Top 5 Tips to keep co-workers happy

Date: Mon May 31 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

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.

    Coworking Space

  • 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.

    Coworking Space For Rent

  • 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.

    Coworking Space

  • 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.

    Renting Coworking Space

New Board appointments for BluDesks

Date: Thu May 13 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

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.

Hot Desk in 2021 – The Ultimate Guide

Date: Tue May 4 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

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.

hot desk rental

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.

Hot Desk in London

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?

Difference between Hot Desk and Fixed Desk

Date: Tue May 4 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

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.

hot desk office space

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.

hot desks in London

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.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Hot Desk in London?

Date: Wed Apr 21 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

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.

Can You Use Coworking Spaces as a Business Address?

Date: Wed Apr 21 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

So much is changing in the way that we are choosing to work, and using a coworking office space is becoming the more popular choice in recent times. With many people being forced to work from home due to the pandemic, to an increasing number of people starting up their own business ventures it is not difficult to see why the flexible and cost efficient route of hiring shared office space is coming out on top. Instead of the burden of commercial rental leases and the stress to manage it all, coworking office space is the new version of office work.

When you are looking for a coworking space for rent, it is easy to get confused with the amount of variation, phrases and terms that people use, so here we have made an easy guide to make sure that you are in the know.

Coworking space – this simply means that you can hire a desk or larger office space for your workers, or on your own if you’re a freelancer or just starting out – but you are not tied into long commercial rent contracts. Fully equipped with wi-fi, printers, photocopiers and scanners, it is the perfect place to get your head down and focus whilst still having the buzz and atmosphere of an office environment.

Hot Desk – no single desk is assigned to the same person. Simply find an office using our app and turn up! You can choose your desk and it means that you will always return to a tidy desk free from clutter. Remember, a tidy space means a tidy mind!

Dedicated desks – these are workstations in a coworking office space that an individual can call their own. Workers that choose this option like to feel comfortable and at home by choosing the same space each time they come to work.

Shared office space – this is effectively another way of saying coworking office space. The growing popularity of shared/ coworking office space for rent means that there are many options available to make it a convenient, flexible and low cost option for many businesses.

The short answer is, yes you can! If you are using BluDesks in order to be flexible and try out many of our coworking office spaces then it is not recommended, however if you have chosen a dedicated desk or corporate membership then our receptionists will be able to take calls and mail for you. Essentially, you need to think of our coworking office space to rent as a one stop business solution. All the perks of having an office with none of the commitment and overheads that can cause stress and worry during quiet times. Our coworking office spaces provide you with a professional mailing address to use for your business, and our meeting rooms and break out rooms make it the perfect place to meet clients and customers in a professional yet relaxed environment.

Where is the best coworking space?

At BluDesks, we have coworking office space to rent all over the globe, do you are never far away when you need us. Once you sign up and register with us, you will have instant access to fully-functioning and high quality workspaces near you – wherever you are. Whether you want a local office to take a break from working from home, or you have to visit customers at the other end of the country and want an office environment to focus properly, there is never a BluDesks too far away. Simply download the app and use the search engine to find coworking office space to rent in the city of your choice, and book within seconds with just a couple of clicks. And if you can’t find a shared space nearby, just let us know and we will look for partners in your area.

One of our biggest perks is the amount of stunning coworking office space in London we have. Here, you are able to grow your business in the UK’s capital in a work environment that has everything you need and gives you the flexibility to grow. Even if you are a fully established business and not a start-up, it is simply not financially viable to lease commercial properties in London anymore. At BluDesks, we have hundreds of affordable and fully equipped coworking offices space London, meaning it is by far the most cost efficient way to set up your business when you work in the capital. No worrying about utility bills or extortionate rent, you simply choose the best option for you to get started.

Our coworking office space in London also means you are surrounded by the buzz and atmosphere that London brings, including the people. Here, you are able to network with people you wouldn’t normally be with in a traditional work environment. By being around different people everyday it is surprising what new ideas and inspirations you will come across without even realising.

