The post covid workplace is something that a lot of people are starting to think about and discuss following the global pandemic. Coronavirus changed a lot about our lives and routines over the last 18 months, but as we are starting to ease restrictions and look to going back to normality, what will that mean for those who work in traditional offices? Whilst it has shown that employees can work productively on their own in their home environment, it has also highlighted the need for human and social interaction that comes with an office set up. People have managed to carry on with their work life, just in different and innovative ways.

After months of working apart and in isolation, let’s take a look at some of the workspace solutions being implemented following COVID-19.

Safety

Health and safety are going to require a big post covid solution to make sure that people feel comfortable returning to office life. Whether that be the traditional office set up, or whether you are looking for “shared workspace near me”, being Covid-compliant will be a key solution to getting businesses back up and running again. Whilst employees are keen to get back to normal office life by looking for “workspaces to rent in London”, there is also an unease as to how this will pan out. For most companies, looking for workspaces to rent in London takes a lot of this stress and worry away as our offices already have strict health and safety plans in place including:

• Increased sanitisation – all of our workspaces to rent in London (and indeed the rest of the UK) are being disinfected more frequently and are being stocked with hand sanitiser and gloves at appropriate places throughout office buildings.
• Personal Space – by modifying our office layouts to make sure that seating is staggered and spaced out and adding screens between desks means that you can be sure that you will be safe when searching for a “shared workspace near me”.
• Signs – All of our offices will be clearly signed, and capacity controlled to make sure that you feel comfortable and safe with the rules.

Long Term Remote Working

One thing that the pandemic has really highlighted is that people do not need to conform to the traditional office 9-5 environment to be able to be productive and get the work done. Prior to this, it was very rare that you would get consistent remote workers, and so nothing had really been implemented for working away from the office. Now however, we are more likely to see people working from home or using workspaces to rent in London long after the pandemic is over. Partly due to future proofing in case we are locked down again, and partly because it works better for both employers and employees. It is far easier to use workspaces to rent in London than it is to invest in a home office setup for each employee with ergonomic furniture and computer equipment. This is not to say that the traditional office will disappear completely, but you are likely to see more people searching for “flexible workspace near me” and an increase in remote workers.

Temporary Office Space

With so much uncertainty in business following Coronavirus, looking for a “flexible workspace near me” could be the answer to many struggling companies. It is no secret that the pandemic put changes into motion that have affected everyone, no matter how small or large your business is. So, if you are wanting to scale back slightly or your business has boomed over lockdown, by finding workspaces to rent in London (or anywhere in the UK) you know that you have all the perks and benefits of a Covid-safe office without having to worry about long commitments and overheads. Simply search for a “shared workspace near me” on our app, book a space and start working! Using temporary office space is set to increase following lockdown restrictions easing as it means people have nothing to worry about office wise and can simply focus on getting their businesses back on track.

Flexible hours

Following the theme of uncertainty, one of the increasingly popular workspace solutions is to give employees more flexible hours. If your child’s school has had to close suddenly for example, it would come in handy to know that you can work different hours to be able to manage extra jobs during the day. With a lot of proven productivity occurring, having deviated away from the traditional 9-5, more and more companies are set to adopt flexible working hours to help employees’ wellbeing. This fits in perfectly with a lot of our workspaces to rent in London which offer flexible opening hours to fit in if you still want to enjoy the routine of an office no matter what time you are working.

Hybrid working

Across all different trades and industries, we are likely to see people working in a more agile way. Hybrid working brings together aspects of remote working and office working, giving employees the freedom to choose where they work – whether that be in the office, using workspaces to rent in London or working from home. Employee priorities have changed over the past 18 months, and more businesses agree that this type of flexible approach needs to be taken more seriously. Employees who are wanting to return back to work but don’t want the long commute can simply look for “flexible workspaces near me” and set up in a different, safe place each day. It gives people more choice and this evolving attitude towards work means people feel more valued by their company.

Final Thoughts…

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has had a lasting effect on lots of companies and businesses and has forced a lot of people to re-evaluate how they work and their priorities. Companies are now putting employee’s mental health and wellbeing at the top of the list and employers are listening to what their employees feel works best. There is no denying that it has been proven that remote working from home or using workspaces to rent in London have worked and can continue to do so in the future. It could be that people solely want to work from home, or they want to do hybrid working by looking for a “flexible workspace near me” working their own hours, or a mixture of the two.

Flexibility is the key theme going forward, and whether that means a full on change in how your company works or smaller, thoughtful changes – there will definitely be new and exciting changes implemented as we start to come back to work. What we do know is that people are starting to slowly move away from the traditional office environment and 9-5 structure. Workplaces and offices are evolving, so it’s time to look to the future and join in!

Whatever industry or trade you are looking to start-up in, it can be a minefield navigating what business space will meet your requirements. You want something flexible where you can host meetings and chat with clients, whilst also wanting somewhere quiet where you can focus and get your head down when it really matters. The last thing that you want to be doing is wasting all your time and energy worrying about finding somewhere that can suit your needs now when you are growing as a business, and somewhere that will work for you when you are more established in the future. This is why renting coworking space is the perfect solution, and we have put together a few tips to help you find the perfect guide to help you find the best start-up office space for you and your business.

