Hot Desk or Dedicated Desk? Choosing the Right Office Setup in Melbourne

The way we work has changed. Whether you're a solo founder, a growing startup team, or a remote employee, choosing between a hot desk and a dedicated desk can shape your productivity and budget. In Melbourne’s fast-moving coworking market, flexibility is key — but so is picking the right fit.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the pros, cons, and how to choose the right desk setup for your team at a Collins Street coworking space like Tank Stream Labs.

What Is a Hot Desk?

A hot desk means you don’t have an assigned seat. You simply turn up and work from any available desk in the common area.

Good for:

• Freelancers or remote workers

• People who value flexibility

• Those who only need a desk a few days a week

Pros:

• Lower cost

• Flexibility day-to-day

• Great for networking and changing scenery

Cons:

• No guaranteed seat

• Less privacy or consistency

• Limited storage

What Is a Dedicated Desk?

A dedicated desk is your own personal workspace within a shared office. It’s the same desk each day, usually with lockable storage.

Good for:

• Startups or small teams

• People working full-time in the space

• Anyone who values consistency and setup

Pros:

• Personal space to make your own

• Store monitors, paperwork, or gear

• Easier to build routines and structure

Cons:

• Slightly higher cost

• Less day-to-day variety

What’s Best for Your Business?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Hot Desk	Dedicated Desk
Cost	✅ Lower	❌ Higher
Flexibility	✅ High	❌ Moderate
Privacy	❌ Low	✅ Higher
Consistency	❌ None	✅ Same desk daily
Team setup	❌ Not ideal	✅ Team cohesion possible

If you're early-stage or mobile, hot desks work. If you’re growing, hiring, or need structure — go dedicated.

Why Tank Stream Labs Offers Both

At our Melbourne CBD office space, you don’t have to choose and hope. You can test what works.

• Hot desks for solo workers and freelancers

• Dedicated desks for founders, teams, and growing companies

• All memberships include access to our events, meeting rooms, and startup community

• Located right on Collins Street, near everything you need

You’re not locked into a long-term lease, so you can scale or shift as your needs evolve.