What Is a Hot Desk? Why Is It Making A Cut In Post-Covid Co-Working??

Hot desks in the coworking spaces are gaining popularity due to the flexibility and convenience it offers. On-demand choices are driving success for the coworking sector.

It is 2021, and still no signs of the worries wearing off from the COVID-19. New strains are sprouting and making it rougher 100% normal life. But as they say, 'the show must go on'. Remote working has enabled businesses to think beyond office realty.

Just as shared office spaces and meeting rooms, hot desks are now a first choice for professionals in distributed teams or entrepreneurs and freelancers.

With on-demand offering such as GoFloaters and Work-from Anywhere tool for teams, it is making it easier for people to choose pay-as-use plug and play seats on a day basis.

What you gonna read!

🤓 Current Scenario

🤓 People love Hybrid Working

🤓 Is work from home suitable for everyone?

🤓 Traditional models of working

🤓 Hot Desking

🤓 Benefits of Hot Desking

🤓 Final Note

🤓 Does GoFloaters help?

🎬 Current Scenario

As businesses around the world are adapting to new ways of working. Employees do want to continue remote working even after the coronavirus crisis ends but in the hybrid model. With the largest of vaccination drives being organized, it is time to accept that hybrid working is here to stay.

For the companies that have seen huge economic losses, this strategy not only places employee wellbeing at the forefront but also ensures lesser crowding in workplaces and makes sense commercially.

❤️‍🔥 On the other side, people are loving Hybrid Working!

Flexibility in choosing your work timings, no need to be stuck in traffic for hours to reach the office, complete autonomy on when and how to do the work - too good to give up, isn't it? You can balance your household chores, spend time with your family, and even be 100% productive at your work, all in your pajamas or being a walk away from your home.

With businesses trying to return to office campuses by making it as comfortable as possible, (sounds like the nth time) the pandemic doesn't seem to be quitting our lives anytime soon. From being flexible to learning the ways around the Hybrid model of working, companies are blending offices, coworking and work from home. Serving the remote teams across our centers, we realise that teams are yearning to collaborate in person and missing the in-person excitement even if tech is doing the best. So, through platforms like GoFloaters managers and teams are picking up on-demand neighbourhood spaces and getting together a couple of times a week and working.

🏠 😱 💻 Is work from home suitable for everyone?

• Homes come with a host of distractions and interruptions. Not all of us have a dedicated work desk or a spare bedroom thath can be converted to a workstation.
• Having your office and home life so close could eventually cause havoc. Work-life balance? Poof!

• Indian households are not equipped with the facilities required for working from home. Poor internet and network issues, lack of facilities like printers & scanners, or even the lack of community presence doesn't ensure a smooth ride.
• There are interesting studies, which show increasing muscles and lower back pain issues with prolonged WFH. On a personal note, one of my friends working from home has had a slipped disc as he was sitting and working in a non-ergonomic chair. And I know many CXOs of well funded companies, who have been ignorant about these WFH issues and still continue to sit and work out of plastic chairs! Sigh!

🏢 Getting back to old office campuses, is it a possibility?

• The safety and well-being of every employee is the primary concern of every employer.
• Although manufacturing, factories, warehouses, marketplaces have opened their doors, employees are counting on their employees to being safe in their campuses
• Currently, only the critical employees like the operations and industrials are being called back. Office Workers who deal with desk jobs continue to work from anywhere, which in itself is a huge population.
• The pandemic triggered reverse migration across the sector and class of workers. White-collared workforce was no different. Across urban cities singletons and families reversely migrated to their hometowns. Over the months they have enjoyed the pleasures of rural and eco-living and now convincing them to get back to cities is a challenge. Unless blackmailed by the companies.
• Moreover, companies such asZOHO and Kovai.co have empowered them with the idea that work can be dabbled from towns and cities. And hey, what are we for ! With coworking spaces in Madurai or meeting spaces in Trichy or shared office in Coimbatore we are helping to realise the startups' remote work dreams. We call is the Padmashri Sridhar Vembu effects

🧙‍♀️ 🎰 🎱 🎲 ✨ What is the alternative?