Whether you are looking for a specific work location to be near customers and clients, or you want an office that is conveniently located to save long commutes, we have coworking office space in London to suit everybody’s needs.

Why choose BluDesks?

There are so many reasons you should choose BluDesks for your coworking office space but below we have narrowed it down to our top reasons.

  • Our flexible pay-as-you-go plan makes it perfect for all businesses, no matter what size or budget you have. You can book for an hour at a time right up to full months to make sure you have the space that you need at the right time.
  • Commitment free – all our coworking office space is commitment free, so you don’t have to worry about long leases. No rolling monthly contracts means that you can book desks or meeting rooms as and when you need them.
  • The price is right – with coworking office space in London for as little as £2 per hour, by using our system it means that you won’t be paying for space you don’t want or need. Registration is also free for one year with our personal memberships, and then it is only £25 a year after that – what’s not to like?
  • Our coworking spaces for rent are all fully equipped with wi-fi, printers, photocopiers, scanners and meeting rooms – everything you can think of! And they are all kitted out with ergonomic office furniture and stylish interior design.
  • It is so quick and easy to register, and once you have the app it will open up a whole host of coworking office space all over the world.
  • It is easy to keep track of how much you are spending as our fees are only deducted when you check out. This means that you always know how much credit you have and you can manage your spending easily.
  • You can earn treats and rewards! When you tell your friends and colleagues about how fantastic our coworking space to rent is, we will reward you with free spaces!

So, what are you waiting for? Join in with the future of office work and get a space booked today!

What Is Hot Desk and What Are the Benefits?

Date: Thu Mar 25 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Reimagining the traditional workspace

hot desking

Instead of committing to lengthy contracts that you are tied into for expensive office buildings, our hot desk rental gives you a cost effective and flexible alternative. Whether you are looking for a change of scenery, or a desk that is conveniently located, there will always be a hotdesk close by for you. Take a look at the new working ways of the future and see how our hot desk office space can be the perfect solution for your office needs.

What is Hot Desking?

Keeping up with the evolving workforce

what is a hot desk

The number of people using a hotdesk or working remotely are on the increase in recent years. It is an opportunity to reinvent the traditional idea of an office workplace, giving workers who would normally be remote working or home working the stability of a traditional work environment. It is quickly becoming the new normal. After the pandemic forced most of us to be working from home, businesses have realised that there is not much requirement for everyone to be commuting to the same office, therefore making hot desk rental look more appealing to a wider audience.

By taking one of the most expensive elements of running a business (office rental and the overheads it comes with) and turning it into a rental service, companies can maximise on their employee’s productivity. You no longer have to spend no time worrying about how to arrange desks to fit the space that you have. BlueDesks coworking offices do this for them. This leaves you and your business free to focus on your employees. Likewise, workers then get the tools and time to focus on the job and increase their productivity.

To put it simply, hot desk rental is renting a desk in a fully established office alongside other like-minded people. Unlike traditional offices, a hot desk office space consists of members and workers from all different trades and walks of life, resulting in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that gives a real sense of community. BluDesks offers all the facilities that a normal office does, without being tied down. By using our one-time registration fee, you are free to explore hundreds of office spaces all over the world!

Who would use hot desk office space?

hot desk rental

Hot desking can be used by everyone, from single remote workers and freelancers right up to large companies who need a meeting space. Whilst the option is open to any professional who requires office space, hot desk rental usually attracts similar types of workers such as:

  • Consultants
  • Freelancers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Remote workers

Using a hotdesk is a flexible, cost effective solution to finding an office space. It can help workers to combat the isolation of working from home and allows you to network and socialise like you would not normally do. Hot desk rental is also a brilliant way for those who are self-employed and travelling to various locations for their work to be able to find and book a desk whilst travelling all over the country for when you need to plug in and focus or meet with customers on a professional basis. No more video calls for clients who live far away!

