As hybrid work becomes more common across Taiwan, Taipei is quickly becoming a hotspot for flexible office setups. People now are considering coworking spaces or anywhere that offers a desk with good Wi-Fi. That’s where hot desking can help by offering a flexible and cost-effective way to work for you if you are not looking for long-term commitments.
In this guide, we will walk you through what hot desking really means, why it’s growing in Taipei, how to behave in shared office spaces, and some handy advice from real users. Plus, there’s a checklist at the end to help you get through your workday without bothering anyone or getting bothered.
What Is Hot Desking and How Does It Work?
Hot desking is a simple idea. Instead of having your own desk at the office every day, you use any available one, like first come, first served or through a booking system. Think of it like a gym with shared equipment. You show up, check in, pick a desk, and work. When you leave, someone else might use the same spot.
This setup helps companies use space better. No empty desks for employees who are working from home or wasted square meters. And for you, it usually means access to great locations without paying for a full-time office.
Hot desks in Taipei, Taiwan, are everywhere, offering daily, weekly, or monthly hot desk plans that work for freelancers, remote workers, or even startup teams on the move.
5 Do’s and 4 Don’ts of Hot Desking
Hot desking works best when everyone follows a few basic courtesies. Here are five things you should do and four things to avoid if you want a smooth day at a shared desk.
DO: Book Ahead
If the space uses a reservation system, don’t skip it. Booking helps the staff keep track of who’s in, avoids overbooking, and lets you choose the spot that works for your day. Some places in Taipei even show real-time desk maps on their apps so you can pick your seat before arriving.
DO: Clean As You Go
Leave the desk cleaner than you found it. Wipe the surface, toss your trash, and pack up your stuff neatly. Coworking spaces aren’t your personal office, so avoid crumbs, spills, and clutter. A clean desk isn’t just polite but also keeps the next person from working around your mess.
DO: Keep It Quiet
Most hot desk areas are shared zones, which means you can’t always talk freely or take loud calls. Bring headphones, and if you have a long Zoom meeting or phone call, move to a designated booth or lounge area. You’ll avoid disturbing others and probably hear your call better, too.
DO: Respect Personal Space
Even in open layouts, people like a bit of breathing room. Keep your setup compact and if you have chosen or reserved a desk for yourself, stick to that one. Spreading your gadgets across the entire table or leaning into someone else’s area is not a good look either.
DO: Be Responsible About Shared Resources
Shared kitchens, printers, and meeting rooms are for everyone. If you’ve reserved a meeting room, use it and leave on time. If you’re using the coffee machine or microwave, clean up afterward. Being respectful with shared gear makes things easier for everyone.
DON’T: Bring Strong-Smelling Food
This one’s especially important in Taipei, where food is a big part of the culture. Bringing stinky tofu or reheated seafood into a shared desk area can be a bad move. Use designated eating zones or step out for meals.
DON’T: Overstay or Ignore Booking Times
If your slot ends at 5 PM, don’t stay around until 6 unless you’ve extended your booking. It is good to respect the schedule as it makes it fair for everyone. And if you are going without a booking, ask about availability instead of just taking an empty desk.
DON’T: Skip the Rules
Each space has its own policies. Some might offer lockers while others may restrict guest access or require QR check-ins. Always read the signs or ask the staff to be sure, and you can save time and avoid misunderstandings later.
Best Practices for Getting the Most Out of Hot Desking
You’ll enjoy your time at a hot desk more if you plan a little before showing up. Bring everything you’ll need: laptop, charger, headphones, maybe a mouse or a stand if you like extra comfort. Pack light but smart.
Use any lockers provided to store your things between sessions. If the space is busy, check in and head straight to your desk, some places in Taipei are popular and fill up fast during peak hours.
Take breaks in lounge areas. If you’re working all day, stepping away now and then helps you focus better. Use meeting rooms when you need to talk with teammates or take calls.
Also, you can greet people. While hot desking is about solo work, it doesn’t hurt to smile at the person next to you. You might meet someone interesting or even pick up a useful tip about another hot desk in Taipei that’s worth checking out.
Quick End-of-Day Checklist
- Booked your seat in advance?
- Packed your essentials like charger, headphones, mouse?
- Have you cleaned your desk before and after use?
- Used a call booth for meetings or long conversations?
- Left shared areas clean?
- Respected the booking times?
- Followed house rules and signage?
- Packed up everything before you left?
Conclusion
The rise of shared workspaces has brought a new kind of rhythm to Taipei’s work culture. Using a hot desk in Taipei gives you freedom and flexibility, but only works when everyone shows basic consideration. As coworking spaces grow smarter and more connected, the simple habit of being a thoughtful user will stand out even more. You’re not just working in a space but also working with others. And that quiet balance between personal comfort and shared respect is what really keeps things running well.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.