Activity-Based Offices: Pros, Cons, and Insights
Activity-based work (ABA) has grown in popularity as an alternative approach to traditional office design, with the aim of increasing productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. In an activity-based office, employees do not have assigned desks; instead, they choose where to work based on the specific tasks they need to perform. This article will explore the pros and cons of activity-based offices for those interested in Workspace Solutions.
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Advantages of activity-based offices:
1. Flexibility and freedom of choice
Activity-based offices give employees the flexibility to choose their workplaces based on their tasks, allowing greater autonomy based on personal preferences (de Been & Beijer, 2014).
2. Improved collaboration
By encouraging employees to move around the office and interact with different colleagues, activity-based offices can foster collaboration and knowledge sharing (Wohlers & Hertel, 2017).
3. Optimization of office space
Activity-based offices can be more space efficient than traditional office layouts, as they make better use of available space by offering versatile work environments for diverse tasks (Leesman, 2021).
4. Adapted to change
Activity-based offices are designed to adapt to changes in work patterns, enabling organizations to easily modify workplaces to adapt to new technologies, ways of working, and employee needs (Gartner, 2022).
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Disadvantages of activity-based offices:
1. Lack of personal space
The lack of assigned desks in activity-based offices can lead to a lack of personal space, which can cause employees to feel disconnected and less engaged in the organization (de Been & Beijer, 2014).
2. Noise and interference
As with open-plan offices, activity-based offices can also suffer from increased noise levels and interference, which can negatively affect employee concentration and productivity (Wohlers & Hertel, 2017).
3. Difficulties in finding colleagues
In activity-based offices, employees may have difficulty finding their colleagues due to the lack of assigned seating, which can lead to inefficiencies in communication and collaboration (Bodin Danielsson & Bodin, 2009).
4. Hygiene problems
Sharing workplaces in activity-based offices can carry hygiene risks, especially during flu seasons or pandemics, as germs can spread more easily when multiple employees use the same workstations (Bodin Danielsson & Bodin, 2009).
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Recent research on activity-based offices has shown mixed results, with some studies highlighting benefits such as increased collaboration and flexibility, while others point to disadvantages such as lack of personal space, increased noise levels and hygiene concerns. A Leesman report (2021) found that activity-based offices can lead to improved space efficiency and better support for different ways of working. At the same time, a Gartner study (2022) emphasized the adaptability of activity-based offices to changes in work patterns and employee needs.
Organizations considering introducing activity-based offices should carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if this strategy is consistent with their culture and employee needs.
Conclusion
Activity-based offices offer several benefits, including flexibility, improved collaboration, space efficiency, and adaptability to change. However, they also have their drawbacks, such as lack of personal space, noise and interference, difficulty finding colleagues and hygiene problems. As with open offices, the decision to adopt an activity-based office should be based on the unique requirements and preferences of the organization and its employees.
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References
- Bodin Danielsson, C., & Bodin, L. (2009). Office type in relation to health, well-being, and job satisfaction among employees. Environment and Behavior, 41 (5), 636-668.
- de Been, I., & Beijer, M. (2014). Influence of office type on satisfaction and perceived productivity support. Journal of Facilities Management, 12 (2), 142-157.
- Gardener (2022). Adaptation to the Future of Work with Activity-Based Office Plans. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com/en/research/adapting-to-the-future-of-work-with-activity-based-office-plans
- Leesman (2021). Activity-based working: Space efficiency and employee support. Retrieved from https://www.leesmanindex.com/activity-based-working-space-efficiency-and-employee-support
- Wohlers, C., & Hertel, G. (2017). Selecting where to work at work — towards a theoretical model of benefits and risks of activity-based flexible offices. Ergonomics, 60 (4), 467-486.
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