Hot desk rental in a coworking space can also help growing companies. Imagine if you found your perfect employee but they lived too far away to commute? BluDesks offers the perfect solution with their hotdesk option. Your new employee can work remotely in an office environment without being at home with distractions or relocating.

What are the benefits?

hot desk benefits

Flexibility
Without doubt one of the top reasons to be using a hotdesk is the flexibility and freedom that comes with it. Some self-employed or freelancers don’t rigidly stick to the typical 9-5 so you can choose as and when you want to rent the desk, with monthly or hourly pricing. This means that you don’t overpay for how much you use, and you can work on your terms without worrying about costs.

Cost Effectiveness
It also comes in handy for those companies or are rapidly expanding, or downsizing. It allows you to take on more employees and use hot desk office space, without forking out for new office desks and chairs or upgrading to a larger office with a long lease. Hot desking has been shown to reduce the running costs of businesses by as much as 30%. With no overheads to be worrying about, and your employees happy and comfortable with their office space, you can focus on the more important things!

Opportunities to network
Being based outside of your company and the traditional office means that you interact and meet more people. By using a hotdesk, you can essentially help your business to grow by meeting people you never would have normally met. Enjoy socialising with like minded people from all different trades and discover ideas and inspirations that you never thought possible.

Communication and collaboration
When you choose to hotdesk, you have a different neighbour every day. Whether that be interacting with other departments from your own company, or someone completely new, the constant stream of new people really opens up opportunities, ideas and perspectives. Tell a coworker your new ideas over a coffee or meet potential new clients – the possibilities are endless!

Perks of the Office Spaces
Why pay for long contracts for basic needs? Our hot desk office spaces are all fully equipped with stylish and ergonomic office furniture, high speed internet and cool break out areas for when you need a timeout or catch up. As well as free coffees and a food delivery service option, what’s not to love!

Tidy space, tidy mind
The very nature of hot desk rental means that once you are finished using your desk, you leave it clear ready for the next person to use. Instead of cluttering up your desk by leaving papers, knick-knacks and personal items, you return each day to a clean and tidy workspace ready to start your day!

Keeping it Fresh
Release yourself from the monotony of returning to the same office desk (at home or at the head office!) and keep it fresh. Don’t fall into the same routine day in and day out – a hotdesk keeps you on your toes with a different desk, or even location if that takes your fancy!

Locations
With BluDesks offering hot desk office spaces all over the UK and even globally, you will not be far away from us! This means if you are travelling for work or working remotely you will always be close to pop in and use our facilities. This makes it the perfect solution wherever you are. BluDesks makes it easy and simple to find a hotdesk wherever you are. Download our app and enter your location to rent a hotdesk. This, plus our one-time registration fee means that you will never be caught short.

Hot Desking is more than just renting a desk for an hour. With BluDesks, you get a whole different experience. You get flexibility and low costs, with the use of a fully equipped office and stylish furniture, as well as access to top of the range facilities and full use of amenities. Take the edge off a monotonous office job and sign up for the future of office work now!

How Much Does it Cost to Rent Coworking Space in London?

Date: Thu Mar 25 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Revolutionise your workspace!

coworking spaces near me

The way that we work is changing dramatically, with the majority of people having to work from home in the last year, there has been little to no need for rented office spaces. With everyone allowed back to work soon, more and more people are looking at coworking spaces, where people from all different companies share an office space.

It is the perfect arrangement – a whole building full of professional, like-minded people that share the same space to keep costs down and allow flexible working arrangements without being tied into long contracts. With everyone from freelancers and remote workers to independent contractors and start-up companies, BluDesks have created spaces that work for you and your goals. So, if you are looking for “coworking spaces near me”, then look no further and see how BluDesks is transforming how we think of work and reimagining the modern workspace.

Who can use coworking spaces?

coworking space

It may sound a bit far-fetched, but literally anyone can make use of one of our coworking spaces. At one time, they were predominately used by entrepreneurs, freelancers and start up businesses but now our coworking space are used by professionals from all walks of life and different trades. There are break-out areas for when you need a time out, private offices, hot desks and meeting rooms; there is something for every type of worker out there.

