Coworking spaces offer you different membership plans to suit your business needs. But as you evaulate various membership options, one decision you will have to make is between getting a flex desk vs a dedicated desk. In this post, we’ll explain the difference between flex desks and dedicated desks so you make the best decision for your workspace and, ultimately, your business.
What’s a flex desk?
A flex desk, or a hot desk, is a workspace that is first-come, first-serve. With a flex desk, you don’t have a dedicated workspace that you can go back to. If there’s a specific spot that you like, but someone else is sitting there that day, you’d have to sit somewhere else. At the end of the day, anything you brought with you goes home with you.
Ultimately, a flex desk is great for someone who doesn’t want to be tied down, is looking to keep expenses low, or likes the vibe of working in cafes or libraries, but with less noise. At RiverWorks Coworking, our monthly flex desk plans start at just $99 per month. You can also join us for a day pass, which is $20.
What’s a dedicated desk?
A dedicated desk is a space reserved just for you. You can bring your monitors, keyboard, and mouse from home and leave it at your desk. You’ll also typically receive a lockable filing cabinet for important papers and small personal items. Plus, you know that when you’re ready to work, there’s a desk with your name on it… literally. You won’t have to compete with anyone for your preferred space.
A lot of remote and self-employed workers prefer to have a dedicated desk because it gives them the flexibility to arrange their workspace. In doing so, these workers also maximize their productivity and customize their surroundings. At RiverWorks Coworking,
That said, having a dedicated desk is a greater investment. At RiverWorks Coworking, a monthly dedicated desk plan is $190, and a day pass is $40. That means a dedicated desk is nearly double the investment of a flex desk. If your company will reimburse you for your dedicated desk or even pay for it, a dedicated desk could be a great option. You can leave your work stuff at work, and you’ll feel less tempted to “get back into” work mode once you return home.
Flex desk vs. dedicated desk
What is the best membership plan for your business? Well, ultimately that comes down to who you are, where you are in your business, and what you need. Here’s a few factors that may help you make your decision:
Ownership
When you’re a flex desk member, you don’t have any permanent place to call your own. On the other hand, a dedicated desk allows you to have a desk of your own for as long as you’re a member. The dedicated desk at RiverWorks Coworking has a desk file drawer that locks for your security. A flex desk membership doesn’t allow you to store any materials onsite.
Cost
Flex desks are half the price of dedicated desks because you don’t occupy the space permanently. Flex desking allows you to use the space for as long as you want and only pay either a daily or monthly rate.
Privacy
In many cases, having a dedicated desk offers you more privacy. At RiverWorks Coworking, for example, all of our dedicated desks are located in the same area but are spaced apart. Our flex desk area is close to our cafe and is closer to the lobby, which gets a lot of foot traffic. In addition, our dedicated desk members receive one (1) hour of conference room access per month. Sometimes, though, our members make a lot of client calls and need even more privacy than a dedicated desk can offer. In that case, we recommend investing in a private office.
As your business changes, your workspace can change
Ultimately, your decision of flex desk vs. dedicated desk isn’t permanent. If you’re in the beginning stages of growing your business, flex desks allow you the ability to network with other members sitting in the same space at any particular time. Once your business starts growing, you might find that a dedicated desk with a lockable file cabinet is a better fit. It’s okay to try one membership and upgrade or downgrade based on what works best for your budget and your workspace needs.
If you’re in or near Dixon, IL, come tour our space today and see whether a flex desk or a dedicated desk is a better fit for you.