The concept of shared desks has gained significant popularity over the years, as companies seek to optimise their office space and promote collaboration amongst employees.
But what exactly are shared desks? This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know, as we explore the different types of shared desks to their benefits, best practices and a roundup of our top shared desks of 2024.
So, What Actually Are Shared Desks?
Shared desks, also known as "hot desks" are desks in an office or co-working space that are used by multiple people at different times, rather than being assigned to just one person.
This setup allows employees or freelancers to use a desk as needed, rather than having a permanently assigned workspace.
The term ‘shared desks’ can also mean larger desks or workstations specifically designed to be used by more than one person at the same time.
At Ergo Desks, we call these ‘conference desks and meeting tables’, as they’re typically wider and often built with multiple seating areas to accommodate several individuals working together simultaneously.
If looking for a shared standing desk for your home, office or workspace, check out our extensive collection, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm.
The Benefits of Desk Sharing
Desk sharing offers a range of benefits to both the employer and the employee, particularly in modern work environments or co-working spaces that prioritise flexibility, collaboration, and cost efficiency.
Some of the main benefits of desk sharing include:1. Cost & Space Savings
As an employer/business owner, one of the key benefits of having a ‘desk sharing’ setup is the cost savings. This is because desk sharing ensures that desks are only in use when needed, preventing them from sitting idle when part-time or hybrid employees are out of the office.
This therefore reduces the need to purchase as many desks, leading to lower overall office expenses.
Also, By reducing the need for assigned desks, companies could perhaps downsize their office space, leading to significant savings on rent and utilities, too!
2. It Fosters Collaboration and Interaction
In a desk-sharing setup, employees are not restricted to one location, as they don’t have a specific desk to call their own.
By alternating from desk to desk, they are exposed to different coworkers and perhaps departments, which can lead to conversations, idea sharing, and opportunities for collaboration that may not occur in a traditional fixed-desk environment.
3. It Encourages a Clean Working Environment
As these desks are shared by multiple people, companies often (and should) implement a clear desk policy, which basically requires employees to clean up their workspace at the end of each day, ready for the next person.
This includes things such as personal items, papers, and clutter, which, naturally will lead to a cleaner, more organised desks.
4. It Supports Flexible Working Arrangements
A shared desk set up is an ideal solution for modern workplaces with varied schedules and hybrid arrangements.
This is because employees on part-time or hybrid working flexibility don’t require a permanent desk, as part of their job will be working remotely.
Instead, they can reserve a workspace only on the days they’re in the office, ensuring that the desk is used efficiently.
This setup also means that companies can scale up or down as needed, without having to provide a dedicated desk for every employee, especially in businesses with fluctuating headcounts or project-based work.Desk Sharing Best Practices
Desk sharing can be a highly effective way for businesses to optimise space and foster collaboration, however to work smoothly, it requires a number of thoughtful practices for all involved.
As a business owner, here are a number of desk sharing tips you should consider:
-
Provide adjustable tech equipment - If possible, equip the workspace with adjustable monitor arms, ergonomic adjustable chairs, and desks to suit different user preferences and ergonomics.
At Ergo Desks, our shared use range features desks with memory buttons for several people's preferred settings, such as our Autonomy Pro range.
-
Be clean and tidy - Ensure employees leave the desk clear and organised, removing any personal items, documents, and devices at the end of the workday/ working session.
It’s important to stock the workplace with cleaning supplies or wipes so employees can clean surfaces after use, especially in shared environments with multiple users throughout the day.
-
Assign storage space - Offer lockers or office storage solutions for employees to store personal items, ensuring that shared desks remain clutter-free and personalised gear (keyboards, mice, etc.) can be securely stored between uses.
Browse our range of functional and stylish storage solutions here.
The Best Shared Desks of 2024
Whether you're looking to maximise space in your office or enhance collaboration amongst your team, here are 4 of the best shared desks of 2024.
We’ve not only included options suitable for part-time or flexible employees who need a space to focus, but we’ve also included collaborative desks that can accommodate multiple users at once for meetings and team projects.
The 4 best shared desks of 2024 include:
1. Autonomy Pro Standing Desk
Many models of the Autonomy Pro allow users to save preset heights for quick adjustments, which is of course useful in shared desk environments, where multiple users can quickly switch the desk to their preferred height with the push of a button.
The sleek, minimalist design of the Autonomy Pro also fits well in both professional office environments and creative, open workspaces, making it visually appealing and easy to integrate into shared office areas.2. Duo Standing Desk
Even though the two desks are merged in one solid frame, the dual motor system for each side still offers a powerful lift of up to 120kg, sufficient for even the most demanding setups.
This makes it ideal for shared workspaces where two people may need different ergonomic setups, such as one person sitting while another stands.3. Atlas Standing Meeting Table
The Atlas Standing Meeting Table is another excellent choice for a shared desk, especially in collaborative or meeting-focused environments.
With a generous surface area, this desk can comfortably accommodate multiple people, ideal for group discussions, brainstorming sessions, or collaborative work, allowing everyone to have ample space for laptops, documents, and materials.
This table also offers a robust and stable structure, featuring a highly stable solid steel frame, giving you complete peace of mind that it can handle the demands of regular use by multiple people.
4. Team Standing Desk Frame
Available in 3 sleek colours, the Team standing desk is ideal for work environments or meeting rooms that require an extended height adjustable desk.With its triple motor frame extending from 2.4m up to 4m in length, it provides a large range of flexibility to accommodate different workspace configurations, making it ideal for collaborative environments.
How Ergo Desks Can Help
At Ergo Desks, we have a wide range of standing shared desks in stock, all available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm.
Need additional help choosing a desk? Get in contact with our expert team with any questions. You can also contact us via the handy live chat feature on our site, or via email at info@ergodesks.co.uk.
Otherwise, our standing desk blog provides more useful tips on using a standing desk for a more balanced lifestyle.
Our desks come with a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have.
What's more, with every order received by Ergo Desks, we are planting 5 trees with Ecologi.