  • New Businesses and start-ups – these are definitely still a large portion of people who use our coworking spaces in London, and all over the UK. It is a cost efficient way to scale up without being tied into fixed contracts and office upkeep.
  • Small Businesses – companies of all shapes and sizes can benefit from using a coworking space, but small businesses in particular can reap the benefits of shared office space. Enjoy the perks of a modern office without worrying about the overheads.
  • Commuters – one of the banes of life is for those workers who have a long commute. A rise in those working from home due to the pandemic has shown that not everyone has to be based in the office all week. Those who live far away can spend the majority of the time in our shared coworking space, and only come into the office when necessary.
  • Remote workers – The same goes for those who are permanent remote workers. Take the edge off home working, and the distractions that come with it, and enjoy the buzz and atmosphere of an office!
  • Freelancers – Whilst it’s good that freelancers can set their own times, work from home and be their own boss, sometimes it can be a bit boring and lonely. Many freelancers have chosen to start using a coworking space to have a professional working environment to give themselves a boost.
  • Meetings – for larger businesses that don’t have appropriate meeting rooms, or are tired of video conferencing, all of our offices are spacious, fully equipped and conveniently located for you to book out for all of your meetings and discussions.

How much does it cost to rent a coworking space in London?

coworking space london

One of the biggest attractions of coworking space London is to keep the costs down and allow flexible working arrangements. We offer two types of membership, one for those who are working alone and a corporate membership for larger teams looking for a coworking space for remote workers all over the country.

Personal Memberships
For those who are working on their own, whether it be a start-up company, freelancer or a remote worker, our pay as you go membership is the perfect option. All you have to do is sign up and download the BluDesks mobile app, search ‘coworking space near me’ to find the closest offices, pay for the booking and then turn up on the day! When you first join, you get a personal membership pass free for the whole year, and after that it is only a £25 annual fee.

Corporate Membership
By choosing a BluDesks corporate membership, you can let your employees choose where they work from and when – there really is nothing more flexible. It could be that they work partly from home, a couple of days at BluDesks, and as and when they are required, they can work from the main office! It really is as simple as that. As a corporate member you can choose which employees have access to our coworking spaces in London and even globally for those who are looking to expand.

8 reasons why you should use a coworking space:

coworking spaces

If you aren’t already signing up to come and check out our office, we’ve put together a list of reasons why BluDesks coworking spaces are your perfect workplace solution.

  • There is a sense of community and collaboration – instead of being in the same place, or working from home, you’re able to be around people doing all kinds of different work and trades. By using our coworking space it means that you can socialise and even be inspired by people you never would have met.
  • There are a lot of perks that come with the coworking space –Our business centres are fantastically equipped with hi-speed internet, ergonomic office furniture and cool break areas to take some time out. You can also enjoy food services and loyalty rewards – the list is endless!
  • More flexibility – you can choose where and when you want to work, from working through the day to popping in for the evening, our offices suit you and your needs.
  • Our coworking space can suit any size of company, from one person start-ups or freelancers to larger teams who need a space to meet and collaborate.
  • There are networking opportunities – here, you can surround yourself with goal-oriented and like-minded people, and our spaces expose you to different people you would not have had the chance to meet previously.
  • Convenient locations – with our coworking spaces in London and globally, you are sure to find a location nearby. Just head to the app to find your nearest space and book for a hassle-free transaction.
  • It has been shown to have an increase in productivity – if you normally work alone then you will have the atmosphere of the office, no home distractions and lots of people who have motivated themselves, which will boost your productivity and creativity.
  • Cost-efficiency – why pay for an office space that you are not using properly? Grow your business without being tied into long term contracts and spending money on rent and overheads.
  • Covid Safe – take the pressure and worry off your shoulders of making sure that your work environment is safe and sanitised. All our offices are covid compliant, and means that you can focus on your work rather than cleaning!

