Sep 25th 2026

The way we work has changed significantly in recent years. While many people still spend their days in a traditional office or work entirely from home, others prefer a more flexible approach that combines the benefits of both.
Hot desking has become a popular option for freelancers, remote workers, business owners and anyone who doesn’t need a permanent workplace every day. But what exactly is hot desking, and how does it work?
Hot desking is a flexible way of working where people use shared desks rather than having a workstation permanently assigned to them.
Instead of renting a private office or dedicated desk, you reserve an available workspace whenever you need one. This gives you access to a professional office environment without paying for space you won’t use every day.
Renting a full-time office isn’t practical for everyone. You may only need somewhere to work a couple of days each week, want a change of scenery from home or require a convenient base between meetings.
Hot desking lets you pay for a workspace as and when you need it. It can therefore be a more affordable option than maintaining a permanent office that remains empty for much of the week.
With hot desking, you use whichever shared workspace is available during your visit. A dedicated desk, on the other hand, is reserved exclusively for you and may allow you to leave equipment or belongings in place.
Hot desking is generally better suited to occasional or flexible use, while a dedicated desk may be preferable if you need the same workstation regularly.
Hot desking is a popular option for a wide range of professionals, including:
It can also suit people who occasionally need a professional setting for focused work while travelling or visiting another city.
Hot desking can provide:
For many people, it offers a useful balance between the independence of remote working and the structure of an office.
Like any working arrangement, hot desking won’t suit everyone.
Because desks are shared, you cannot usually leave equipment or personal belongings in place between visits. Desk availability may also vary, so booking ahead can be important if you need to work on a particular day.
If your role requires specialist equipment, several monitors, frequent confidential calls or complete privacy, a dedicated desk or private office may be more suitable.
Hot desking may be worth considering if you:
Thinking about how often you need a desk and which facilities are essential will help you decide whether it is the right option for you.
At MYCO, our hot desks in the heart of central London provide a comfortable and welcoming place to work, with everything you need for a productive visit.
Whether you need a desk for a few hours or a full working day, you can enjoy excellent facilities in a convenient central location.