We’ve got what you need

Picking the ideal office space can help to boost your company’s success in terms of productivity, networking and client exposure and general employee moral and positivity. Here are some of our top tips for you to think about before you choose your coworking desks:

1. Location location location!

When you start looking for “coworking spaces near me”, the first thing you need to think about is where do you want your new office to be located? You may have already picked out which town or city you want to use, but there are pros and cons to all areas. It needs to be somewhere accessible for your clients and employees, as well as having good amenities close by to ensure you get the best customer lunches! If you choose to use coworking desks instead of committing to a full office, you do not need to pick one permanent location. The best part of renting coworking space is that you could choose a different location every month, week or even day to make sure that it fulfills your requirements. You could be close to different customers when needed, have somewhere you do not have to commute as long to or even just pick somewhere close to your favourite sandwich shop to make your afternoon that little bit better. By being able to choose different coworking desks on a flexible basis, it means that you can open new networking opportunities and meet people that you wouldn’t normally if you had committed to a fixed and traditional office space.

2. Office Equipment / Facilities

When you are just starting out, the last thing that you want to be doing is worrying about expensive furniture, equipment and maintaining office facilities! You want to be able to focus your budget elsewhere and leave all the worry to someone else. When you are renting a coworking space, you don’t have to worry about anything. All of our coworking desks and shared office spaces are fully equipped with ergonomic office furniture, high spec electronics and even receptions and kitchens. You will have access to Wi-Fi, printers, scanners and meeting rooms, and some of our coworking desks are located in buildings that have their own gyms, outdoor areas and even bars for a well-deserved after-work drink! And the best thing about it is you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of money to get yourself up and running.

3. Price

So, we’ve mentioned already that you won’t have to worry about spending money on office equipment when you are looking for “coworking spaces near me” but renting coworking space is also the most cost-effective office solution out there. You will be able to enjoy all the perks of a traditional office, without having to worry about long, expensive leases. By using coworking desks, it also means that you don’t have to worry about building maintenance or insurance, it is all included in the price. Whether you are looking for daily rates or monthly rates, all of our coworking desk fees are available to check before you use, meaning that there are no hidden fees or nasty surprises! It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a large office in the middle of London, or a smaller office on the outskirts – the price you see on the website is the price that you will be paying. This means that by renting coworking space it is easier to budget for start-up company’s and means that you take all the stress a way of finding the perfect office to use.

4. How you want the space to work

You might already have an idea of how you want to use our coworking desks and office space, or you might not have a clue which direction your business will take you. The beauty of renting coworking space means that you don’t have to worry about anything! One day you may want to use quiet phone booths to focus and make confidential calls, and the next day you might want a vibrant meeting room to bounce ideas around. By looking for “coworking spaces near me”, you can make the offices work around you rather than trying to fit your business and ideas into a traditional office! You can see what you have coming up each week or month and plan and book the right spaces accordingly. It really does give you a huge amount of flexibility – you won’t want to return to a traditional office environment once you have tried our coworking desks!

5. Your projected workforce

As a start-up business, this may be something that has not crossed your mind yet, but you will need to think about where you want to end up – especially how many employees you think you may have. One of the best parts about renting coworking space is that you don’t need to worry! You can have as many or as few coworking desks as you like (or need!) and you don’t all need to worry about squeezing into the tiny office that suited your original budget. Renting coworking space means that you can grow when your business grows, without having to wait for rental leases to be finished. You can let your business flourish without having to worry about space and rent costs.

Ultimately, start-up businesses need office solutions that are flexible, low cost and allow networking. All of our coworking desks and shared offices will work around what you and your employees do. Whether that be offices in different towns to suit different customers, or you need somewhere quiet to sit and focus on the task in hand, finding a traditional office that suits all of your business needs and requirements can be a tricky task. With coworking desks, all you need to do is open our app, search for coworking desks near me, and find your dream office. The opportunities are endless!

No one can deny it, Coronavirus has changed a lot of our ‘normal’ life and routine, and our work environment has also been affected. 2020 brought many new changes and we all had to learn to navigate a rapidly changing environment. The pandemic has highlighted a new and more flexible way to work, with employers wanting to support and do what is best for employees. We are going to take a look at some of the key trends that are set to shape how we work in 2021.

1. Flexible Workspaces

For some companies, hot desking in London (and indeed all over the UK) was standard practice. But for the majority of people and businesses, it was something new and probably unheard of before. The Covid-19 pandemic created a shift in how we work – more people were forced to become remote workers, working from home. Many were choosing flexible hours to fit in with childcare and it totally altered how we view the traditional 9-5 office-based jobs. Demand for traditional offices and structured working hours will begin to dwindle, as working from home has shown companies that employees can still be productive whilst fitting work around other commitments – people are still getting results without the formal office environment. More people will be choosing to look for hot desk hire in London to find somewhere closer to home to save on a commute, and companies may start to introduce even more flexible work policies such as working 3 days in the office and 2 days from home or simply hot desking in London. No doubt online searches such as hot desking near me, or hot desking in London, will begin to surge and it will be the start of a new, more adaptable and relaxed working era.

2. Covid Safe Environments

Following on from this, people who are returning to work are going to have safety as a top priority. Whether you are going back to your traditional office, or you are looking for hot desk hire in London, companies will start looking to experts to help make the office environments covid safe with the correct health and safety measures in place. Both the traditional office set up and hot desking in London environments have lots of different parts and aspects to consider when looking at covid safety measures, and businesses will be putting extra care and effort into making sure that nothing is overlooked in this 2021 work life trend.

3. Collaborative workspaces

This is very similar to the idea of flexible working but focuses more on traditional remote and home workers being able to find hot desk hire in London, or anywhere in the UK, to set up for a day in an office environment. If a company had people working remotely before the pandemic, it is now showing there has been an increase in more employees looking for “hot desking near me” to find somewhere for human contact and socialisation. Lockdown had an effect on everyone, and more people are realising that they need the atmosphere and buzz of an office, rather than choosing to work from home. Collaborative offices are being designed with more agile layouts to help increase employee engagement, boost morale and improve productivity of remote workers. Hot desk hire in London is predicted to go through the roof now that lockdown is easing.

