Embracing Activity-Based Working: How 6 Companies Transformed Their Workplaces

In today's fast-paced business world, companies are constantly seeking ways to optimize their workplaces to foster collaboration, productivity, and employee well-being. One approach that has gained significant traction in recent years is activity-based working (ABW). This innovative workplace strategy involves creating a variety of work environments tailored to specific tasks and activities, allowing employees to choose the space that best suits their needs at any given time.

What is Activity-Based Working?

Activity-based working is a workplace design concept that focuses on providing employees with a range of work settings, each designed to support specific activities. Rather than assigning employees to fixed desks or offices, ABW encourages them to move freely between different spaces throughout the day, depending on the nature of their work.

Some common types of work environments in an ABW office include:

• Collaboration areas for team meetings and brainstorming sessions
• Quiet zones for focused, individual work
• Informal lounge areas for relaxation and casual conversations
• Phone booths for private calls and video conferences

By offering a variety of work settings, ABW workplaces empower employees to choose the environment that best supports their tasks, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

6 Companies Embracing Activity-Based Working

Let's take a closer look at how six innovative companies have successfully implemented activity-based working environments:

1. GLG Offices

GLG, a global expert network, has embraced the ABW concept in their offices worldwide. Their workspaces feature a mix of open collaboration areas, quiet zones, and informal meeting spaces, allowing employees to seamlessly transition between different work modes throughout the day.

2. Microsoft

Microsoft has been a pioneer in adopting activity-based working, with their offices featuring a variety of work settings designed to support different tasks and working styles. From focus rooms for deep concentration to collaboration spaces for team projects, Microsoft's ABW environment fosters a culture of flexibility and innovation.

3. Google

Known for their innovative office designs, Google has also embraced activity-based working in many of their locations. Their workspaces include a mix of open-plan areas, private workstations, and informal meeting spaces, encouraging employees to collaborate and share ideas freely.

4. Deloitte

Deloitte, a global professional services firm, has implemented activity-based working in several of their offices. Their workspaces feature a range of settings, including focus booths, collaboration zones, and quiet areas, allowing employees to choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences.

5. KPMG

KPMG, another leading professional services firm, has adopted activity-based working in many of their offices worldwide. Their workspaces are designed to promote flexibility, collaboration, and well-being, with a variety of work settings that cater to different tasks and working styles.

6. Cisco

Cisco, a global technology company, has embraced activity-based working in their offices, creating dynamic and flexible workspaces that support the diverse needs of their employees. From open collaboration areas to quiet focus rooms, Cisco's ABW environment fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork.

Benefits of Activity-Based Working

Implementing an activity-based working environment can bring numerous benefits to your organization, including:

1. Increased productivity: By providing employees with a variety of work settings tailored to specific tasks, ABW can help boost productivity and focus.

2. Enhanced collaboration: ABW workplaces encourage employees to interact and collaborate more freely, fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing.

3. Improved employee satisfaction: Giving employees the freedom to choose their work environment can lead to higher job satisfaction and a greater sense of autonomy.

4. Optimized space utilization: Activity-based working can help organizations make more efficient use of their office space, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Conclusion

As these six companies demonstrate, activity-based working is a powerful approach to creating dynamic, flexible, and engaging workplaces that support the diverse needs of employees. By embracing ABW and offering a range of work environments tailored to specific tasks and activities, organizations can foster a culture of collaboration, productivity, and well-being, ultimately driving business success in today's ever-evolving workplace landscape.