Some will say hot desk is better than dedicated desks while others claim dedicated desks are way better. Well, there is no better superior option since each type of membership has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look and you can decide based on what is best for your space.
Hot Desks
Hot desks are seating areas shared communally amongst a group of members. It is your on-demand workspace where coworkers would simply choose any open seat in your location to begin their work. Hot desks are ideal for freelancers, remote workers, small business owners, or business travelers in need of inspiring and vibrant spaces. This is perfect for those who need flexible and 24/7 coworking space access.
Advantages
Hot desks grant freedom to coworkers to choose where, when, and how they want to work within the space. They can choose to sit at a quieter place if they need concentration or for other days to sit around and chat with coworkers. This is offered to both full-time and part-time memberships. Through this kind of set-up, it increases the level of communication and collaboration among coworkers. It can lead to valuable conversations from different backgrounds and industries.
This can be recommended to a larger team in your coworking space for project-based collaboration. Also, this is at a cheaper cost for the members since they do not have their dedicated spot and are sharing the cost of the space with fellow hot-desking members.
Disadvantages
However, there are also drawbacks to hot desking. The recurring monthly revenue will be harder to predict since it varies from time to time. It is also difficult to foresee and accommodate coworkers during peak hours. Since members come and go, it will be a challenge to create a consistent community.
Dedicated Desks
Dedicated Desks are desk rented out to one specific individual. It is like giving a coworker a business home with a desk that is specifically reserved for them. Dedicated desks are for anyone who needed a reserved, permanent space where they can keep their belongings and return to every day. It is specifically equipped with a chair, trash can, and lockable filing cabinet and other important stuff to make the member at home.
Advantages
Dedicated desks are charged at a higher cost when compared to hot desks. This kind of membership enables to have anchors for your community since you will have consistent members who can grasp the vision and mission of your coworking space. As a space owner, you can offer your members additional security of their belongings to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Offer your members a long term contract for you to have a more reliable recurring revenue plan.
Disadvantages
There are also a few disadvantages with dedicated desks. This would require a more upfront commitment from your prospective members making them hard to get this type of membership. There might be fewer drop-ins and visitors to be part of the community. Also, it can be an additional expense since it requires additional security for storing items and allowing 24/7 access.
Why Not Choose Both?
Why choose one when you can have both this type of memberships in your coworking space. Most coworking spaces adapt the mix of hot desks and dedicated desks since they can work together to maximize the benefits of both memberships. Visit the site if WeWork where they have a mix of shared-workspaces in their coworking space. Offering both ensures you to attract a mix of members that can keep your community dynamic and your members engaged. In terms of revenue, it allows you to optimize your growth efforts from event rentals, drop-in visitors, and shorter-term memberships. When you have a mix of dedicated and hot desks, your community benefits the best of both and you can even experiment if which works the best in your specific location.
Final Words
There are different needs of the members and the demand to compete with the rising coworking industry is also high. From the selection above, what fits you and your space best? The choice will be yours. In some areas, the combined approach might be a great idea. But for some, it might take to choose from either of it. Check our blog on The Different Membership Plans you can offer to your members to widen your choices.