In the constantly changing world of work culture, an innovative concept — Activity-Based Working (ABW) — is becoming increasingly important. Traditional fixed workplaces are giving way to a more flexible approach, which is intended to increase productivity and adapt the work environment to the individual needs of employees. Let's dive into the fascinating world of activity-based working together and discover how this revolutionary way of working is fundamentally changing the way we work.

What is activity-based working: A definition

To put it very simply, activity-related work is similar to the concept of an apartment. People use different spaces for everyday tasks. You go to the kitchen to cook and relax on the sofa in the living room. In the office, we follow the same principle analogously. A suitable space is sought for every activity, but this is not about the living space, but about the working environment.

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These spaces should support the respective activity and be equipped for it. Employees are offered a working environment that is suitable for their current tasks. Depending on the task, it is possible to decide individually where the appropriate environment is and whether to work on a project with colleagues or as an individual. The employees decide for themselves which tools are required for the job and at which location and at what time the project is carried out.

Activity Based Working and desk sharing: A perfect synergy

The field of work, which is adapted to the respective job and tailored to the corresponding employees or teams, promotes productivity and creativity in the long term.

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Central for the Activity Based Working concept is technical independence through WLAN, smartphone, or laptop. The workplace is being reinterpreted through local independence. The concept is particularly suitable for companies that primarily work on a project-related, independent and creative basis. There is not even a fixed desk or private office for the supervisor, because office space will converted into creative and meeting rooms, which employees can freely choose between.

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A modern work concept that creates suitable synergies with activity-based working is desk sharing. Desk sharing goes beyond mere spatial flexibility and enables employees to share their workplaces depending on current needs and job profile. Instead of fixed workplaces or their own offices, desk-sharing companies offer flexible office space that can be designed according to the requirements of employees. This flexible workplace design not only promotes the optimized use of resources, but also supports the principles of activity-based working by enabling employees to choose the optimal work area for their respective tasks. In fact, different tables can be equipped differently and equipped with features.

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The combination of activity-based working and desk sharing thus creates an agile working environment that focuses on the individual needs of employees and at the same time promotes collective creativity and productivity. An optimal desk sharing solution is Flexopus — developed in Stuttgart, hosted in Germany and ISO27001 certified. Enjoy not only ease of use, but also the highest safety standards.

What are the workplace options for Activity-Based Working?

The offers that are available in so-called Activity Based Working can look very different: Whether it's a quiet retreat in the form of a telephone booth or an open sitting lounge for creative meetings, there are no limits to the possibilities of activity-related work. Spaces intended for focused work should be acoustically and visually separated.

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The design of these rooms is usually quite simple. For meetings that consist of several people, collaborative spaces are used, which promote collaboration. A meeting room would be a possible example. Social meeting places such as work cafés are ideal for networking with employees from other areas of work, as this is where an optimal exchange can take place across different areas of activity. In learning environments, the design of rooms looks more colorful and creative in contrast to rest areas. In addition, other materials, such as writeable walls or handicrafts, are provided in these rooms to support creative work. Regeneration should also be part of this concept. Lounges with upholstered furniture, which can act as a place of regeneration in a pleasant atmosphere and in a comfortable posture, are suitable for this purpose.

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During activity-based working there are various “activities”, such as focus work, which are carried out individually by one person. Collaborative activities, which usually involve two or more people, involve brainstorming sessions or dialogues. In addition, there are also activities such as relaxed work or technical tasks.

What are the benefits of activity-based working?

1. A breath of fresh air in communication: Benefits of activity-based work for companies can include support for communication or even team processes. Regeneration increases the performance of the organization.

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2. Increasing employee satisfaction: Another important advantage is the sharing of information, which has a positive effect on performance. Overall, employee satisfaction is increased, as they can decide for themselves how and where to work.

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3. Healthier work style: Through the various methods and work locations, more movement is integrated into everyday working life. For employees, it automatically means a healthier working style. Mandatory standing and sitting tables with different heights enable the active alternation of standing and sitting activities.

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4. Greater Variety: This working model encourages interaction and collaboration. While there are fewer desks, they are high-quality, flexible workspaces where you can discuss topics cross-departmentally.

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5. Increasing creativity: Examples of new office spaces used can include creative zones in which employees present their ideas using various materials. In the area of design thinking, Lego, dough, paper, pens, etc. can be used to present those ideas physically. Phone calls are best made in telephone boxes so that the soundproof area does not disturb other employees.

What are the challenges of Activity Based Working?

However, there are some challenges that companies must face when using activity-based work. For example, a statically functional work culture is better suited to a classic office space concept, while creative and project-related activities often make more sense in combination with an activity-based workspace. Not only the place of work, but also the various characters must be considered when choosing the workplace concept, because not every person feels comfortable in large communal spaces. More introverted people probably prefer quieter areas where you can retreat from time to time.

Conclusion: Is Activity Based Working here to stay?

Activity Based Working (ABW) is revolutionizing work culture through flexible approaches and, in combination with desk sharing, creates an optimal environment for productivity and creativity. The variety of workplace options offers a modern solution for companies that are adapting to changes in the working world. Despite some challenges, ABW shows numerous advantages and is shaping the future of work through flexible and activity-based concepts. Overall, more and more companies are taking part in activity-based working, and the future shows a positive upward trend.