Hybrid design is starting to become the norm in offices these days with employees gradually returning to their offices. However, fewer people are working from offices at any given point of time owing to the rotational approach being adopted. As a result, companies are discovering that they have a lot of free space in their offices which can be invested towards an activity-based design.
But, what exactly is an activity-based office design?
The term ‘activity-based working’ was introduced by Erik Veldhoen in his book ‘The Art of Working’. Published in 2004, this book inspired several activity-based design projects that helped create an agile and flexible working environment in offices across the globe.
Activity based workspaces use the collaborative spirit of an open floor plan and provide quieter zones that can be used for focused, undisturbed work. Instead of being confined to their cubicle or desks, employees can switch between different settings as they wish. Have a meeting? Retire to a closed area. Need to brainstorm with your peers? Move to the open section of the office. Need a quiet place to gather your thoughts? There’s an area for that, too!
In a nutshell, an activity-based workplace design helps employees feel comfortable working in the office and promotes effective collaboration, all while keeping the design cost-effective. Employees aren’t restricted to a single workstation; rather, they have access to many areas and can find a space that works for them.
One of the prime examples of an activity-based workplace design is Microsoft. With a mix of standard desks, holistic zones, and quiet spaces like sleep pods, concentration booths, and individual work carousels, Microsoft ensures that it caters to all styles and preferences, so that employees can truly WorkWell.
Some other examples of effective design strategies are Pixar and Uber. During the 1990s, Pixar restructured its office to bring all the departments, engineers, executives, and animators together to create an ecosystem of collaboration. Uber, like Pixar, focused on enhanced teamwork. They invested in various collaborative spaces and created many community spaces for the employees to bond and build positive relations.
Many more brands have been inspired to create activity-based workspaces, including giants like Uber, Costa Coffee, Pixar and LinkedIn. But why should offices consider this concept? What value does it add to the company? Let’s find out.
Enhanced Collaboration and Employee Satisfaction
In an ordinary office, employees spend their time with the same group of people. This repetitive routine restricts them from making new connections in the office. In activity-based design, building relationships across departments is easier. Moving freely through the office, employees can meet different people and start intriguing conversations.
(Max House)
Activity-based workplace design also encourages teamwork. When an office facilitates collaboration, innovation becomes easy. Many heads tackling one problem is better than pondering over it alone. In a meeting, inputs from the different departments bring in fresh perspectives, making the brainstorming process unique and exemplary. Providing carefully constructed spaces that make it simple to ideate in groups also boosts bond between teammates and creates an opportunity for better office relationships through informal conversations.
Having a team that can work in unison is great for the company, but collaboration is not the only factor that influences the happiness of employees. A thoughtful workspace is important to ensure employees are satisfied with their job.
With an activity-based office plan, firms can provide a comfortable zone to match the personality of every employee. According to a research by Veldhoen+, there was a 17% increase in employee engagement after companies changed to activity-based design. And with various amenities like cafes, green spaces and diners, employees find their office immensely satisfying.
Improved Recruitment and Employee Retention
Activity-based workplace design changes the look of the office drastically. The mix of multiple creatively inspiring work zones gives an interesting facelift to what would otherwise be a boring office. The visually appealing effect can be taken further with some biophilia and art.
(Holderstebolder by Angus Van Zyl Taylor at Max Towers)
The new generation looks for something one of a kind. An office that lets them work with no creative restrictions is a must for the Gen Z workforce. An activity-based workplace intrigues a potential candidate. The unique layout of the office makes a good first impression on the candidates, but, more importantly, it conveys that the company gives due importance to creating employee-centric workspaces.
An activity-based workplace design also helps retain talent. How? The answer is simple – Flexible work zones! A survey by Staples stated that 67% of employees would look at other job opportunities if their work arrangements became less flexible. Analyzing the current needs of employees and designing an office with a combination of private corners and collaborative rooms to suit their work style is a good way to bring about flexibility in the workspace.
(Al-fresco area at Max Towers )
Utilizing the free space to make the existing workforce more comfortable is much more cost-effective. That’s where Max Estates comes in. With a flexible lease and highly customizable office spaces across all establishments, firms can efficiently implement an activity-based workplace design.
Instead of filling up the office with desks and chairs, using furniture creatively to boost employee productivity is a better option for the office. In the same research by Veldhoen+, firms with an activity-based design saw an increase in individual productivity by 13% and team productivity by 17%. Letting employees WorkWell through versatile office spaces and numerous amenities can be easy with a workspace that enables you to customize the plan to suit your needs.