4. Employee mental health and wellbeing

Coming out of a global pandemic is no mean feat, and there will be a greater focus on employers looking after their staff’s wellbeing and mental health than ever before. Whilst working from home people have seen more of their colleagues and employees lives than ever before – video meetings with children crying and dogs barking, elderly parents that you didn’t know needed looking after, and untidy houses when people are just simply burnt out. It has shown that everyone is human, and this is now top of the list for most employers who have a greater responsibility to look after their team. Some members will benefit from using flexible hot desking in London to shorten commute times, whilst others might prefer coming back to the traditional office surrounded by friendly faces. It is predicted that employers will start to offer more options and flexibility to help with mental health, such as finding a hot desk in London that employees can use to fit around their schedules. It has been a massive year with a lot of change and most employers simply want to help and support their workforce.

5. Digital enhancements

As most of us know, video meetings have become crucial over the past year. Previously, they were mainly used to connect with people and customers that were at the other end of the country, or in a different one altogether! But it has now become a daily routine that keeps all employees and colleagues connected when we have to isolate ourselves at home. This will only carry on increasing in 2021, especially with employers allowing their employees to be more flexible, hot desking in London, instead of being in the office. The increase of video collaboration software means that you can connect wherever you are, – at home, when using a hot desk hire in London, or if you are self-isolating. Many employers will be investing in courses and qualifications for many of their staff to upskill them and make sure that they are ahead of the digital game.

6. Sustainability

Even with the pandemic last year, the topic of climate change was still widely talked about. What was brought to many people’s attention was how much pollution had been reduced by people simply staying at home and not commuting – it did the environment a lot of good! As we slowly start to open back up, many businesses want to continue with sustainable ways of working. This goes hand in hand with the flexible work options – people can work from home, or they can use hot desk hire in London to reduce commute times, or simply not commute as often! They could work from home a couple of days a week and then they could be hot desking in London for the rest of the week. Whatever employers choose to do, sustainability and the environment will be a key trend in 2021 and the foreseeable future.

Whilst 2020 might have been the most challenging year that some of us have faced with global challenges and being forced to adapt to new circumstances, it is important to look at 2021 as a time for us to come back better and stronger. With employers focusing on employee mental health more than ever before and flexible options such as hot desking in London becoming increasingly more popular – it is safe to say that workplaces are continuously shifting to become places of compassion and innovative ideas. Businesses have had to grow and learn quicker than ever before, and with the end of lockdown in sight the modern workplace can only get better.

1. 57 Southwark Street

This shared office space London truly stands out from the crowd – dark bold colours, exposed brick walls and funky geometric lighting gives this office a stylish and creative vibe to it. Located right in the middle of the London Bridge district, 57 Southwark Street is perfect for commuters as it is ideally situated within walking distance of Waterloo, Southwark, London Bridge and Borough tube stations. The onsite staff are on hand for whatever you need and deliver a high class of hospitality for you and your clients. There are meeting rooms, private booths, a roof terrace with breath-taking views and even a dedicated events space with a bar – what is not to love about this gorgeous shared space in London?

Click this link to find out more: https://www.bludesks.com/privateoffice/united-kingdom/london/19-desk-office-57-southwark-street/101270

2. Birchin Court

A bright, funky and fresh shared office space in London, Birchin Court is literally minutes away from Bank station and right in the middle of London. A fun yet professional environment, this shared office London is light and airy, and there are even shower facilities on the ground floor! Always kept to high cleanliness standards, the team at Birchin Court are professional so you know you can take your customers and clients there to impress them! You get the choice of meeting spaces, private booths and breakout areas, so there is something to suit every need.

Click this link to find out more: https://www.bludesks.com/privateoffice/united-kingdom/london/16-desk-office-birchin-court-bank-/101268

3. Finsbury House

Finsbury House is a shared office space in London that brings old and new together in a beautiful, listed building located next to Finsbury Circus. With everything from a gym and shower room, to a stylish Executive Lounge, this shared space in London perfectly embodies old world glamour in a modern and exciting way. Enjoy all the mod cons, inducing wi-fi and air conditioning, whilst embracing its historic charm. The staff provide outstanding hospitality to you and your clients, you won’t need to worry about a thing if you book this shared office in London. You can also help yourself to free refreshments – what are you waiting for?

Click this link for more information: https://www.bludesks.com/privateoffice/united-kingdom/london/29-desk-office-finsbury-house-finsbury-circus/101258

4. The Brew Eagle House

A funky and eccentric shared office in London, the Brew Eagle House truly is a fun and energising place to work. Before it was restored, the Brew Eagle was a 1920’s dance hall and still retains some of its original features. A fantastically quirky shared space in London, you will find lots of colour and something different in every room – it will definitely get the creative juices flowing! A deceptively spacious interior houses breakout areas, an event space, executive meeting rooms and places for you to hot desk when necessary. Conveniently located a short walk away from Old Street Underground Station, this shared office space in London is perfect for those who like something a little different.