Working from home for longer periods of time has led to a lack of interest and a feeling of detachment or isolation. Human beings are social animals. And we want to be around people, have a cup of coffee, share ideas, laugh at jokes, and feel like we are a part of a larger community.

Millions of Indians have cooped up inside their homes since last year. Also, several businesses are resorting to experimenting with newer working modes where both traditional and remote working can co-exist together.

In such times, where would you go to find a workspace for yourself, just for a while, which is affordable, flexible, and also safe?

Hot Desking

Hot Desking has been the go-to option. It has been the best solution for wanting an office space and not wanting a long-term investment.

So, what is hot-desking?

Hot desking is a 21st-century concept where two or more people effectively share flexible desks which are not on a reserve basis but on a first-pick basis. It is the practice of multiple people using the same workstation throughout the day.

So essentially, you can book instantly, walk into your choice of coworking space and pick any empty desk available and start working from there right away.

Hot Desking vs. Hoteling

Are you trying to decide between hot desking and hoteling? Both options offer flexible workspace solutions, but there are some key differences to consider before making a decision.

Hot desking is a workspace model where employees do not have assigned desks and instead work from any available desk or workspace in the office. This model is ideal for businesses with a large number of employees who do not require a permanent desk or work schedule. Hot desking promotes collaboration an d flexibility, as employees can sit next to different colleagues each day and work in different areas of the office.

On the other hand, hoteling is a workspace model where employees reserve a desk or workspace for a specific period of time. This model is ideal for businesses with employees who work remotely but need a workspace when they come into the office. Hoteling promotes organization and structure, as employees have a dedicated workspace that they can personalize and use consistently.

One of the biggest differences between hot desking and hoteling is the level of workspace turnover. Hot desking involves a high level of workspace turnover, as employees do not have assigned desks and may switch desks multiple times a day. This can make it more difficult to prevent the spread of illnesses and maintain cleanliness in the office. Hoteling, on the other hand, involves a lower level of workspace turnover, as employees have assigned workspaces that they use consistently.

Another key difference between hot desking and hoteling is the level of personalization and ownership. Hot desking does not provide employees with a permanent desk or workspace, which can make it difficult for employees to personalize their workspace and feel a sense of ownership. Hoteling, however, provides employees with a dedicated workspace that they can personalize and use consistently, which can promote a sense of ownership and belonging.

Hot desking is ideal for businesses with a large number of employees who do not require a permanent desk or work schedule, while hoteling is ideal for businesses with employees who work remotely but need a workspace when they come into the office. 

Benefits of Hot Desking

Hot desking is a flexible workspace model that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It offers a number of benefits for both businesses and employees. In this section, we'll explore some of the main benefits of hot desking and how they can improve your work experience.

1. Increased Collaboration and Networking: One of the main benefits of hot desking is increased collaboration and networking. When employees are not tied to a specific desk or area of the office, they are more likely to interact with colleagues from different departments and areas of expertise. This can lead to new ideas and innovative solutions, as well as new relationships and networking opportunities.

2. Cost-Effective: Hot desking is a cost-effective solution for businesses that do not require a permanent desk or office space. By sharing workspaces and resources, businesses can save on overhead costs and reduce their carbon footprint. This can provide businesses with more financial flexibility and allow them to invest in other areas of their operations.

3. Flexibility: Hot desking provides employees with a high level of flexibility in their work environment. They can choose where they work and who they work with, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Hot desking also allows employees to work from different locations, such as home or a coffee shop, which can improve work-life balance and reduce commuting time.

4. Reduced Clutter: Hot desking can help reduce clutter in the office by eliminating the need for personal desks and workspaces. This can create a cleaner and more organized work environment, which can improve productivity and reduce stress levels.

5. Increased Productivity: Hot desking can lead to increased productivity by promoting a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Employees are more likely to engage with colleagues and share knowledge, which can lead to new ideas and innovative solutions. Hot desking can also reduce distractions and improve focus, as employees can choose a workspace that suits their needs and preferences.

