Activity based working the new workplace model to thrive the business and empower your employees

Activity-based workspaces (ABW) have become increasingly popular worldwide. A recent survey conducted by the CBRE Institute and CoreNet Global, with more than 100 Corporate Real Estate and Facilities, found that nearly 70% of companies expected to incorporate some degree of activity-based workplace design into their facilities in the near future. This article explore one of the latest working models in the world that can foster your business and employees.

About the ABW Model

Activity-based workspaces (ABW) have become increasingly popular worldwide, with many companies embracing this modern approach to workspace design. In a recent survey conducted by the CBRE Institute and CoreNet Global, more than 100 Corporate Real Estate and Facilities (CRE&F) leaders were interviewed about ABW. The survey found that nearly 70% of companies expected to incorporate some degree of activity-based workplace design into their facilities in the near future.

The driving factors behind this decision are concerns about the rising cost of commercial real estate, strategic alignment with company goals, and a focus on improved workplace collaboration. ABW design provides a one-to-one solution that emphasizes productivity, agility, and flexibility, all increasingly important traits in a globalized economy. Many companies around the world have discovered this firsthand and are using ABW to create more dynamic and effective workspaces.

Activity-Based Working (ABW), also known as Agile Working, is a modern approach to workspace design that allows employees to work where, when, and how it best suits them. In ABW, the workspace design has undergone significant changes from traditional office models, with a reduction in the number of fixed assigned desks and an increase in diverse functional spaces that are best suited for each employee's activities.

ABW design recognizes that each task requires a different type of workspace, and as such, it provides different areas for various activities, including spaces for focused work and collaboration. The ABW model also emphasizes flexibility, empowering employees to choose the type of workspace that best suits their working style and requirements.

Although traditional open-plan designs offer many benefits to companies and employees, they still have many drawbacks, such as excessive noise and a lack of privacy that can reduce productivity. The ABW model of workplace design has addressed these issues, making it one of the most ideal models for businesses.

Strengthen the connection and collaboration between employees

The adoption of the Activity-Based Working (ABW) model in the workplace has been found to be effective. This model involves reducing fixed seating arrangements in favor of functional areas, particularly those that encourage interaction. Employees are free to move around more, which provides more opportunities for them to engage with each other. According to a report by Steelcase, a renowned furniture design company, after implementing the ABW model, 17% more employees strongly agreed that they could meet and chat informally, and 9% fewer employees felt disconnected from their colleagues compared to before the change. By reducing fixed desk areas and adding more functional spaces, the workplace can encourage and support employee interaction and collaboration within their departments.

Increase productivity and foster efficiency at work

Creating an optimal workspace where employees feel inspired and motivated is crucial to helping them work more efficiently. Additionally, giving employees more autonomy over their workspace and schedule can help them choose the best environment for their current tasks and increase their sense of responsibility towards their work. At Steelcase, 80% of employees agreed that they have more choices about their workspace. Similarly, at ANZ bank, the decision-making time was reduced from 4 days to 4 hours, and their ABW implementation allowed their banking app to be completed six months ahead of schedule. By providing employees with a flexible and empowering work environment, they can work more effectively and efficiently, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the company.

Optimize the operation cost & office space

The ABW workplace design involves reducing the number of fixed desks that are typically used by only one employee, and instead creating shared areas that are more functional and conducive to interaction. This design allows companies to focus their investments on developing social hubs and shared facilities that optimize costs, rather than investing in individual workstations for each employee. An example of this is the open discussion area, which is equipped with a screen and whiteboard, located next to the photocopier for easy access. In 2008, Microsoft NL's office was redesigned using the ABW model, featuring communal workspaces, individual workstations, meeting rooms, auditoriums, coffee shops, dining areas, lounges, and sleep pods on the first floor, and a mix of open and enclosed spaces on the remaining floors. As a result, Microsoft NL experienced a 25% productivity gain and a 30% reduction in real-estate costs.

Attract & retain talents

A recent Deloitte study found that 84% of millennials reported some degree of flexible working within their workplaces, indicating that ABW and agile working environments are increasingly popular among the younger workforce. By implementing ABW, organizations can attract and retain the best new talent while creating a more productive and positive work environment for all employees.

Overall, ABW is a modern approach to workspace design that is designed to provide employees with a more flexible, functional, and interactive workspace. By creating a more open, dynamic, and inspiring environment, ABW encourages employee engagement, creativity, and productivity, leading to a more efficient and successful company.