Activity-based workspaces are all the rage right now, and rightfully so; there is a plethora of benefits to this style. Whether your office wants to encourage creativity and collaboration, recruit top talent, or become a more sustainable space, activity-based workspaces may be your best option.
Create an open, welcoming environment
Cubicles can decrease employee satisfaction and productivity, and at times can appear unattractive and impersonal. Open, flexible workspaces often do the opposite. Add to that the thoughtful design of an area for each team or task, and work becomes a place for creativity and development.
Activity-based workspaces offer employees opportunities to interact with coworkers and collaborate in the office. This design scheme relies on different areas for different activities and encourages movement, which can increase employee productivity. The goal of activity-based workspaces is to maximize flow, whether that’s in design or in employee activity.
Design according to the needs of your employees
Consider implementing various styles for various activities. The office will become less a place of routine and more a place of spontaneity geared toward diverse tasks or teams. Moreover, think about creating a colorful, beckoning corner with comfortable seating, coffee tables, and chalkboard paint for socialization or brainstorming. For the graphic design team, provide drafting tables with adjustable stools and lights. Leave your floor plan open with individual stations facing the windows, so employees who want to work alone can work with a view. Huddle rooms (pictured above) are great for teams who need to break off and focus in a more controlled environment without isolating themselves.
Be more environmentally friendly
Each workspace is intentionally designed for maximum collaboration and utility. Utility here doesn’t mean just the basics—it means usefulness. Stations should be as creative in their functionality as their design. One of the biggest perks to activity-based workspaces is increased energy efficiency. Office space is used more efficiently than in traditional setups, reducing a company’s carbon footprint…not to mention creating a more interesting view.
Recruit and retain the best and the brightest
Gone are the days where interviewees walk past rows of grey cubicles into a grand office. An activity-based workspace is more visually pleasing and engaging to shareholders, employees, and potential hires. Not only that, but this inventive format attracts the best talent. Moreover, creating an open workspace helps retain employees – the space is meeting both their personal and professional needs.
There are so many ways activity-based workspaces can work for you. Whether you want an office design that is focused on your myriad teams or one that highlights the variety of tasks employees take on, this trend can work for you. Want to reap all of these benefits and more? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