Click here to find out more: https://www.bludesks.com/fixed-dedicateddesk/united-kingdom/london/the-brew-eagle-house/101629

5. The Workers League

With not just one shared office in London but 4 different locations, the Workers League is a member’s club that provides brilliant workspaces for all different kinds of trades. Each shared space in London is light, airy and stylish to help you grow your business. With lounges, co working spaces and meeting rooms available to use, there is something to suit everyone. There is free coffee and fresh fruit each day, and you can even stop for a complimentary beer on the courtyard bar in Shoreditch if you want to treat yourself one afternoon. These smart, professional and modern shared offices in London are the perfect place to get your head down and focus.

Click here to find out more information: https://www.bludesks.com/hotdesk-coworkingspace/united-kingdom/london/the-workers-league-old-street-shoreditch/101172

6. Petty France

Located on the south side of Petty France directly next to Victoria and St James’s Park stations, this shared office space in London is a beautifully converted historic building. With features like breakout areas, a private gym, a stunning roof terrace and a spacious event space, these boutique offices have everything that your business needs in an office. With gorgeous décor and helpful staff, nothing is too much trouble at this shared space in London – you know that you and your clients will be in good hands in Petty France.

Click here to find out more: https://www.bludesks.com/privateoffice/united-kingdom/london/40-desk-office-petty-france-victoria/101255

7. The Co-Dalston

The Co-Dalston is a quirky, welcoming shared office space in London, located close to Dalston Kingsland. Ideal for creative freelancers, start-ups and small businesses, this vegan-friendly shared space in London features coworking desks and meeting rooms, a grab and go café and even pop up retail shops! With funky and eclectic décor, there is even a fully fitted professional kitchen for pop-up restaurants, market venders and delivery services. This shared office in London has a homely and family vibe to it, you will certainly want to move in when you have visited!

Click here to find out more information: https://www.bludesks.com/hotdesk-coworkingspace/united-kingdom/london/the-co-dalston-hackney-/101579

Professional, Safe and Clean

With the world slowly coming back to normal following the pandemic, it is more important than ever that your shared office space in London is safe and clean. All the shared spaces that we advertise here and on the website are Covid-Safe and will help you and your employees to return to work safely and get back to the new normal. There will be social distancing in place indoors, so you can work at a safe distance from other users in your shared space in London. There are also fantastic hygiene measures in place including cleaning and disinfecting to stop infection spread, hand sanitisers in all of the shared spaces, and work areas will be fully cleaned and sanitised in between each customer visiting to make sure that your shared office in London is as safe as possible. There will also be signs everywhere to outline exactly what each office has in place to look after you and your customers. So, don’t put off coming back to work in our coworking offices – as long as you follow the guidelines and stay alert, you will be safe following all the measures that are in place. Let’s get back to normal!

Why do people thrive in coworking spaces?

A flexible workspace London, or anywhere in the UK, is basically a type of office that you can hire either a whole room or simply a desk and pay by the hour or month. Traditionally used by freelancers or business start-ups, a shared workspace in London is increasingly being used by a wide variety of companies and employees alike.

There are several different terms used within this industry, and it is easy to get confused. We’ve put together a little list to explain what terms are used when looking for workspaces to rent London:

• Hot Desk – this simply means that no desk is assigned to one person. All you do is find a free space on your app and turn up! You will be working at a different desk each day
• Dedicated desk – These are workstations in a shared workspace in London that are assigned to specific individuals. You will have the same desk each day so you don’t need to worry about clearing it each evening.
• Shared office space/ Coworking space – This is exactly the same thing as a flexible workspace in London! It is just that different people use different phrases – don’t worry, they all mean the same thing.

What do shared office spaces include?

All of our shared workspace London can be adapted to suit each company and their needs, but there are certain basic elements that all spaces have. They will include all of your office essentials such as wi-fi, office furniture, cleaning staff and appliances, but most will also include:

• Reception staff – these are here to help you with whatever you need, and some can even take calls and messages for you if required.
• Meeting rooms – you can choose to hire private meetings rooms where you can meet clients or have team discussions without disturbing anyone else.
• Event spaces – many flexible workspaces in London also offer dedicated event spaces so you won’t be paying over the odds to host your event.
• Breakout rooms and spaces – these are for when you need to get away and take a break from your work, and normally involve comfy chairs and sofas!
• Gym facilities – many of our shared workspaces in London also have access to their own private gym area so you don’t need to be travelling all over the city
• Shower facilities – for when you have used the gym or rode your bike to work!
• Quiet areas – sometimes, you just need a quiet space where you can get your head down and focus. Many shared offices offer quiet workspaces to rent in London and all over the UK, so you aren’t disturbed by other people.

Who uses flexible office spaces?

The amazing thing about flexible office spaces is that literally anyone can use them! As we said before, traditionally they were used by freelancers and start up businesses but more recently, established businesses have been taking advantage of workspaces to rent in London to help build and grow their companies. So, who actually uses them?

• Remote and home workers – this is a big one, especially since the pandemic meant that most people were working from home. It has shown that you don’t all need to be in the same office building to get the job done. More people are continuing to work from home as it’s easier and more flexible, but sometimes you just need the buzz of an office!
• New Businesses – using a shared workspace in London is perfect for those businesses who are just starting out. You don’t want to be committing to long and expensive leases if you are new, and you get the perks of a fully equipped and furnished office without having to worry about the upkeep.
• Small businesses – this is a similar idea; you can focus on growing your established small business without having to worry about overheads and lengthy rent contracts. All you need is a space in a flexible workspace in London and you can focus on what really matters.
• Meeting rooms – even if you have a traditional office set up, there may be times when you need a larger or better equipped meeting room to host customers and clients. All you need to do is hire one of the many meeting rooms and enjoy the benefits without you or your customer having to travel too far.
• Freelancers – whilst working from home is brilliantly flexible, sometimes you do need to concentrate and get your head down. All you need to do is search for one of our workspaces to rent in London and hire a desk for the day. You can even network and meet potential new clients, whilst enjoying the perks of an office.