6. Improved Communication: Hot desking can improve communication and collaboration between employees and departments. By working in a shared space, employees are more likely to communicate face-to-face and build stronger relationships. This can lead to improved teamwork and a more positive work culture.

7. Increased Efficiency: Hot desking can increase efficiency by reducing the time and resources required to manage and maintain personal workspaces. This can free up time for employees to focus on more important tasks and projects, which can lead to increased productivity and improved job satisfaction.

8. Adaptable to Changing Workloads: Hot desking is adaptable to changing workloads and business needs. As businesses grow or shrink, hot desking can easily accommodate changes in the number of employees and workspaces required. This can provide businesses with more flexibility and agility in responding to market changes and opportunities.

9. Reduced Environmental Impact: Hot desking can help reduce the environmental impact of businesses by promoting resource sharing and reducing the need for personal workspaces. This can lead to a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable work environment.

10. Improved Health and Well-being: Hot desking can improve the health and well-being of employees by promoting movement and reducing sedentary behavior. Employees are encouraged to move around and change workspaces, which can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and improve circulation. Hot desking can also reduce stress levels by providing employees with more control over their work environment. 

Hot desking offers a number of benefits for businesses and employees, especially post COVID times. 

Is Hot Desking For You?

Are you considering hot desking as an option for your work space? It's a popular trend that's been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Hot desking offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals who don't require a permanent desk or office space. However, before jumping on the hot desking bandwagon, it's important to consider whether it's the right fit for you. Here are some tips to help you determine if hot desking is for you.

Firstly, consider your work habits and personality. Hot desking requires a certain level of adaptability and flexibility, as you may not always be able to sit in the same spot or have the same desk set up. If you thrive in a routine and prefer a consistent work environment, hot desking may not be the best option for you. However, if you're open to change and enjoy variety in your work day, hot desking could be a great fit.

Secondly, think about your work schedule and how often you'll be using the space. Hot desking is ideal for those who work irregular hours or only need a workspace occasionally. If you're someone who needs a desk every day and has a consistent work schedule, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a permanent workspace.

Thirdly, consider the amenities and resources available at the hot desking space. Will you have access to high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and meeting rooms? If you require certain resources to do your job effectively, make sure the hot desking space can provide them.

Lastly, think about the social aspect of hot desking. Do you enjoy meeting new people and networking? Hot desking can provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in your industry, but it's important to also consider whether you'll be comfortable working in a shared space with strangers.

Hot desking can be a great option for those who value flexibility and cost-effectiveness in their work space.

Does GoFloaters help with?

GoFloaters is an on-demand workspace platform. We started our journey by offering work cafes by hour (25/- per hour with no long-term commitment or food ordering), which helped thousands of individuals enjoy flexibility of remote working to the maximum. Even today, we are often enquired for work cafes. However, because of the COVID-19 limitations and physical distancing protocols, especially in the cafes and restaurants, we have temporarily stalled the offering.

Alternatively, with Hot Desking, we have been able to do justice to the customers who are looking for independent seats.

So, what have we been doing?

🧑‍⚕️ Maintaining healthy workstations:

We are making sure each of our spaces are Verified Safe

We care about the safety and well-being of our customers and maintaining the standards in Hot Desks could be a challenge. Yet, we have taken the onus to ensure your safety and are working out with each our partner in developing the Safety Badge Program. This is a voluntary pledge that our spaces take to ensure that their space meets our requirements for health and safety standards.

🎟️ On-demand:

Since the time we launched our operations in Chennai in 2017, GoFloaters on-demand has empowered users to instantly choose, book our on-demand selections – work cafes, hot desks, meeting rooms. We have been pioneering the on-demand workspace initiatives in India and this business has now replaced any traditional models of the coworking segment.

Check out our GoFloaters App or Browse through the web, to explore and book your next on-demand workspaces in your neighbourhood and walk2work.

Spread across 40+ cities, 3000+ curated workspaces and trusted by thousands of customers, your one-stop solution for remote work location is here.