Understanding the Options
When you join a coworking space, you typically choose between two main workspace types: a dedicated desk in a shared area, or a private office. Both give you access to the same building amenities, including meeting rooms, kitchen, internet, and common areas. The difference lies in your daily work environment and the degree of privacy and control you have over your space.
A dedicated desk is a fixed workstation in a shared office environment. It is your desk, with your belongings, in a space you share with other professionals. A private office is an enclosed, lockable room for you and your team, typically furnished with desks, chairs, and storage.
When a Dedicated Desk Makes Sense
Dedicated desks work well for individuals and very small teams who value community and do not require a high degree of acoustic privacy. If your work is primarily screen-based, if you are comfortable taking calls in a shared environment or stepping into a meeting room for sensitive conversations, and if you enjoy the energy of working alongside other professionals, a dedicated desk is an excellent choice.
The cost advantage is significant. A dedicated desk is typically 40 to 60 per cent less expensive than a private office, making it an attractive option for freelancers, consultants, and early-stage businesses watching their cash flow. You still get a professional address, access to all building facilities, and a consistent place to work each day.
Dedicated desks also offer natural networking opportunities. Working in close proximity to other businesses leads to conversations, referrals, and collaborations that would not happen in a private office. For businesses that benefit from visibility and connection, this can be genuinely valuable.
When a Private Office Is the Better Choice
Private offices are essential for businesses that handle confidential information, make frequent phone calls, or need a controlled environment for focused work. Legal practices, financial advisors, recruitment firms, and any business that discusses sensitive client matters will find a private office non-negotiable.
Teams of three or more also tend to work better in a private office. The ability to have internal conversations without disturbing others, to leave documents on the desk overnight, and to arrange the space to suit your workflow makes a meaningful difference to daily productivity.
Private offices also allow you to create a branded environment. You can put your company name on the door, arrange furniture to suit your preferences, and create a space that feels distinctly yours while still benefiting from the shared infrastructure of a coworking facility.
The Hybrid Approach
Some businesses combine both options. A core team might occupy a private office while an additional team member or two uses dedicated desks in the shared area. This keeps costs down while ensuring that the people who need privacy have it, and those who benefit from a more open environment get that experience.
This approach is particularly common with businesses that have a mix of roles. An accountant might need the quiet of a private office for client work, while a marketing coordinator might thrive in the energy of a shared space. Rather than forcing everyone into the same environment, the hybrid model lets you match workspace type to work style.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before choosing, consider the following. How much of your day is spent on phone calls or video meetings? Do you handle confidential documents or data? How many people need a permanent workspace? Is your budget fixed, or can it flex with your needs? Do you value the social environment of a shared space, or do you prefer working behind a closed door?
There is no wrong answer. Both options provide a professional work environment with the flexibility and affordability that make coworking attractive in the first place. The right choice is the one that matches how you and your team actually work.
See Both Options in Person
The best way to decide is to experience both environments firsthand. Book a tour at Office.101 and spend time in both the shared workspace and the private offices. Talk to the people who use each type and ask what they like about their setup. The right fit will usually be obvious once you have seen the space in person.
