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The Different Types of Activity-Based Working

Design Technology Wellbeing 25th April, 2024

Activity-based working (ABW) has become a buzzword in contemporary workplace design, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional office setups. As office managers and HR professionals seek to enhance employee satisfaction and adapt to evolving work trends, understanding the various types of ABW models becomes essential.

A study by Veldhoen + Company found that companies that transitioned to Activity-based working saw on average a 17% increase in overall workplace satisfaction and a 13% increase in individual productivity. This article will explore five distinct kinds of ABW, each catering to different organisational needs and employee preferences.

Traditional ABW:

Traditional ABW embodies the core principles of flexibility and collaboration. Flexible desks, collaborative spaces, and quiet zones characterise this model, empowering employees to choose their workspace based on the nature of their tasks. Collaborative spaces facilitate team meetings and brainstorming sessions, while quiet zones offer solitude for focused work. Traditional ABW fosters a dynamic work environment that promotes interaction and productivity.

: Financial Services company office designed by Modus Workspace, featuring a modern collaboration space with a large oval table, comfortable seating, and built-in booths. A person is walking through the bright, naturally lit space, adding a sense of movement to the inviting atmosphere for meetings and focused work

Hybrid ABW:

Hybrid ABW balances privacy and collaboration by combining private offices, shared workspaces, and flexible areas. This model acknowledges that not all tasks require the same environment, offering employees the flexibility to choose between individual workspaces or communal settings. Hybrid ABW accommodates diverse work styles within the organisation, promoting autonomy while fostering teamwork and innovation.

Capital.com office designed by Modus Workspace, featuring a modern work area with open desks, ergonomic chairs, and greenery. Two people are engaged in a conversation in built-in booths with bold, textured orange wall panels, while another individual works in a private meeting booth. The space is designed to promote collaboration and focus.

Remote ABW:

Remote ABW represents a paradigm shift in workplace dynamics, with employees working predominantly or entirely remotely. This virtual office model leverages technology to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration across dispersed teams. While remote ABW offers benefits such as flexibility and reduced commute time, it also poses challenges in maintaining team cohesion and organisational culture. Effective remote ABW implementation requires robust communication tools and strategies to ensure productivity and engagement.

Asset Management Firm office designed by Modus Workspace, featuring a calm, relaxing seating area with a woman reading in a comfortable chair near a large window. The space is warmly lit with natural light, accented by greenery, soft furnishings, and a standing lamp, creating a serene environment for focused work.

Hub and Spoke ABW:

Hub and Spoke ABW offers a flexible approach where employees can work remotely or in a central office, called the “hub”. The “spokes” refer to remote locations, such as employees’ homes or cafes, where they can work independently or in small teams. This model aims to harness the benefits of remote work while facilitating in-person collaboration and team building at the hub office. The hub office typically offers flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and amenities, while the spoke locations focus on individual or small group work.

Alpha FX office designed by Modus Workspace, featuring a bright, open dining and collaboration space with long wooden tables, leather bench seating, and large indoor plants. Two people are seated at a table with laptops, working in a modern, nature-inspired environment with expansive windows providing natural light and city views.

The “15-minute City” ABW:

Inspired by the “15-minute city” urban planning philosophy, the “15-minute City” ABW aims to create a workplace environment where employees can access all essential amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their office. This includes grocery stores, cafes, gyms, and green spaces, fostering convenience, well-being, and community engagement. Flexible workspaces, collaborative areas, and outdoor spaces are integrated to encourage employee movement and interaction, akin to transforming the office into a mini city.

Rooftop terrace at Publicis Sapient’s London office featuring modern outdoor seating with views of St. Paul's Cathedral and The Shard.

The diverse landscape of ABW models offers organisations the flexibility to tailor their workspace to meet the evolving needs of employees and business objectives. Whether embracing traditional, hybrid, remote, hub and spoke, or “15-minute City” ABW, implementing the suitable model requires careful consideration of organisational culture, workflow dynamics, and employee preferences. By embracing the principles of ABW, companies can create vibrant and productive work environments that drive innovation and employee satisfaction

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