By using a coworking space, you can help yourself or your employees get out of the mundane corporate bubble. You are exposed to new ideas and people, whilst in the comfort of fully equipped and stylish offices. As a company, you can bring remote workers together in one place to brainstorm, boost productivity and meet clients in a buzzing and thriving office. BluDesks is a flexible and cost-efficient way with no commitments – reimagine your new normal!

Hybrid to ‘Tribrid’ Flexible Working – What Does it Mean?

Date: Tue Mar 23 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

There’s been a lot of talk and speculation lately about what our new normal in terms of working will look like, as we begin to come out of lockdown and employees and employers alike consider what their wants and needs look like in a post-lockdown world.

But what is a tribrid working model and how does it work?

The term tribrid refers to there being 3 options within the working model, working from home, working from flexible workspace near home, and lastly working from the head office as would have been much more the norm in pre-Covid times.

The 3 option working model has come about due to a number of factors, not least the fact that many workers welcome the flexibility and much reduced commuting times during the last 12 months.

For employers, it’s not all been bad as they have seen that work and productivity can actually increase or at the very least, stay at the same level where employees work from home.

Big names like Unilever, BP, Marks and Spencer and Apple have all come out in favour of a potential tribrid working structure in future months.
M&S is seeking to convert the upper levels of its Marble Arch store on Oxford Street as part of a wider redevelopment of the site and then lease it to City tenants.

Even British Airways is currently considering the sale of its headquarters near Heathrow as employees have readily adopted to remote working and the ways of working have proven to be effective over the period of the pandemic.

BA commented in a recent statement, “The global pandemic has shown us that many of our colleagues enjoy working remotely and want to continue, and this has accelerated our approach to offering more agile and flexible ways of working,”

“Our aim is to find a hybrid working model that suits our business, blending the best of office and remote working for our people.

“We’ve also re-structured our business to emerge from the crisis and are considering whether we still have the need for such a large headquarters building.”

Although there are many voices in favour of a future of tribrid working, there are still notes of concern that we need to balance the benefits and efficiency of remote working with that of being present in an office with colleagues in-person.

Speaking to People magazine, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated that while he thinks Apple will become more accepting of remote work, he also believes getting people together in the physical sense is important, at least for some of the things his company does.

Cook stated, “My gut says that, for us, it’s still very important to physically be in touch with one another because collaboration isn’t always a planned activity.”

So for tribrid working to be successful, businesses may need to consider the percentages given to each option, for example, a given number of days per week that employees are expected in the office, then the rest at their own discretion, where they can choose to either work at home or in a local business centre.

Chelliah Nakeeran, CEO and founder of workspace booking platform Bludesks.com commented, “It’s becoming obvious that the future will see a huge difference in what is considered the ‘norm’ for how we all work. We see the tribrid working model as one that offers both employers and employees the best possible solution, where the needs and wants of both parties can be fully satisfied. Of course, there are many fine details for this arrangement to work, but the trend is growing rapid momentum as we come out of lockdown and as so many major brands reveal their future plans.”

The positive effects of hybrid or tribrid working also extend towards the environment, as with less traffic and congestion on the roads, there are less airborne pollutants, which is a concern for both the public and for businesses as we look to reduce the effects of greenhouse gasses and global warming.

So naturally, environmental groups and lobbyists are also keen to see a continuation of remote working in the future as we come out of lockdown.

Global Workplace Analytics recently estimated that remote workers could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54 million tons every year – and that’s just if people worked out of the office for only half of the working week.

So it would appear to be obvious that reducing the sometimes long commutes into head offices that are often situated in dense city areas, will only have positive benefits for the environment as a valuable bi-product of remote working.

BluDesks have been aware of the need to therefore provide flexible workspaces nearer to the home locations of workers as a key part of the strategy to enable greater remote working options to workers, without the need for extensive travel.

Chelliah, further comments, “We know from our research and from the many voices coming from industry that the tribrid working model relies on having these workspace options nearer to where workers live, so that they have realistic choices of working outside of home, without long journeys necessary.

