1. Find the optimal location for your WFH workspace

The first thing you need to consider when setting up your home office is: location, location, location.

This will be an easy choice if you have an empty room available in your home. For most people, this will be a spare bedroom or a basement. Personally, I converted my hobby room into a hybrid home office/hobby room.

Depending on your living situation, you might not have many options about where to set up your office. If you live in a studio apartment, for example, you won’t have the luxury of setting up your workspace in a dedicated room. This is where you’ll need to get creative and think about what space you do have (like unused corners in larger rooms) — and use it the most effective way possible.

If you share your home with other people and you’re not able to use a dedicated office room, meanwhile, it’s a good idea to invest in a privacy divider — this is especially handy if you have clients visiting your home office.

2. Create a dedicated workstation

Whichever room you choose to work in, you should create a dedicated workstation. Sure, you could set up shop on your kitchen or dining table (as long as you don’t mind clearing up everything before every meal), but if you have the space, then it’s a good idea to invest in a good desk — an essential component to any well-equipped home office.

This can be anything from the simplest of consoles to one with a substantial desktop. Think about how much room you need for your computer or laptop, additional monitors and other equipment — as well as how much space you have available — and choose a desk that fits your needs.

You’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to office desks, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making a purchase:


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What is a dedicated workspace?

A dedicated workspace at home

There are two types of dedicated workspaces: those at home when working remotely and those provided by companies for their workforce when they come on-site.

At home, employees should dedicate one area of their home to their work-related tasks. They can customize this corner to match their needs as much as possible. A few important aspects include having the right lighting, furniture, equipment, and a calm environment. Creating a comfortable and tailored-made “work only” area at home is highly recommended to enhance focus and productivity. It also helps to separate personal and professional life and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

An assigned desk in the office

An assigned desk in the office is the traditional desk setup as everyone knows it.

If you are reading this article, there is a very high chance you are aware of the importance of modernizing the workplace and switching to a more flexible office. However, the most crucial element in order to embrace the future of work and boost your business is an employee-centric approach.

What does this have to do with office space planning? Well, everything! Knowing and considering what your team members want is essential. So if a few people in your workforce express wanting to keep an assigned desk, you should allow it and take it into account in your office planning strategy.

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🤩 Do you want to show your staff that their needs matter? Discover the “assigned desks” feature and make your work environment more employee-centric!

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Why should you keep space for some assigned desks in the office?

A guarantee that employees have the workspace they need

Not everyone wishes to sit at a different desk whenever they come to the office. Some might simply like one workstation and don’t want to change it constantly. Others might require specific equipment, and a specific workspace meets their needs perfectly.

What’s most important is that each employee has access to a workspace that meets thier needs. Not only does it boost their productivity, but it also enhances satisfaction and well-being.

A dedicated workspace for fully focusing

Let’s say your colleague Andrew comes on-site twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday. When planning his schedule, he dedicates one day to collaborative projects and the other to do highly-focused tasks he can’t do at home.

In every office space, some areas are more conducive to concentration than others. Andrew knows that and constantly tries to book the same desk. Unfortunately, this workstation is not always available. It forces him to reserve another spot, risk being unable to concentrate, and be frustrated.

Keeping some dedicated desks in your office space and assigning one to Andrew each Thursday helps you solve this scheduling conflict and gives him the best chance to be in full-focus mode!

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💡 Check our article about time-block scheduling to become more time-efficient and productive!

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A space management approach to boost employee satisfaction

The strong demand for flexible work arrangements forces companies to adjust their working policies and rethink how the workplace is used and designed. The office space should fulfil the need for a hybrid workforce while still being profitable.

Two main perks of switching to a hybrid work model are downsizing the office space and lowering your bills. However, don’t forget to consider your employees’ expectations when planning to reduce the size of your workspace. Are they all comfortable with a hot desking system? Are some coming more often than others and willing to work from the same desk each time they are on-site?

By keeping some fixed desks, you are more likely to make everyone happy. People can have the desk they want and switch to a hybrid work model at their own pace.

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Understanding the Concept of a Dedicated Desk

A dedicated desk, as the name suggests, is a personal workspace assigned to an individual in a coworking space. Unlike hot desks, which are shared among multiple users, a dedicated desk is exclusively reserved for one person. This arrangement offers the user a sense of permanence and personal space while still enjoying the benefits of a coworking environment.

The dedicated desk model is a hybrid of traditional office setups and the flexible coworking model. It provides a perfect balance between the need for personal space and the desire for a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Features of a Dedicated Desk

A dedicated desk typically comes with a chair, a desk, and some storage space. The user has the freedom to personalize this space to their liking, making it feel more like their own. This could include adding personal items, setting up their computer and peripherals, or even decorating the space with plants or photos.

Most coworking spaces offer 24/7 access to dedicated desk users. This allows for flexibility in work hours, catering to different work schedules and time zones, especially for remote workers or freelancers. Additionally, dedicated desks often come with additional amenities like access to meeting rooms, printing facilities, and high-speed internet.

Types of Dedicated Desks

While the basic concept of a dedicated desk remains the same, coworking spaces often offer different types of dedicated desks to cater to various needs. These could range from a simple desk in a shared room to a more private cubicle-style setup. The choice depends on the user's preference for privacy, noise levels, and budget.

Some coworking spaces also offer team desks, which are larger dedicated spaces for teams. These are ideal for small businesses or startups that want to maintain a close-knit team environment while benefiting from the coworking space's amenities and networking opportunities.

The Role of Dedicated Desks in the Coworking Ecosystem

Dedicated desks play a crucial role in the coworking ecosystem. They provide a middle ground between the rigidity of traditional offices and the fluidity of hot desking. This balance is essential in catering to the diverse needs of coworking space users, which include freelancers, remote workers, startups, and even large corporations.

By offering a personal and permanent workspace, dedicated desks attract users who require a consistent work environment but also value the flexibility and community aspect of coworking spaces. This includes digital nomads, freelancers who prefer a steady workspace, remote workers, and small businesses.

Benefits of Dedicated Desks

Dedicated desks offer numerous benefits. The most prominent is the sense of stability and personal space. Having a dedicated workspace reduces the time and stress of finding a suitable spot each day, as is the case with hot desking. It also allows users to leave their belongings at their desk, adding to the convenience.

Another significant benefit is the ability to personalize the workspace. This can enhance productivity and comfort, making the user feel more at home. Additionally, having a fixed location makes it easier for other members to locate you, facilitating collaboration and networking.

Challenges of Dedicated Desks

Despite the numerous benefits, dedicated desks also come with their set of challenges. The most common concern is the cost. Dedicated desks are typically more expensive than hot desks due to the additional space and amenities. This might not be affordable for all, especially freelancers or startups on a tight budget.

Another potential challenge is the lack of flexibility. While dedicated desks offer more stability, they don't provide the same level of freedom as hot desks. Users are tied to one spot, which might not be ideal for those who prefer changing their work environment regularly.

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