The Growing Trend of Activity-Based Working Environment

Always on the lookout for fresh ideas to elevate the workplace experience? You’re not alone! Many organizations are striving to make their offices more enticing, welcoming environments that draw people back in. 

Our clients have shared some fantastic initiatives—from hosting company paid lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays to thoughtfully designed spaces featuring comfortable chill zones, well-decorated offices, state-of-the-art cafeterias, theaters, and even Lego museums!

Among these innovative strategies is another concept worth exploring: Activity-Based Working (ABW). In this blog, we will explore the growing trend of activity-based working and what it actually means.

What is activity-based working environment

Activity-Based Working (ABW) is centered around creating an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, recognizing that employees need more than just a desk to perform at their best. This approach offers diverse settings tailored to various tasks, ranging from quiet corners for focused work to collaborative spaces designed for brainstorming and casual lounges for informal meetings. 

The growing trend of  activity-based working environment

Employee dissatisfaction is on the rise, and the trend of “quiet quitting” highlights a pressing issue for organizations aiming to keep their talent engaged. According to a recent Gallup study, only 34% of employees are thriving in their overall wellbeing. This is a clear call for action for companies to take a closer look at their workplace environments and explore innovative ways to keep employees motivated and satisfied. 

One powerful strategy gaining momentum is the incorporation of an activity-based working environment, which some organizations are successfully implementing to foster a more dynamic and engaging workplace.

Examples of successful ABW implementation:

• EY: By transforming their workspace, EY created a flexible environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. Their redesign encourages employees to choose where they work based on the task at hand, fostering greater productivity and satisfaction.
• Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola European Partners opted for an open mobility-based workplace with a variety of formal and informal workstations. This shift allows employees to select their workspace according to their privacy and collaboration needs, enhancing connectivity and creativity across teams.
• Booking.com: Their new campus features flexible spaces that cater to both collaborative projects and focused work. This design not only supports a modern, hybrid work model but also prioritizes employee comfort and connectivity.

Benefits of activity-based working environment:

As the trend of ABW continues to gain traction, smaller companies can expect to reap similar rewards. The advantages of adopting an activity-based working model are significant and well-supported by research. According to a study by Veldhoen + Company, companies that transition to ABW experience an average 17% increase in overall workplace satisfaction. 

The benefits include:

• Supercharged productivity: When employees work in spaces designed for their specific tasks, they get more done, and often faster. 
• Fostering creativity: With diverse workspaces, employees are more likely to engage in spontaneous brainstorming sessions that can lead to innovative solutions.
• Improving overall happiness: Employees relish the freedom to choose how and where they work, resulting in a happier and more engaged workforce. 
• Driving innovation: Sometimes, the best ideas emerge from casual conversations in comfortable settings. 
• Supporting well-being: Quiet corners and relaxed areas help reduce stress, making work feel a little less like… well, work.

The zones that bring activity-based working to life

More and more companies are embracing a new way of working, creating spaces that reflect how people actually get things done. Instead of one-size-fits-all desks, they’re carving out specific zones that cater to different tasks, moods, and moments.

1. Quiet zones for heads-down focus
   For those times when focus is the name of the game, quiet zones offer a peaceful escape. These are the spaces where noise fades into the background, giving you room to dive deep into projects without the office buzz pulling you away.
2. Collaborative spaces for brainstorming
   When ideas need to collide and grow, collaborative areas step in. They’re open, flexible, and full of energy; think writable walls, comfy seating, and plenty of room for free-flowing discussions that spark the next big thing.
3. Lounges for casual conversations
   Sometimes the best ideas pop up when you’re not even trying. That’s why informal lounges are showing up in ABW setups, inviting spots where casual chats can turn into lightbulb moments. It’s creativity on the couch.
4. Flexible workstations for everything in between
   Not every task needs a special zone, and that’s where flexible workstations come in. Some companies are even using tools like Joan Desk, which lets you see and reserve a spot that fits your needs—whether it’s for an hour or the whole day.

Challenges of activity-based working environment 

Transitioning to an activity-based working environment isn’t all smooth sailing. Organizations can face several hurdles that need thoughtful navigation. Here’s a closer look at some of the challenges:

• Cultural shift: Changing the mindset of employees who are used to traditional setups can be tricky. Many may feel a sense of loss when moving from their assigned desks to flexible workspaces. 
• Space limitations: Not all organizations have the luxury of ample space to implement various activity-based work zones. If the existing office layout is cramped, it can hinder the creation of dedicated areas for collaboration, focus, and relaxation, ultimately impacting employee satisfaction and productivity.

• Cost considerations: While the potential benefits of an ABW environment are clear, the initial investment can be daunting. Shifting from traditional setups often requires significant changes to office design, technology upgrades, and new furniture. For many organizations, sticking to the status quo might seem like the easier and more cost-effective option, even if it sacrifices employee wellbeing and engagement.

Want to completely change your environment for one week?

If you’re itching for a change of scenery but can’t commit to an office overhaul, a workation might be just the ticket! Think of it as a mini-retreat where you can recharge your creativity and boost team morale—all while getting your work done. 

And here’s the exciting part: Joan is offering a fantastic opportunity for five lucky employees from the same company to experience a week of work from their stunning headquarters in Slovenia, all expenses paid!

Curious to learn more? Click here for details!