What are the benefits of flexible office spaces?

For those who are not familiar with the setup of a shared workspace in London, then it does seem a bit complicated – but there are so many different benefits!

• Cost effective – by choosing a workspace to rent in London, you will definitely be saving money. No long and expensive leases or building maintenance, you can pay by the hour or by the month and still have access to fantastic offices.
• Perks – you will have access to wi-fi, ergonomic furniture, printers and scanners, as well as meeting rooms, all included in the same price.
• Flexible – as well as the different pay options, our flexible workspaces in London offer different opening times to traditional offices, meaning you can work when it suits you.
• Increase in productivity – by allowing employees to work remotely but still in a professional setting, using a shared workspace in London has been shown to increase productivity and focus.

These are just a few of the benefits that hiring a flexible workspace in London has to offer. It is easy to see why more and more people are using shared office spaces. You can give your company a chance to thrive and grow whilst being exposed to new people and trades. You no longer have to stick by the traditional office rules – you can create your own space to suit you and your employees needs. It is not simply renting a desk by the hour; you get so much more with a shared workspace in London – step into the future of work now and take a look at some of the amazing spaces we have to offer.

If you haven’t already heard, coworking office space is the new trend for professionals and businesses alike. The pandemic has highlighted that it is easy to adapt to new and different work environments and has shown that not everybody needs to be in the same office to keep productivity up. Using a coworking space means that companies do not need to spend a lot on leases or building upkeep and they don’t need to worry about long term commitments, so it is easy to see why they have become more popular.

Why do people thrive in coworking spaces?

It is becoming clearer that people who use a coworking office space are thriving, meaning more and more people are opting to use shared office space instead of traditional offices. But why are people becoming more productive? We’ve taken a look at the top reasons why people are flourishing when renting coworking office space.

• Sense of community – by using a coworking office space, remote or home workers are finding that they have a real sense of community by working alongside other professionals. This then leads to pride in their work which in turn increases their productivity. By being around like minded professionals people become more motivated and efficient.
• Creative collaborations – by being around a whole host of different people and trades that you wouldn’t normally be around, people are finding themselves more inspired than ever before. You might get a chance to meet and work with people that you never would have found if you were working in a traditional office, but with a coworking space, the possibilities are endless.
• Flexibility – some people work better alone, and others in a group. Some people work better in the morning whilst others find themselves more productive at night. The beauty of a coworking office space means that you can be as flexible as you want with your office environment – and you only pay for what you need. If you are a freelancer who only needs a desk for a couple of hours, then that is all you will pay for. If you need an office space closer to a customer, then you will easily be able to find one. The possibilities are endless and by taking the pressure off you or your workers, you will find that people will focus on their work and increase productivity.

Whatever your reason for using a coworking space, whether it’s the atmosphere of an office for home workers or an excuse to network with like minded individuals, then you need to make sure that you find the right office to suit your needs.

Top 5 Tips to keep co-workers happy

If you are renting out your offices to co-workers in a shared office environment, then we have put together some tips to make sure that they stay happy and keep coming back.

• Noise level

  When people are opening up their apps and searching for ‘coworking spaces near me’ they want somewhere that ticks all the boxes. It is something that might not be top of their list, but no one wants to be working where noise levels are so loud that they can’t concentrate and put all their focus into their work. In order to make sure that it is kept as level as possible, there are a few ways in which you can make sure that noise levels are kept to a minimum.

  • Have dedicated meeting spaces for when people need to discuss without disturbing others.
  • The layout of the office – make sure that breakout areas and canteens are not too close to the desks and coworking space.
  • Plants – it sounds funny but simply adding plants can help with noise levels! They help to block high-frequency notices and help to reduce sounds, as well as adding a more natural atmosphere.
  • Soft furnishings and carpets – whilst trendy bare floors and walls might be in at the moment, by having carpets, acoustic fabric screens and sofas in your coworking office space means that some of the noise is simply absorbed.
• Tidy

  Keeping your coworking office space tidy is a big must – no one wants to turn up to a cluttered or dirty desk first thing in the morning! Whilst it is an unwritten rule that people clean their desks at the end of every day, it might be worth putting up posters and making sure that you have someone to clean every evening to make sure that this rule is enforced. You will also want to make sure that the ace is not cluttered, everything needs to have it’s own place and be easily accessible for those who are renting desks with you.

  

• Lighting

  A well-lit coworking office space can make all the difference to how someone works, and it could be the reason that they keep coming back to you. Natural office lighting goes a long way when you are spending a full day somewhere. Big, large windows are an added bonus as they allow natural light to do most of the work. Natural light releases endorphins and while it’s not as much as 15 minutes on the treadmill, it can help people feel more energised and create a much nicer working atmosphere. If you do not have large windows in your coworking office space, make sure that you invest in good office lighting with brighter and energy efficient bulbs so that co-workers can be more alert, focused and creative.

  

• Quiet rooms

  Even when you have done your best with keeping the noise levels to a minimum with layout and office décor, there will be times when people need private and dedicated quiet rooms. Whether they are discussing sensitive data, or they really need to get their head down for upcoming deadlines, it is important that the coworking space they choose has quiet rooms. Many people who are looking for “coworking office space near me” specifically for quiet rooms have reported that they either can’t find one, or the quiet room isn’t very quiet! If this is the case, it might be good to invest in sound proofing your quiet room or adding small ‘phone booth’ style quiet rooms in a specific section of the coworking space to make sure that everyone who rents a desk is happy with the service.