BluDesks has been adding ‘local option’ workspace options across the globe, to provide a readily accessible network of workspaces that can be used on a flexible Pay-as-you-go basis, giving that essential third option over head office or home office.”

It would appear that the third leg of working in professional workspaces nearer to home is a good option for many as we are probably all aware that home working has its serious flaws on occasion.

Not least the potential for distraction from pets or kids, workmen in neighbours’ properties and the ever-present delivery drivers knocking on front doors up and down the country.

Another aspect is connectivity, where the home broadband, although ok for general browsing or listening to music, lets down when it comes to supporting Teams meetings and other bandwidth heavy applications.

These limitations have been the driving force for many to seek a change and the search for local business centres.

Martin, an IT recruitment manager states, “Although it’s (working from home) been great for the flexibility and managing childcare, I’ve struggled at times as my home doesn’t have the space and there’s my partner trying to work too. I’m definitely looking for other options if this is looking like a more long-term thing.”

Are there any downsides to the tribrid working model? Some have raised concerns that giving too much scope for flexible working may lead to a loss of control at corporate level, and a danger of loss of productivity.

Bosses have also considered what they see as the potential additional expense of booking workspaces for employees as an additional expense, when they have already signed long-term property leases on city centre head offices.

As with all new working paradigms, there are many aspects that will not suit everybody and some compromise is more than likely to make the tribrid working model work.

But looking at the strategic choices of so many major brands, it looks like the drive for a longer-term flexible working model, hybrid or tribrid, is likely to gather further momentum over the coming months.

Will Local Coworking See a New Era After Lockdown?

Date: Thu Jan 28 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Now on lockdown 3.0 in the UK, it’s true to say that by now, most people have settled in to the home working scenario, but although it has obvious benefits to workers, in terms of flexibility, there are many aspects that make working at home difficult for a wide range of workers.

Flexible space operators have not been slow to recognise that behind the oft-interrupted Zoom or Team calls, there is genuine stress being experienced by workers, trying to keep a professional image against a backdrop of distractions and regular home WiFi dropout.

Workspace providers have therefore been busy in preparation for what is seen as a potential upturn later in the year, once the effects of mass-immunisation start to bring infection rates down and confidence returns.

This has included making spaces fully Covid-Compliant, introducing new space utilisation, in terms of fewer workstations per area, as well as signage and hygiene facilities to encourage user confidence.

Local coworking has a number of benefits over the home office, not least that in a professional coworking space, the technology and connectivity are almost always on point, allowing freelancers, journalists, film-makers, businessmen with data-heavy apps uninterrupted.

Of course, during the current lockdown, the use of remote work centres outside the home has reduced, but many workers are still finding it worth the effort to use a local flexible office for necessary work tasks, they are finding impossible to do at home.

It’s not just about connectivity, many workers simply don’t have the space to allow for proper working and concentration, often appearing on office Zoom calls sat on beds or in crowded spare rooms as a backdrop!

Pets and children are often making unscheduled appearances (or sounds) during online meetings, further aggravating an already tense home working situation (not to mention copious Amazon drivers knocking, or the house next door cutting tiles).

Unilever’s CEO, Alan Jope, announced in mid January of this year, they would never be making a full time return to the office, read the article here

For many workers in businesses like Unilever, whose leaders are making similar strategic moves, this creates mixed emotions, i.e. they love the flexibility and relative independence, but loathe their inadequate home-office facilities.

Indeed, in a recent article published on HR News from TopCV, the world’s largest CV-writing service, whose research revealed that UK employees want ongoing flexibility from their employer, with just 7 percent of professionals ranking an office return as their top priority for 2021. See the full article here

Localised flexible working would appear to have benefits for both employers and their workforce, as it gives the best of both worlds to each party; that being greater productivity and reduced fixed office costs for employers, and improved staff morale and wellbeing for workers.

It remains to be seen how everything unfolds over the coming months, but many observers see flexible working outside of the main office as something that’s only going to increase in demand, even long after lockdown restrictions have ended.