What is 'activity-based working'?
In today’s fast-changing world of work, flexibility is more than a perk – it’s a necessity.
One approach that has gained traction in modern workplaces is Activity-Based Working or Agile working.
But what exactly does it mean, and why are so many workplaces adopting it these days?
Activity-Based Working is a workplace strategy where employees aren’t tied to a single desk or office. Instead, they can choose from a variety of work settings, each designed to support a specific type of activity.
Think of it like this:
- Need to brainstorm with your team? Choose a space that will allow everyone to join in and contribute – one that has plenty of room to spread things out and get creative.
- Need to be deeply focused on a project? Head over to a quiet zone or a privacy pod, where there’s less background noise and no distractions.
- Catching up on emails and simple admin tasks? A casual lounge area with soft seating might be more comfortable and less formal than sitting at a standard office desk.
Rather than forcing every task into a one-size-fits-all desk setup, activity-based working simply empowers employees to choose the right environment that suits the work being done.
Why are organisations embracing activity-based working?
Research show this has been adopted as a way to create a more engaging and efficient workplace. By giving employees, the freedom to choose how and where they work, this can create a greater sense of trust, which in turn boosts motivation and engagement.
At the same time, companies can make smarter use of their office real estate by moving away from fixed desks and embracing shared spaces or ‘hot desking’, which not only reduces costs but also encourages more collaboration and flexibility.
Key elements of an activity-based environment
An Activity-Based Working environment is designed to support a variety of work styles and needs by offering a mix of spaces tailored for different activities. Focus zones provide quiet, distraction-free areas where employees can dive into deep work, while collaboration areas encourage creativity and teamwork through open, flexible layouts. To enhance connections and informal meetings, activity-based working, workplaces also feature social spaces such as lounges and canteens. Additionally, the idea of tech-enabled rooms to ensure seamless virtual and hybrid teamwork, equipping employees with the tools they need to stay connected no matter where they’re working from.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
Activity based working isn’t a magic fix, it requires thoughtful planning and needs to benefit you team rather than making their jobs more difficult. Some common challenges include:
- Not everyone will like the change. They may feel more comfortable at their own personal desk than having to share or move around.
- Without clear guidelines, spaces can become misused or overcrowded, completely defeating the objective of having an agile workspace.
- Everything needs to work, the technology, the Wi-Fi, even down to the comfort of the chairs and the brightness of the lights. All these details must support seamless movement for the flexible zones to be productive.
The Bottom Line
Activity-Based Working isn’t just about redesigning offices – it’s about rethinking how work gets done. By giving employees, the freedom to choose the right environment for the task at hand, this strategy creates a workplace that is more adaptable, engaging, and aligned with the way more people work today.
