Hot-desking is a workstation system in the office in which desks are utilised by different people at different times throughout the day, on an ad hoc basis. In today’s business world, hot desking has become normal, allowing people to move around desks within a day, making it useful for both self-employed people and large businesses to keep productive and connected while on the move. Horizons Offices will soon offer a range of hot desking services within co-working spaces with their upcoming renovation plans.
Typically, the goal is to make the most efficient use of space, therefore eliminating the waste of under-utilised office space. Hot desks may be used in both private offices and co-working environments. The freedom to work wherever, and at a different desk space often increases employee creativity, motivation and productivity, as well as promoting the social aspect, and therefore cross cooperation.
How does Hot Desking Work?
The Hot Desking system is as simple as finding an available desk within the shared environment, plugging it in, getting technology set up and commencing work tasks. Hot desking provides workers with flexibility to work in either fully serviced or co-working office environments. Therefore, this means the logistics of hot desking will vary depending on the space, with some key factors to consider below.
Access to Power outlets and Phones
Hot desks typically come with their own power outlets and WiFi connection. In shared co-working spaces like Horizons, there are specific spaces dedicated for conversations including communal lounges and smoking areas. If you are looking for a permanent desk phone, this will be available in Horizon’s fully serviced offices.
Printing Services
Hot desking frequently includes a centralized printer that users many access with an app or through a web log-in, similar to meeting rooms. In shared workspaces, these printers are maintained by the in-house I.T. personnel, who also oversee them. Horizons offices provide full access to printing, copying and scanning from any desk.
Storing Personal Items
The issue of no dedicated place to store personal belongings, such as jackets, and job accessories has long been a common complaint among hot-desking users. This is managed differently across various offices; in some co-working spaces, usually users are allowed to leave their belongings at a hot desk for a set period of time while they go to meetings or take lunch breaks.
In some instances, cubby holes or lockers are provided for the company’s hot-desk users. Claiming the same desk for the whole day, regardless of meetings or lunch breaks, is more common in fully serviced offices.
Internet and Technology Services
It would be very difficult to hot desk without laptops, tablets, and smartphones, therefore all hot desking arrangements should provide WiFi to accommodate all workers.
Some people, on the other hand, need more than their laptop to perform all aspects of their job efficiently. As a result, some hot desks include a monitor and a VGA, DVI, or HDMI connection so that users may connect an additional screen temporarily.
Common areas such as kitchens and Bathrooms
Hot desking most a times has , like those found in most office settings, include facilities such as restrooms and kitchens, which are cleaned and maintained by office management.
Private Spaces
Many professions, particularly those that require you to meet with other people or conduct strategic planning or financial discussions, demand some private meetings during the day. Therefore private spaces will be provided throughout hot desking office setups.
Hot Desking Advantages
The advantages of hot-desking vary depending on type of work and job requirements. Business owners value the varied lease terms and the option to hire or contract workers to locations in other cities. Freelancers also appreciate having a place to work and meet potential clients. In general, the cost of co-working spaces versus traditional offices will always be cheaper.
Hot Desking Disadvantages
Other disadvantages may include employees not having the freedom to personalize their desk, the disruption of moving around desks and re-setting up, as well as the difficulty of communicating with colleagues or members of the team if they are not close by.
Hot Desking for the Self-Employed
If you are a consultant, freelancer, or company owner who works from the same location, hot-desking is an adaptable and inexpensive alternative to renting office space – without the hassle and financial commitment of long-term office lease agreements.
Working from home may feel isolated, therefore working in a group setting and hot desking around like-minded individuals can help you feel less lonely and more productive and motivated. Your company is more accessible than ever before, and nowadays you can work from anywhere and stay connected.
Hot-desking for Expanding Companies
When it comes to expanding your team and scaling your company, agility is essential and hot-desking allows you to hire remote employees without making a large upfront investment. Individual contracts are a great way to get started in specific markets and scale up when necessary, as well as reduce the risks involved with establishing your own office.
Working from home has several advantages: it allows companies to acquire top talent, which is not limited by location. You may expand your team wherever great people live and work without having to build your own workspace or incur moving costs. The cost savings that come with flexible rent agreements and the outsourcing of office employees, cleaning services, and facilities are a major incentive for large corporations.
How to know if Hot Desking is not the right Solution for your Business
While there are multiple benefits of hot desking, it might not be the right solution for all businesses or work styles. Companies who handle highly sensitive information may want a more private layout, as well as teams that require consistent structure and continuous collaboration throughout the day might become irritated and distracted with the seating rotation. If you require more private, environments that you have more control over, you should consider Horizon’s fully serviced offices.
To conclude, hot desking within a co-working space, allows great flexibility while a business is establishing itself or growing. As businesses have to make big business decisions such as expanding into new markets or sourcing remote talent, hot desking and co-working environments release financial pressure of lock-in costs and leasing of traditional office floors and buildings.