Recreating the workspace ABW

recreating

theworkplace

ACTIVITY BASED WORKING

We’re experiencing a shift in the workplace. Traditionally, employees have been assigned to a single desk but thanks to technology and accelerated by COVID-19, businesses are adopting flexible, more human-centric workplaces to encourage employees to return to the office.

Activity Based Working (ABW) understands that employees perform different tasks throughout the day. Someone may prefer to work to a tight deadline in a silent space in the morning but join their team to work on a project in a collaboration space, in the afternoon. ABW offers flexibility, supports employee wellbeing and boosts productivity in the agile era.

How to implement Activity Based Working Employees will be more productive when they’re working in a suitable environment rather than a ‘one size fits all’ office. However, it’s not simply about building dedicated spaces; each zone must be carefully designed to foster the required emotions. Businesses should research and collect employee feedback before recreating the office. This will help when considering which zones benefit employees most and what resources are needed in each ABW zone.

When an employee enters a specific zone, it must be easy to gauge what the workspace is intended for. This can be achieved through sensory cues such as hearing the radio and people chatting, signalling that the space is for socialising. In contrast, a silent space would have quiet signs on the wall or sound masking headsets available.

ABW has the power to create an inspiring and comfortable workplace atmosphere. It can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. When Veldhoen and Company helped insurance company Interpolis implement ABW, they noted a 17% increase in workplace satisfaction1. Likewise, Microsoft revealed a 25% productivity increase in their Amsterdam office after transitioning to ABW2 .

What is a social zone? A social zone typically takes its inspiration from a coffee shop or cafeteria. It is designed to feel energetic and welcoming to guests and workers alike. It’s a space for impromptu meetings, informal catchups, a quick break or a workspace for employees that enjoy background noise and socialising.

What is a collaboration zone? A collaboration zone facilitates teamwork and discussion. It is designed with comfortable seating, interactive displays and video conferencing equipment so that teams can collaborate and create innovative ideas together, even if some team members are joining remotely.

What is a learning zone? A learning zone is designed to encourage employees to learn and develop new skills. This includes delivering presentations, business updates, webinars, training courses and teambuilding activities.

What is a silent zone? A silent zone is dedicated to focused work without distractions. Ergonomic monitors and sound masking headsets are important for creating a comfortable space. Plus, digital signage is required to communicate behavioural cues.

What are the benefits of Activity Based Working? There are many benefits of ABW, but the key is connection, culture and trust. It takes the needs of every type of worker into account and does not restrict employees to a single desk. Rather, it empowers employees to produce their best work. Additionally, it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility which ultimately strengthens business loyalty.

Research by the Dutch Centre for Buildings and People found that offices that adopted ABW experienced greater communication and different departments exchanged more knowledge with each other3 .

Activity Based Working is shaping offices to fit the new working world. As new technologies have emerged and COVID-19 has accelerated the shift into agile working, ABW is the ideal solution for businesses wanting to adopt flexible and humancentric workplaces.