Let’s be honest, no matter what the industry is we all use specific nomenclature that can pretty much confuse the majority of people. Coworking is no exception to that… Seeing the steep rise in coworking spaces becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs and small business owners isn’t a big surprise. The product offering or menu of services offered by those coworking spaces are all relatively the same but that specific nomenclature can be confusing to you, me, and a lot of people in between.
One of those products/services is what is widely referred to as a Dedicated Desk. A dedicated desk in a coworking space is a personal workspace that is reserved for the exclusive use of a single individual or company. This type of membership provides the user with a dedicated workspace that they can access at any time, as well as additional perks and services offered by the coworking space. Unlike other types of coworking memberships (meeting rooms, private offices, coworking), a dedicated desk allows for a consistent, private workspace that can be tailored to the specific needs of the user.
Dedicated desks in a coworking space are often more cost-effective than other types of memberships, like private offices. Because you have your own dedicated workspace, you can avoid the costs associated with renting a traditional office space, such as utilities and maintenance fees. A dedicated desk also allows for more flexibility than a traditional office lease. Most coworking spaces offer month-to-month or “flex” options, so you can easily scale up or down as your business needs change. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses or startups that may not have the resources to commit to a long-term lease.
Another advantage of a dedicated desk is that it can provide you with a professional, organized workspace. Plus, you never have to take all of your work items, technology, or papers home at the end of every day! Coworking spaces like Co.Labor offer ergonomic furniture and modern amenities, so you can create a comfortable and efficient workspace that is conducive to productivity.
One study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that workers at coworking spaces reported higher levels of satisfaction and perceived autonomy than those who worked in traditional office settings. Additionally, the study found that workers in coworking spaces were more likely to feel a sense of community and support from their peers. In another study, published in the Journal of Business and Technical Communication, found that workers at coworking spaces reported higher levels of collaboration and information sharing. This can be particularly beneficial for small business owners who may not have access to the same resources as larger companies.
Here are some “pro” tips to consider if the dedicated desk route is something that may be for you:
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Consider your specific needs: Before choosing a dedicated desk, think about your specific needs and what type of workspace will be most beneficial for you. Do you need a lot of space for equipment or materials? Do you require a quiet, private workspace? Knowing what you need will help you choose a dedicated desk that is right for you.
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Research the coworking space: Before choosing a dedicated desk, research the coworking space to ensure that it is the right fit for your business. Look for reviews from other members, check out the amenities and services offered, and visit the space in person to get a feel for the environment.
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Consider the location: The location of the coworking space can be an important factor in your decision. Choose a space that is conveniently located and easy to access, so you can easily get to and from work each day.
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Compare prices and options: When choosing a dedicated desk, compare prices and options from different coworking spaces to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Consider factors like the length of the contract, the amenities and services included in the membership, and the overall cost.
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Meet the community: One of the advantages of a dedicated desk in a coworking space is the opportunity to build a sense of community. Before choosing a dedicated desk, try to meet some of the other members to get a sense of the community and see if it is a good fit for you.
In summary, dedicated desks in a coworking space offer a number of benefits over traditional office spaces and other types of coworking memberships. They provide a personal workspace, additional perks and services, and the flexibility to scale up or down as needed. Furthermore, they can be more cost-effective and provide a professional, organized workspace. If you are considering joining a coworking space like Co.Labor, make sure you weigh all of the available options, a dedicated desk may be the right choice for you.
Sources:
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study on the benefits of coworking spaces.
The Journal of Business and Technical Communication: Study on the impact of coworking spaces on collaboration and information sharing.
