Instagram. Uber. Spotify. Hootsuite. Wanderfly.

What’s common among these successful brands?

Besides starting small, these triumphant companies have their workplace setup at a coworking space.

Coworking saves huge costs, offers greater work flexibility, boosts collaboration opportunities, and multiplies the growth of businesses.

As per projections, there will be around 41,975 coworking spaces across the globe by the end of the year 2024. It implies that businesses have already realized the abundant potential coworking spaces hold!

If you own a startup or a mid-sized business, coworking spaces can work wonders for you! However, there are various coworking options available in the market, namely –

• Dedicated desk
• Shared desk
• Private office space

As a business owner, you must decide the most suitable coworking option to ensure the best outcomes. In this blog, we will provide you with a roadmap that can help you make the most suitable decision in this matter.

Let’s get started!

#1: Dedicated Desk Space

A dedicated desk refers to a desk space allotted to a specific person.

If you opt for a dedicated desk space office, you would be a part of coworking space, but your desk will only be accessible to you. No one else can access your desk even when you or your teammates are on leave.

Simply put, if two companies are sharing a coworking space, their employees will be a part of the same space. But the desks allocated to them won’t change. 

So, an employee would use the same reserved desk every day. The employee may further tailor the desk as per their choice and working style.  Additionally, the desk offers the provision of a lockable cabinet that helps employees to keep their documents and personal stuff organized and safe.

Pros of a dedicated desk –

• Ensures less distraction while working, thus improving efficiency.
• The quiet work environment Improves focus, relating to higher productivity.
• Gives employees a sense of stability and privacy.
• Offers additional facilities like a personal cabinet to store and organize company documents and valuables.

Cons of a dedicated desk –

• May result in reduced communication among team members.
• Requires installation of supplementary infrastructure to provide and maintain security. 
• Involves a higher cost of implementation. Hence, it may not be suitable for startups that are tight on budget.

#2: Shared Desk Space

Shared desk space refers to a coworking practice that allows two or more businesses to work together in the same area by sharing the rental.

For instance, if you have taken an office on rent, you may share unused space of the office with other companies. As a tenant, it will curtail your rent and help you save huge costs.

Pros of the shared desk-

• Offers a ready-to-move space for a smooth transition. 
• Ensures greater work flexibility. 
• Offers plenty of networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Ensures cost savings for all the companies involved.

Cons of shared office desk –

• Distractions during work hours can hamper employees productivity.
• Company’s sensitive & crucial data may get leaked, raising serious concerns.
• Limitations on workspace customization.

#3: Private Office Space

Private office space refers to coworking practice that offers greater privacy and personalization of the office.

If you opt for a private office, you will enjoy all the perks of coworking without compromising your privacy.

For instance, the workspaces are separated for better “privacy.” Though the spaces are separated you can use shared amenities, such as conference rooms, internet, canteen, gym, fax machines, and much more. 

Thus, you will be able to cut down expenses while enjoying the benefits offered by a tailored work area. This is an ideal option for small businesses that need to use their limited resources optimally. 

Pros of private office desk –

• Offers access to personalized and private working spaces.
• Ensures fewer distractions, resulting in improved productivity and efficiency. 
• Ensures greater confidentiality, reducing the risk of the organization’s data getting stolen or misused. 
• Offers access to shared amenities, thus minimizing operational costs.

Cons of the private desk –

• Expanding companies may face financial challenges while setting up the infrastructure.
• Since it’s a secluded workspace, lack of communication may restrict employees from exchanging new ideas. This can promote poor work culture.  

Key Takeaways

Here are the key highlights that summarize the benefits and not-so-great features of dedicated desks, shared workspace desks, and private office desks. 

A good workspace is one of the main pillars for achieving extraordinary success and boosting team productivity.

With the inception of coworking culture, it has become easier for businesses to create a space that motivates their employees to innovate and stay passionate and productive.

As a business owner, entrepreneur, or freelancer, you are a decision away from experiencing the benefits of coworking. Deciding which coworking space is the best depends on your business needs and long-term goals. 

We are sure that the information shared in this post will help you make an informed decision in this matter.