The future of work: Activity Based Working

In the constantly changing world of work culture an innovative concept is gaining increasing importance – Activity Based Working (ABW). Traditional fixed workstations are giving way to a more flexible approach designed to boost productivity and adapt the work environment to the individual needs of employees. Let's dive together into the fascinating world of Activity Based Working and discover how this revolutionary way of working is fundamentally changing how we work.

What is Activity Based Working: A Definition

To put it simply, activity-based working is similar to the idea of a home. People use different rooms for everyday tasks. You go to the kitchen to cook and to the sofa in the living room to relax. In the office, we follow the same principle. For each activity, a suitable space is sought out, but here it's not about living space, but about the work environment. 

These spaces should support the respective activity and be equipped accordingly. Employees are offered a work environment that is suitable for their current tasks. Depending on the task, individuals can decide where the appropriate environment is and whether to work on a project in interaction with colleagues or as an individual. Employees decide for themselves which tools are needed for the activity and where and when the project will be carried out. 

Activity Based Working and Desk Sharing: A Perfect Synergy

The work environment, adapted to the respective activity and tailored to the relevant employees or teams, promotes long-term productivity and creativity. 

Central to Activity Based Working concept is technical independence through Wi-Fi, smartphones, or laptops. The workplace is reinterpreted by its location-independent nature. This concept is particularly suitable for companies where work is primarily project-based, self-directed, and creative. Not even managers have a fixed desk or their own office, as office spaces are transformed into creative and meeting rooms that employees can freely choose from. 

A modern work concept that creates suitable synergies with Activity-based Working is Desk Sharing. Desk Sharing goes beyond mere spatial flexibility, allowing employees to share their workstations according to their current needs and activity profiles. Instead of fixed workstations or private offices, companies with Desk Sharing offer flexible office spaces that can be designed according to employee requirements. This flexible workplace design not only promotes the optimized use of resources but also supports the principles of Activity Based Working by enabling employees to choose the optimal work area for their respective tasks. Different tables can indeed be equipped differently and provided with various features.

The combination of Activity Based Working and Desk Sharing thus creates an agile work environment that focuses on the individual needs of employees while fostering collective creativity and productivity. An optimal Desk Sharing solution is Flexopus – developed in Stuttgart, hosted in Germany, and ISO27001 certified. Enjoy not only user-friendliness but also the highest security standards.

What workplace options are available with Activity Based Working? 

The options available with so-called Activity Based Working can vary greatly: whether a quiet retreat in the form of a phone booth or an open seating lounge for creative meetings, the possibilities of activity-based working are limitless. Spaces designated for focused work should be acoustically and visually separated . 

The design of these spaces is usually simple and understated. For meetings involving multiple people, collaborative spaces that foster teamwork are used. A meeting room would be one such example. To connect with employees from other departments, social meeting points like work cafés are well-suited, as they facilitate optimal exchange across different areas of activity. In learning environments, the design of the spaces appears more colorful and creative, in contrast to quiet zones. Furthermore, these spaces are equipped with additional materials, such as writable walls or craft supplies, to support creative work. Regeneration should also be part of this concept. Suitable for this are, for example, lounges with upholstered furniture, which can serve as places for regeneration in a pleasant atmosphere and comfortable posture.

In Activity Based Working there are various "activities" such as focused work, which is carried out individually by one person. For collaborative activities, usually involving two or more people, brainstorming sessions or dialogues are conducted. Additionally, there are activities such as relaxation or technical tasks. 

What are the advantages of Activity Based Working? 

1. A breath of fresh air in communication: Advantages of activity-based working for companies can include, for example, supporting communication or team processes. Regeneration enhances the organization's performance. 

2. Increased employee satisfaction: Another important advantage is the exchange that positively impacts performance. Overall, employee satisfaction is increased because they can decide for themselves how and where they work. 

3. Healthier Work Style: The various methods and workplaces integrate more movement into the daily work routine. This creates a healthier work style. Mandatory sit-stand desks with adjustable heights enable an active change between standing and sitting activities. 

4. More Variety: This work model promotes contact and collaboration among colleagues. While there may be fewer workstations, they are of high quality, which also provides variety. 

5. Increased Creativity: Examples of newly utilized office spaces can include creative zones where employees can present their ideas using various materials and discuss the physical models. For Design Thinking, materials like Lego, playdough, paper, pens, etc., are suitable. Ideally, phone calls are taken in phone booths so that the soundproof area prevents other employees from being disturbed.

What are the Challenges of Activity Based Working?

Nevertheless, companies face several challenges when implementing activity-based working. For instance, a static-functional work culture is better suited to a traditional office layout, whereas creative and project-based tasks often thrive more effectively in an activity-based workspace. When selecting a workplace concept, it's crucial to consider not only the location but also the diverse personalities of employees, as not everyone feels comfortable in large communal spaces. More introverted individuals, for example, likely prefer quieter zones where they can retreat. 

Conclusion: Is Activity Based Working Here to Stay?

Activity Based Working (ABW) revolutionizes work culture through flexible approaches and, when combined with desk sharing, creates an optimal environment for productivity and creativity. The diverse range of workplace options offers a modern solution for companies adapting to the evolving world of work. Despite some challenges, ABW presents numerous benefits and is shaping the future of work with its flexible and activity-based concepts. Overall, an increasing number of companies are adopting Activity-Based Working, and the future indicates a positive upward trend.