If you are considering moving to a more flexible office solution, you might be wondering what the differences are between the many options. Do you need a dedicated desk? Or is coworking the way to go?
Let’s look at the various pros and cons of dedicated desk vs. open coworking to help you decide.
What is coworking?
Coworking is, essentially, a communal office space. Generally, you have your choice of work areas, whether it’s a conference table, a benching system, small huddle areas, or couch space in a lounge-like setting.
Coworking pros: on the upside, coworking allows you to come and go as you please, plus, you have access to state-of-the-art office equipment like printers, copy machines, and business-grade internet without having to invest in any of it.
If you need meeting rooms or administrative support, it’s there for the asking on a pay-as-you-go basis. This keeps your monthly costs low and gives you everything you need when you need it – without having to pay for anything you’re not using.
Coworking cons: since coworking is a communal environment, you will have to pack up your gear and take it with you at the end of the day. This may not suit all people, especially if you have a large desktop computer or a lot of peripherals that you use daily.
Additionally, you may not be assured of your favorite spot when you come in, so you may be relegated to a desk or work area that you’re not as comfortable with.
What are dedicated desks?
A dedicated desk is just as it sounds – a specific desk that is yours and yours alone.
Dedicated desk pros: You will have the same workspace every day, giving you consistency and ensuring you can get down to work more quickly. You’ll also have secure storage to put your items under lockdown each night. A dedicated desk gives you more security and comfort and may reduce work-related stress, and it also gives you a little separation from the coworking space, which may tend to be a bit lively at times.
Dedicated desk cons: Because you have a space of your own, the costs are a little higher. However, you may be able to justify this increase based on the convenience. Depending on the layout of the space, you may be removed from the coworking area – which could be either a pro or a con, depending on how you roll. Because you have a static work area, you’ll also be working next to the same people every day, reducing the potential for networking and making new connections.
Ultimately, there is no black-and-white answer to what type of flexible office solution is right for you. Everybody works differently. Some thrive in one environment and stagnate in another. Carefully consider how you like to work and get things done, and the choice will be clear.
Dedicated desk vs. coworking El Dorado Hills
If you’re still undecided, drop by to tour our facilities today. We’d love to have the opportunity to show you how we can help.