  

• Ergonomic office furniture

  As desks are being used by different people every day, it can be difficult to make sure that everyone has the right office equipment. One style does not fit all, and so it is important that your coworking space appeals to everyone who is renting a desk there. Having a variety of different spaces and areas with different furniture and styles means that people can choose the best place to sit. You can include soft seating, task chairs, bench desking or focus booths to make sure that you cover all bases. It is important that a coworking office space has choice, and lots of it!

  You are creating a coworking space that needs to appeal to a lot of different employees and personalities. Not everyone will like the same things, so by making sure you have variety and choice you can ensure that people will keep coming back.

  

BluDesks, the online flexible workspace booking platform, have recently announced two new appointments as the brand plans expansion into key UK and international markets.

Lindsay Servian joins BluDesks as an Independent Non-Executive Director to the Board.

At a time of rapid growth and as many entities turn to the benefits of flexible property arrangements, Lindsay brings a wealth of relevant skills and experience having served as an Executive and Non-Executive Director in TMT, Digital Platform and PE businesses both here in the UK and internationally.

Lindsay commented, “In offering a flexible platform for corporate employees to book high-quality coworking and meeting room spaces throughout the UK and overseas, BluDesks is aligned with the future of the office.” Lindsay added, “I’m delighted to be working with founder Chelliah Nakeeran and the team in the exciting next phase of the businesses’ rapid growth.”

Joining Lindsay as Advisor to the Board is Mark Springett. Mark has extensive experience in digital marketing and new media and has held Executive Director and senior management positions in a wide range of industries including the Media, Publishing, Advertising, Retail and Manufacturing sectors.

Mark also commented, “I am delighted to be joining the BluDesks team and trust that their flexible proposition of being able to book office space by the hour, day or week, and only pay for what clients use, is ideally suited to take advantage of current economic situation.”

BluDesks’ Founder Chelliah Nakeeran commented, “I am delighted to welcome Lindsay and Mark to the Board at this exciting time when businesses of all sizes embrace remote working solutions for their employees, and confident they will add new and diverse perspectives to the Board as we continue our development and growth strategy.”

BluDesks.com is an online marketplace that enable entities to list flexible workspace availability that corporate clients and freelancers can book via PC or the app.

The traditional office set up has been changing almost constantly since the 1980’s and the invention of the PC. This marked the start of the technological era that changed how we work forever. When the PC and technology was brought to the mass market and implemented into office culture, it created a snowball effect that has evolved at a fast pace. Increasing availability of internet, smart phones, laptops and online security over the decades created a shift in how the office was needed and utilised. Now, there is a need for companies to be flexible with their employees and how they manage business growth, and the concept of shared offices spaces and hot desk rental is becoming a popular trend.

What does Hot Desk Rental mean?

A hotdesk is a desk in a shared office or workspace system, where different hot desks are used by different people as and when they are needed. It is a flexible option for those who want to dictate their own working hours and location, simply turn up at one of our coworking offices and set up your hot desk for the day. Rather than working from home or sitting in a coffee shop all day where there are plenty of distractions, you can spend your work time surrounded by like-minded people and professionals (along with all the perks of a fully functioning office!). The best part is that there is no commitment or expensive office overheads – all you need to do is turn up, choose a hot desk, pay for the time that you use and get working!

What is the purpose of a hot desk?

The purpose of a hotdesk in a coworking environment is relatively simple – it allows you a lot more freedom and flexibility that a traditional office set up. Working from home isn’t uncommon any more thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, and businesses are realising that you don’t need everyone at the same location to get the same jobs done. By utilising a hot desk rental service, you can have people minimise commute times, meet up with customers in convenient locations and save a lot of money by not having long commercial leases and overheads with office upkeeps. For example, if you are trying to grow your business, it is much better to have a pay-as-you-go option rather than committing to a large cost, especially with rental prices in London. If you want to start a business in the capital, or simply to grow and have a central base – it is much more cost efficient to rent hot desks in London than it is to commit to a full office.

The modern workforce is changing and evolving rapidly. With people free to make their own working arrangements, the demand for flexible options and hot desk rental is increasing with it. Just because people can work from home, doesn’t mean that they particularly want to. By choosing to use a hot desk in London or elsewhere in the UK, it means that employees are able to work productively around their lifestyle and requirements.

Who can use a hot desk?

The beauty of a hot desk is that anyone can use them! Professionals like consultants and freelancers are used to working in a non-traditional office environment, but new and established businesses can also take advantage of the hot desk rental system to build and grow their companies.

New Businesses – Hiring a hot desk space is perfect for a new business that is just starting out. You can feel the waters and try to grow your businesses without worrying about being tied into lengthy and expensive contracts. You also get the perks of a fully equipped office without having to fork out a lot of money or worry about the upkeep. By using a hotdesk, you will get access to printers, wi-fi, scanners and much more!

Small Businesses – small businesses can benefit greatly by using a hot desk in a shared office space. Again, you don’t have to worry about the overheads that come with renting office space, but you can also focus on growing your business. If you want to expand, but you don’t want to open another branch just yet, simply hire a hot desk in London or elsewhere and test the waters! It doesn’t have to be a permanent commitment and at BluDesks we have hot desks and shared offices all over the globe.

