5 Productivity Hacks for Making the Most Out of Your Hot Desk in SG

2 June 2025

5 Productivity Hacks for Making the Most Out of Your Hot Desk in SG

Beyond the pandemic, workplaces everywhere have adopted practices and setups more attuned to the demands of modern work and better suited for adaptability. Apart from work-from-home and hybrid work arrangements, hot desking has remained a fixture in the business world, far from being a mere trend or remnant of recent global events. 

In Singapore, some companies have done away with fixed workstations, opting for flexible, collaborative workspaces, or a rotating desk environment. Employees or freelancers who work remotely also take advantage of hot desking in coworking spaces equipped with the facilities and ambience they need to get things done.

However, while hot desking offers freedom and convenience, it also comes with a few challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining focus, securing privacy, and staying organised. For example, the hot desk Singapore workers and employers have grown to either favour or criticise, has both its pros and cons.

As an employee or remote worker, you may struggle to keep up with this shifting arrangement, especially if you thrive in a structured environment. On the other hand, you might be the type who enjoys the freedom of hot desking but is concerned about privacy or distractions. To help you stay productive and motivated, here are five hacks for making the most out of a hot desk environment.

1 Create a Routine

Having the freedom to choose the desk or even the location you work from is a privilege many workers
only wish they could have. But for others, it adds a layer of uncertainty that is uncommon to typical workplace arrangements. Sometimes the problem can be traced to the lack of direction that brings about this sentiment.

Thus, a simple fix is to bring structure to your days. Plan your day with your goals and deliverables in mind. Don’t forget to factor in time for commuting and taking breaks, especially if you work flexible hours.

Sticking to a routine brings about a sense of predictability and structure to guide your activities and keep you on track. The result will be a more consistent rhythm and direction to your workday.

2 Pack the Essentials

Working in a rotating desk environment, or from a coworking space, means you don’t have a dedicated drawer or holding area for your paraphernalia. Offices may offer lockers for your work and personal stuff, but you would still have to carry your things with you as you move from desk to desk. 

Hence, you should never leave home without an office bag packed with the essentials. From the basics like your laptop and charger, to personal items like a water bottle and your planner, these ensure that you get your work done for the day while giving you comfort, whatever workspace you’re in.

3 Choose a Space that Works for You

Coworking spaces are a boon to remote workers and digital nomads who need a quiet and conducive space to do their jobs. However, not all coworking spaces are created equal. Some might appeal to the senses with their cosy and well-designed interiors, while others are more straightforward office spaces. They may also vary widely in terms of the services they offer and their price ranges. Furthermore, some coworking spaces are better for quiet, deep work, where you can enjoy privacy and avoid distractions, while others are suited for meetings and collaboration.

Alternatively, you might be looking for a space that offers a scenic view of Singapore for a change of scenery and pace, or somewhere close to the Central Business District in case you have meetings in the area. While it might require some exploring, finding the right coworking space will be worthwhile if it keeps you inspired and productive.

4 Limit Distractions

Hot desking might seem like a productivity nightmare if you’re easily distracted, but there are ways to help you stay focused while you enjoy the dynamism of a rotating desk environment. For one, using tools like noise-cancelling headphones can minimise background noise and keep you honed in on work. And, of course, you can make the most out of hot desking by choosing a quieter area in the office or coworking space if you need to do focused work.

While you’re at it, keep clutter to a minimum. You might not realize it, but a messy desk can be a cause of distraction, too.

Distractions are also a dilemma for those who work from home, with family and home duties sometimes interfering with work. In this case, it’s a good idea to explore coworking spaces that bring a change of scenery and a more office-like environment to help break the monotony and avoid the disruptions that sometimes come with working from home.

5 Harness Technology

Tech is the modern worker’s friend. As evidenced by our collective experience during the pandemic, technology makes working from practically anywhere possible. A stable mobile internet connection and a reliable laptop with a portable charger are usually all you need for your hot desking setup. Moreover, cloud-based tools and platforms lighten the load (so to speak) of working on the go. 

Look into online tools and file managers to keep things organised. Make an effort to remain updated with the latest communication tools for effective collaboration and engagement while hot desking. 

The world of work may be ever-changing, but we can always find ways to adapt and make the most out of these shifts. Hot desking is a welcome development, but as with many others like it, it also comes with growing pains. Ultimately, the best work arrangement for you will be one that balances productivity with flexibility.

Investing in human resources with PERFORM

The article is part of our series on How to Motivate Employees to PERFORM. Knowing how to motivate employees is one of the most important aspects of a manager’s job.

But as important is the need to manage the factors that contribute to that motivation, and to create the conditions for people to perform and realise their potential.

Our tool to help you achieve these management skills is the Apex PERFORM model. It stands for:

P – Potential
E – Expertise
R – Results
F – Focus
O – Opportunities
R – Resources
M – Motivation

>> Return to the Managing Performance Knowledge Hub