What Are Shared Desks? A Fresh Take on the Modern Office
Breaking away from the traditional office model, shared desks offer flexibility and comfort throughout your workday.
In recent years, “sharing” has become a hot topic—think shared bikes, cars, and even homes like Airbnb. This reflects a collective move toward circular economy and sustainability. Now, even office spaces can be shared.
Originating from San Francisco, the concept of shared desks allows professionals to work in flexible environments without being tied to a fixed desk. Whether it’s sipping coffee at a comfortable seat or finding your favorite corner, it redefines the rigidity of traditional office setups.
Many business centers in Taipei now offer diverse shared desk plans. Most are charged per person per day, but monthly and flexible plans (e.g., day passes or credit-based systems) are also available. We recommend contacting each center in advance to find a plan that suits your needs.
Is a Shared Desk Right for Your Work Style?
Let’s dive into whether shared desks match your professional needs.
- Environmental Distractions
If working from home isn’t productive and you dislike the noise in cafés, but renting an office is too costly, shared desks may be your sweet spot—a comfortable, focused space that promotes both relaxation and concentration. - Budget and Cost-Effectiveness
Shared desks are ideal for freelancers, creators, or self-employed individuals whose work hours vary. Since you pay per day, it’s a cost-effective alternative to full-time office rent. Business centers in Taipei offer customizable plans based on different work schedules and needs. - Networking Opportunities
Shared desks are like physical social platforms. You’ll meet professionals from various industries, opening up networking and potential collaboration opportunities.
Shared Desks vs. Cafés: Which One’s Better?
A side-by-side comparison of work environment and value.
With remote and hybrid work becoming common post-pandemic, many professionals now work from home or cafés. But is working at a café really the best choice?
| Category | Café | Shared Desk |
| Environment | Depends on the crowd—can be noisy | Quiet, productivity-focused |
| Facilities | Outlets, basic seating, Wi-Fi | Outlets, ergonomic furniture, Wi-Fi, printers, paper cutters, phone booths |
| Comfort | Medium—seating not ideal for long hours | Medium to high—designed for long work sessions |
| Additional Services | Water (some cafés), restrooms | Reception, free snacks & beverages, security, parking (some), kitchen appliances |
| Advantages | Diverse menu, freshly prepared food, open on weekends | Quiet, secure, lockers for privacy, multiple restrooms |
| Disadvantages | Noisy, 2-hour time limits, mixed crowd, limited parking, fewer restrooms | Weekday-only access, slightly higher cost |
Many flexible workers report that working in spaces designed for productivity sparks creativity and increases efficiency.
Pricing Breakdown of Shared Desks in Taipei
Unpacking the value behind different pricing tiers.
With so many business centers in the greater Taipei area, prices vary widely. Is more expensive always better? Let’s take a look:
| Price Tier | Low | Mid | High |
| Daily Rate | NT$140–200 | NT$300–500 | NT$800–1,200 |
| Locations | Neihu, Zhongxiao | Xinyi, Songshan, East District | Xinyi, Zhongshan |
| Common Services | High-speed internet, desk/chair, outlets, unlimited entry on day pass | High-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, outlets, multifunction printers, kitchen, coffee/snacks, massage chairs (Hanse), phone booths (Hanse), visitor reception (Hanse) | Similar to mid-tier plus: premium snacks, massage chairs, access to global partner locations |
Hanse United Spaces offers a popular “Shared Desk Day Pass” for just NT$525 (tax included), giving you unlimited access from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM to any Hanse Taipei branch—including the newly launched Taipei Song Gao Premium Center. Enjoy premium amenities like massage chairs and phone booths (not found at similar price points), all while working with a direct view of Taipei 101.
💡 Great value pick: Browse spaces via GTB-Space (gtbspace.com)
(Taipei Song Gao Premium Center-Premium H-Space)
(Taipei Song Gao Premium Center-Taipei 101 Viewing & Lounge Area)
(Taipei Song Gao Premium Center-Phone Booths)
(Taipei Song Gao Premium Center-Massage Chair Area)
Where to Book Shared Desks in Taipei?
Use GTB-Space for instant booking!
Wondering where to book shared desks quickly and easily? Try GTB-Space, a business-flex platform developed by GTB Business Center. Think of it as the “Airbnb for workspaces.”
Forget waiting on replies during off-hours or going back and forth to check pricing. With GTB-Space, just browse, book, and show up—perfect for last-minute plans or weekend work needs. Choose your mood, pick your space, and start working!
🔗 GTB-Space
Related Reads
- Complete Guide to Shared Workspaces: Pros & Cons Explained｜Hanse
- Your Mobile Office: Embracing the Shared Space Lifestyle｜Hanse
- Shared Offices: Where Entrepreneurs Expand Networks