Freelancers – Probably one of the biggest demographics who use our hot desk rental service. Being a freelancer is very appealing as it means that you can set your own hours and be your own boss. But working from home can be lonely and get distracting! If you find that you need a break, then our hot desk pay-as-you-go service is perfect. Only pay for the time that you need and enjoy the buzz and office atmosphere. You can network and meet potential new clients as well as enjoying all the perks of a fully functioning office – what is not to love?

Remote and Home workers – With the pandemic causing most people to set up a home office and work remotely, large businesses are seeing that they do not need to have a central office to get the job done. Companies are becoming more and more flexible to fit with their employees needs and requirements. If you are starting to get back to work but have been given the option of remote working, our hot desk rental service may be just what you need. If you are struggling to work productively from home, then using our shared office spaces full of like-minded professionals can really give you the push that you need.

Commuters – Commuting is the bane of most people’s lives, especially for those who live in busy cities. The rise in home and remote working has shown that some work can be carried out outside of the office, and so, many people are choosing to use a hot desk in London, closer to their homes instead of battling with traffic and pedestrians.

Meetings – As most people know, even with the rise in technology and video conference calls, sometimes nothing beats a face to face customer meeting. Instead of getting your customer to travel, why not go to meet them? Simply book one of our hot desk private meeting rooms and enjoy the benefits of the office without having to commit or make your customer travel too far.

So there you have it! A quick guide to what exactly a hot desk is and who can use them. With many benefits including no long contracts and no stressful overheads, as well as flexible payment options and the ability to find a space with our handy app and search engine – what is not to like?

With more and more people moving from the traditional office environment and into shared office spaces, coworking provides a number of solutions for businesses. As well as being flexible and cost efficient, using hot desk office space means that you meet new and different people daily, and you are able to use all the perks that come with a fully furnished office. There are many different ways that you can use coworking office spaces, and it all depends on what your company and your employees need. Some people will work better with using hot desks, whilst others feel more comfortable with a fixed or dedicated desk.

What is a hot desk?

If you are looking for a hot desk near me, then it helps to know the difference between hot or fixed desks. A hot desk is where no employee is assigned a particular desk – it is a free seating arrangement. Simply turn up on the day and choose the space you feel comfortable in. The next day, you will find another hot desk in London and so on. This can work day by day, or hour by hour. With our flexible pricing options, you can choose any hot desk space in London and set up shop for the day or if you are simply wanting to get your head down and focus then all you need to do is find an empty desk and get started.

What is a fixed desk?

As you might have guessed, a fixed desk is an arrangement where the employee has a dedicated workstation within the shared office space. Instead of turning up and having to find a free hot desk near me, you already know where you will be working for the day. This is more like the traditional office set up; however, it means that people who normally work remotely or from home will still have the buzz and atmosphere of working in an office rather than being at home alone.

Compare hot desks in London to Fixed desks

Hot desks	Fixed Desks
Flexible working arrangements – Finding a hot desk space in London might work better for you if you need the flexibility and freedom of choosing your own location and hours.	Provides personal space – Each employee that turns up knows where they will be sat, and fixed desks are normally provided with storage options which means you don’t have to take everything home with you at the end of the day.
Encourage social interaction with new people – having to find a different workstation every day means that you are always meeting new people, and potentially finding new clients and customers along the way!	Allows you to personalise – as you don’t have to clear your desk each day, you are able to find the right equipment to suit you like chairs or keyboards, and you can bring in some photos to cheer your space up
Helps to reduce clutter – at the end of the day, you have to leave your desk completely empty and tidy. On the plus side, you know that you are always turning up to a clean and tidy hot desk office space!	Creates collaboration – as you know who you will be sitting next to each day, you create stronger bonds with your team members. Unlike a hot desk office space, you can work together with the same people each day to work towards the same goal
Cost efficient – being able to pick and choose how and when you want to work means that you are not committing to renting an entire office space. Our pay-as-you-go system means that you only pay for how much you use.	Does not disrupt your flow – some people flourish when they realise, they can pick and choose which hot desk space in London they can choose each day, whilst some people already know they work better in familiar surroundings. By choosing a fixed desk, you won’t get flustered if you can find a hot desk that you like.

Both a hot desk office space and a fixed desk are good options if you are using a coworking office. In some cases, a job may be preferable to one or the other – for example if you are handling sensitive or personal data then it is recommended that a fixed desk is used for privacy. Most of the time, it purely depends on people’s personal preferences. Whatever your needs are, there is an option out there for you with BluDesks shared office spaces.

Guide to Hot desk etiquette

So, if you decide that using hot desks in London is the option for you, then you need to know the rules. There are always unspoken rules for office etiquette – don’t eat other people’s food, remember to flush the toilet and don’t listen in to other people’s conversation etc. Here, we have put together a handy little guide of the do’s and don’ts of using a hot desk office space so you don’t get caught out!

Clean your mess – this is a big one. One of the perks about using a hot desk space London is that you always have a clean desk when you arrive. Don’t be the person that leaves empty coffee cups or food wrappers, it really isn’t a pleasant experience and you don’t want to make a name for yourself

Be ready to leave at the allotted time – if you have booked a desk for a couple of hours rather than a full day, make sure that you are ready to leave 5 minutes before the end. There is nothing worse than turning up to a hot desk near me that you have pre-booked, and the person before you is still talking on the phone or making last minute document changes. Make sure that you are all ready and packed up before the next person turns up.

Don’t take personal items and leave them – for hot desk office space to work successfully, it is important that each desk is left clean and ready for the next person to use. This means no personal items left on the desk – you don’t want to be looking at someone else’s relatives when working or finding paperwork that isn’t yours!

