The rise of remote work, open office plans and shared coworking spaces have made hot-desking a popular choice for the modern working employee. It’s a great option because it allows people to work when and where they want—making it perfect for freelancers and established companies who want to stay productive and connected, wherever their work takes them. Flexible solutions like WeWork Day Pass and WeWork All Access offer easy access to hot desks. Hot-desking advantages range from convenience and flexible work solutions to networking opportunities and increased innovation and creativity. But how does it work, and is it right for your company?
What is hot-desking?
Hot-desking is an organizational workspace system where desks are used by different people at different times on an ad hoc, per-need basis. The aim is to offer flexible work solutions by maximizing space efficiency and lessening real estate risk by reducing redundant office space. Hot desks can be implemented in private offices as well as coworking spaces. The flexibility associated with hot-desking often correlates to increased employee innovation, while the social aspect encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and networking opportunities.
How does hot-desking work?
Having a flexible desk model allows professionals to work as needed, in both private and shared office spaces. With hot-desking, people no longer have designated workspaces, so instead, they sit at a different desk each day. This can free up space and cut costs. It can also stop cliques from forming, and may encourage creativity, collaboration and networking.
Hot desks typically come with their own power outlets and WiFi connection. In shared coworking spaces like WeWork, there are dedicated spaces away from the desk for taking calls, such as phone booths or shared lounges. In private office environments, particularly in sales companies, a permanent phone is likely attached to the desk for different employees to use as needed.
The advantages of hot-desking
Hot-desking offers some clear benefits such as increased flexibility, reducing unused space and costs, as well as providing collaborative opportunities that can give rise to more innovation.
Cost-saving
studies have found that some 40% of office space remains vacant at any one time. Hot-desking, whereby office workers aren’t assigned a desk but take an unoccupied one if and when they need it, has been shown to reduce the costs of running an office by as much as 30%.
Increased connection & innovation
Whether it’s in a private office or a wider coworking space, hot-desking brings people together from different teams, industries or companies, creating a diverse melting pot of professionals with varying knowledge and skillsets. This connection often leads to fresh opportunities, in which new clients, investors, partners, or employees are gained through hot-desking introductions.
Research into co-working spaces has shown a positive interrelation between collaboration and innovation, indicating that coworkers are able to improve their innovative capabilities by making use of strategic partnerships in coworking spaces and flexible working solutions.
With hot desking, you’re also able to tap into different pools of talents at once. To illustrate, with WeWork’s multiple locations in Hong Kong, your remote workforce is guaranteed access to comfortable and well-equipped workspaces. In addition, your employees will be able to work with other entrepreneurs, freelancers, and employees from various companies.
An effective solution for freelancers
If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur working at the same location, hot-desking is a flexible, cost-effective solution to finding office space—without the commitment or rigidity of long-term office leases. It helps combat the isolation of working from home and surrounds you with a network of professionals who are also working remotely or freelancing for themselves.
More flexible working solutions
WeWork has devised a number of flexible working solutions with access to hot desks, as well as other workspaces like meeting rooms and private offices, to meet the growing needs of companies and their remote working models. Worker safety remains a priority so WeWork continues to prioritize the safety of our community with enhanced cleaning measures and reimagined spaces for effective workplace distancing.
If hot-desking is right for you and your company, the following WeWork products may be a perfect fit:
WeWork All Access
WeWork All Access unlocks access to hot desks, conference rooms, and private offices in 80+ locations in major business districts across Greater China and Hong Kong. You can purchase a greater China pass just for China, a pass only for Hong Kong or a pass that covers both with flexible membership plans to suit your needs. It is easy to get started using the WeWork app (Google Play / App Store) —simply choose your preferred location, book ahead, and then get working!
WeWork Day Pass
The WeWork Day Pass is a super convenient pay-as-you-go option that allows you to choose where and when you want to work throughout WeWork’s locations across Hong Kong. You get access to daily hot desks and by-the-hour meeting rooms, where and whenever you want with a day pass, as well as access to shared amenities. This is a great option for consultants, freelancers and start-ups who are looking for flexible desks and working solutions.
Rethinking your workspace? WeWork can help you find a solution that best fits your needs.