for independent workers.

Choosing the right workspace design can be tough, but we are determined to make things a little easier. Whatever your needs, we hope LABS has helped you find the solution you’re looking for!