Activity-Based Working: Modern working concept for flexibility and productivity
Activity-Based Working definition and concept
Activity-Based Working (ABW) is a modern workplace concept that is based on the realisation that employees carry out different activities during the course of their working day and require specific working environments for each task. Instead of working at a permanently assigned desk, employees flexibly choose the most suitable location for the task at hand. The office is divided into different zones that support different work needs, be it for concentrated work, collaboration or informal exchange.
An ABW approach inspires employees to make more conscious decisions about how and where they carry out their work. This fosters an innovative culture of responsibility and trust that enables individuals and the organisation to reach their full potential. The concept is based on three interconnected elements: the physical environment (bricks), digital platforms and virtual spaces (bytes) and work culture and habits (behaviours).
Source: https://www.veldhoencompany.com/activity-based-working
History and development of activity-based working
The idea of moving away from static work at a fixed location is not new, but has become much more important during the coronavirus pandemic. Working from home and flexible working models became a necessity overnight, which greatly accelerated the rise of ABW. During this time, it became clear how important it is for employees to have the right working environment for different tasks, whether in the office or at home.
The origins of Activity-Based Working (ABW) can be traced back to 1983, when the American architect Robert Luchetti co-developed the concept of "activity settings". This idea served as a precursor to the later conceptual framework of ABW.
In the early 1990s, Veldhoen + Company developed the Activity-Based Working Framework based on previous consulting projects and began to systematically apply this approach in its workplace transformations.
A significant milestone was reached in 1995 when ABW was first applied in a large-scale project at the Dutch insurance company Interpolis. To this day, Interpolis is a pioneer and active user of Activity-Based Working.
Over the course of the 2010s, the concept continued to gain popularity. It was implemented in numerous organisations and gained additional importance with the rise of remote work and hybrid offices.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted many organisations to switch to a remote-first working environment. This accelerated the development of new workplace technologies and expanded the possibilities for workplace analyses.
From 2021 to today, the global COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way many organisations and employees think about the workplace.
Industry application of the Activity-Based Working concept:
- Technology companies are using the Activity-Based Working concept to encourage creative and collaborative working.
- Consultancy firms use ABW to support the mobility and flexibility of their consultants.
- Educational institutions use the concept to promote interactive and project-based learning methods.
- Large companies implement ABW to utilise their office space more efficiently and increase employee satisfaction.
Advantages of the Activity-Based Working concept
Advantages of activity-based working for employees
1. flexibility and self-organisation: employees can individually choose the best workplace depending on their task and personal preference, which leads to higher productivity and satisfaction.
2. creativity and innovation: different work zones promote creative processes and the exchange of ideas.
3. motivation and satisfaction: The freedom to choose where to work and to work in an attractive environment increases motivation and loyalty to the company.
Advantages of activity-based working for companies
1. efficient use of space: the flexible use of office space enables companies to reduce their operating costs.
2. increase in productivity: an environment that is tailored to the needs of employees leads to more efficient working.
3. attractiveness as an employer: A modern working environment attracts talent and contributes to long-term employee retention.
Why should you use ABW?
The use of ABW offers numerous advantages that increase both efficiency and employee satisfaction. At a time when flexibility and adaptability are crucial, ABW enables organisations to respond to the individual needs of their workforce while increasing competitiveness. In addition, ABW fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual trust, which leads to a positive working environment and better business results in the long term.
Checklist for the implementation of Activity-Based Working
The successful implementation of ABW requires careful planning and consideration of the needs of all those involved.
Analysing the work processes: which activities can best be carried out in which environment.
Designing the working environment: creating zones that support different work requirements.
Technological equipment: provide the necessary digital tools and platforms.
Promote cultural change: Encourage employees to embrace new ways of working and actively participate in shaping the workplace.
Outlook and perspective of the activity-based working concept
Activity-based working is a pioneering concept that is shaping the workplace of the future. Through the flexible and needs-orientated use of working environments, companies can not only increase the productivity and efficiency of their employees, but also increase their satisfaction and loyalty to the company. In a rapidly changing world of work, ABW offers the necessary adaptability and innovative strength to be successful in the long term. Continuous technological progress and increasing digitalisation offer further opportunities to expand and refine the ABW concept. Digital tools and platforms enable seamless integration of virtual and physical workspaces, which improves collaboration and communication, regardless of employee location. The ABW concept plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals, as the optimised use of office space can help companies reduce their environmental footprint while promoting a healthy work-life balance for their employees. In addition, an ABW concept can be implemented excellently by utilising different offices as required instead of handling everything in a single existing office. For example, agencies could provide their team with a dedicated creative workspace during a campaign phase to encourage collaboration and creative exchange. When travelling, sales teams could be provided with suitable workspaces by their local company where they can optimally prepare and follow up. Managers could use prestigious conference rooms equipped with state-of-the-art presentation technology for strategic planning meetings. The company could also offer flexible coworking spaces at various locations for remote workers to provide them with a professional working environment, regardless of where they are located. This not only increases efficiency, but also promotes employee satisfaction and flexibility.