Hot Desks vs Fixed Desks: Which Co-working Option is Best for You?
During the pandemic, many employees worked from home, which has since stayed a popular trend. According to ONS’s Options and Lifestyle Survey, which took data in October 2024, 28% of working adults in Great Britain were hybrid working. One reason why hot desking has become popular recently is because many people incorporate working from home into their work week. This means there’s often less need for workers to have fixed desks. Alongside this, hot desking brings many more benefits, but it’s also not for everyone. So which is best for you?
Understanding Hot Desks and Fixed Desks
Before exploring which option is ideal for you, it’s important to understand what each one involves.
Fixed desks - these are dedicated workspaces which are assigned to just one person who uses the same desk each time they’re in the office
Hot desks - this is when several people use a desk rather than it belonging to just one person. People aren’t assigned their own space and instead, they use a different desk each time they’re in the office
What are the Main Differences Between Hot desks and Fixed Desks?
Fixed desks are used in traditional office spaces, but hot desks have recently become popular. In simple, a fixed desk involves having a dedicated workspace to yourself and hot desking means you use different desks instead of having one to yourself. The best way to tell the main differences between each one is by looking at their benefits:
Who Should Choose a Hot Desk?
Hybrid employees: If you work from home often and have a dedicated workspace in the office, then it can go unused for a long amount of time. Hot desking means that work areas won’t go unused and businesses can maximise their space. As well as hybrid employees, hot desking is also useful for those who don’t want to make long-term commitments. Instead, they can use an office desk when needed and save money.
Workers who want to collaborate: If you’re working on a project with someone, sitting next to them can make things easier. If they’re sat on the other side of the room, it can make collaborating more difficult. A flexible environment means you can sit where you need to in order to get work completed.
People who like a change of environment: Some people prefer to switch-up their workspace because it’s mentally refreshing. Some workers find that sitting in the same space can become boring, leading to a lack of motivation.
Who Should Choose a Fixed Desk?
People who prefer a quiet workplace: Hot desks can sometimes create noise if people are collaborating. A traditional office layout with dedicated workspaces is more likely to be quiet. This type of setting can help some people to focus better.
Workers who appreciate familiarity: Although some people like to switch up their work environment, others like familiarity. They might enjoy having their own desk that they can personalise with plants and important notes. There’s also less pressure to keep it tidy because nobody else uses their workspace.
Employees who need a consistent setup: When hot desking, you need to be able to move everything you need from one space to another. For workers who have a consistent or complicated setup, this can be more difficult.
Making the Right Choice for Your Work Needs
Deciding between a dedicated space and a hot desking environment takes some thought. Consider everything covered in this article and think about what works best for you. For example, if you appreciate familiarity, then a traditional fixed desk might work be ideal. If you prefer to switch up your work environment, then a flexible workspace solution where you can change desks might be your ideal choice. If you’re still unsure, writing a pros and cons list may help you reach a decision.
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