Loud phone conversations – While it isn’t against the rules to make phone calls when using hot desks London, if you know you are going to be having a particularly long or confidential phone call then it might be worth using the conference or meeting room facilities. You don’t want to be disturbing the person next to you!

Whilst none of these are rules that are there to be enforced (well expect the keeping your desk clean one!) it is simply about using your common sense and being courteous to others who are using the hot desk office space alongside you – don’t forget it is their space as well. As a general rule, behave how you would like others to behave around you and there will be no arguments about who left the empty coffee cup behind.

It’s no secret that shared offices and hot desking has become popular all over the UK and globally. It is following a rising trend in those wanting to reinvent the traditional office environment and make sure that it works for everyone. To use a hot desk in London, or anywhere, means that the employee is able to have access to an unlimited number of fully furnished and equipped offices, meeting rooms, breakout rooms and much more. By taking advantage of the sheer amount of hot desks London has to offer, it means that you are able to mingle and network with hundreds of like-minded business people and entrepreneurs that you never would have met before. It is shaping the way that we work and will continue to work forever.

Of course there are drawbacks to using shared office spaces or a hotdesk in London, but there are also drawbacks to working in a traditional office as well. Here, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of Hot Desks, London, to make it easy for you to compare.

Benefits

Coworking and using a hot desk in London benefits both the company and the employees. For companies, it’s all about cost savings and not being tied into long commercial contracts. For the employees, it’s about having the freedom and flexibility to work as they want to work. As the traditional workplace is declining and creating more remote workers, more and more people are turning to shared work spaces and hot desks in London.

• Using hotdesks, London, allows employees to work remotely in a professional setting. Instead of being surrounded by the distractions of home life it allows the employee to work in the buzz of an office environment and can actually increase productivity.
• It is definitely the most cost effective solution for many businesses. Instead of committing to long and expensive commercial leases, simply hire a hot desk London! With so much choice and flexibility, it can suit all businesses both small and large.
• By using hot desks in London, it means that you are always sitting next to someone new each day. This means meeting new people in different trades and industries that you would not have crossed paths with before so it is a brilliant way to network.
• As well as not being tied into long contracts, using a hotdesk London means that your overheads are kept down. There is no maintenance to buildings to worry about, simply choose where you want to work each day!
• At BluDesks, our pay-as-you-go and membership models offer flexibility to all kinds of professionals and employees. Simply choose your hot desk in London and pay for the time that you are there! No hidden costs or additional charges.
• When you choose to hire a hot desk, London, you have access to fully equipped offices. All our shared spaces come with free wi-fi, printers, scanners and photocopiers. In addition to this, you also have access to meeting rooms and breakout spaces for when you need to collaborate or meet clients.
• Our hot desks in London can accommodate almost all working hours. If you are someone who works better early in the morning or late at night, our flexible pay-as-you-go options means you can maximise your productivity to suit your lifestyle.

Drawbacks

There aren’t that many disadvantages to using a hot desk in London, but obviously it will not work for everyone. If you are unsure if this is an option for your business, we’ve outlined the main drawbacks so you have a full picture of what it would be like to hire hot desks in London.

• There is a lack of permanence and dedicated personal working space for traditional employees. The fact that you choose a different hot desk in London each day rather than having the same desk means that you cannot customise it how you like or leave anything overnight etc. However, returning to a clean desk every morning can’t be that bad!
• You aren’t able to display your brand and values through the decoration and design of your office.
• Whilst coworking and using a hotdesk London can increase productivity and focus in some employees, others can find them to be full of distractions. As shared office spaces are less structured than a traditional office, they are naturally more sociable.
• Whilst a shared office space is an amazing ground for networking, using a hot desk in London could also have the opposite effect. If you are a company that requires high levels of privacy due to sensitive information and data, then it would be difficult to use a shared office space. Whilst using hot desks in London might not be the answer for this problem, there is also the option of hiring private offices through BluDesks as well to keep your privacy whilst working.

As the demand for a flexible and cost efficient work environment is growing, the idea of coworking and using hot desks in London is becoming more and more popular. With commercial rental costs rising, more people working from home and remotely, and businesses being able to be more flexible with their employees it is clear why using a hot desk in London is a good alternative to the traditional office. The value of the benefits significantly outweighs any disadvantages of using hot desks in London.

What to consider when choosing a coworking space or hot desk in London

So, after reading the advantages and disadvantages of using a shared office space, it is important to consider several factors before you hire a hotdesk, London.

• Location – with BluDesks flexible search engine it is easy to find a location to suit you. Whether you want a hot desk in London to meet with potential clients, or one closer to home to break up the monotony of home working – there are options for everyone.
• Budget – Now that you are not being tied into lengthy rental leases, budgeting is easier than ever. Our pay-as-you-go business model means that you only pay for the space and time that you need from as little as £2 an hour for a hot desk in London.
• Amenities – all of our coworking office spaces are fully equipped with wi-fi, printers, meeting rooms, ergonomic office furniture and stylish breakout areas. You can even get food and drinks delivered!
• Flexibility – you need to make sure that you can hire a hot desk in London to suit your timings and lifestyle. Our app and search engine means that you will have hundreds of options to choose from, meaning you can be as flexible as you like.
• Atmosphere – you need to make sure that you can maximise your productivity when you hire a hot desk, London. All of our shared office spaces are built for collaboration and productivity and used by like-minded business people.

So, why are you still trying to make your lifestyle fit a traditional office environment? By hiring a hot desk in London you are exposed to new ideas and new people, whilst working in a stylish and modern office full of perks. It’s time to give your company the chance to thrive.