Success and Productivity with Activity Based Office Design: The Secret of Happy Employees

What is Activity Based Working?

Recognizes that office activities require different arrangements throughout the day and gives employees the freedom to choose when, where and how they work. Expresses the philosophy of creating a flexible environment for employees in office spaces. Offers employees a variety of office arrangements for various tasks and activities throughout the working day.

You can find our blog post on employee preferences here.

4 Basic Modes of Working

Workspaces should offer different types of spaces/rooms for the above activities and meet the different needs of working modes.

Focus: Unassigned semi-private rooms used for intensive work, quiet spaces and one-to-one discussions. Located in easily accessible places for use. Distractions are minimized.

Collaborate: Formal and informal meeting spaces for knowledge sharing, discussion, relaxation and co-creation, face-to-face or virtually.

Socialize: A mode for employees to interact informally with each other and build social bonds. Places such as coffee corners, social areas and break rooms.

Learn: Education is a flexible space for concept development, problem solving, discovery, teaching, integrating and applying knowledge.

Activity Based Office Design / Keywords

Activity Based Office Design / Elements

The Impact of Design / Workplace 2018: A question of Balance / Gensler

1. Workstation Area

• Workstation Area: Workstations located in an open area. They encourage teamwork and easy communication.
• Semi-Open Workstation Area: Semi-private spaces where employees can work with individual focus but also interact with their teammates. They are usually close to the open office layout and separated by low partitions.

2. 2. Focus Room
      They are quiet and isolated spaces. They are designed to allow employees to work intensively without distractions. These rooms are usually suitable for one person or a small number of people.
   3. Study Room / Library
      These spaces are suitable for tasks that require longer and more in-depth work. They are often designed for individual work, with specific rules in place to maintain silence.

   

   4. Acoustic Cabins
      Small, soundproof booths used for phone calls, video conferences or short private conversations. Ideal for reducing noise and ensuring privacy in open offices.
   5. Project Room
      They are usually larger and flexible spaces where teams can work on specific projects. These rooms are equipped with whiteboards, projectors and other collaborative equipment. They are used for long-term group work and brainstorming sessions.

   

   6. Kitchenette / Coffee Spot
      They are small kitchenettes where employees can prepare coffee, tea, snacks and light meals. These areas are ideal for taking breaks and socializing. They are usually equipped with coffee machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators and basic kitchen utensils.
   7. Lockers
      Lockers where employees can safely store their personal belongings. These lockers are especially important in flexible working arrangements and shared workspaces.

   

   8. Storage
      This is the area where equipment, materials and files needed in the office are stored.This area should be organized and easily accessible.
   9. Printer Area
      This is the area where devices such as printers, copiers and scanners are located.This area is located away from the work areas to reduce noise and traffic caused by the devices.

   

   10. Lobby
       They are the areas where visitors to the office are welcomed and entertained.Lobby areas should be stylish and inviting, reflecting the image of the office. There are seating areas, reception desk and sometimes informative screens.
   11. Food and Beverage Areas
       Areas where employees can have lunch and rest. These areas are usually in the form of a canteen or cafeteria and have large seating areas. It is an important area for employees to socialize and relax.

   

   12. Special Seats & Sofas
       Quieter and isolated spaces where employees can work individually or in small groups. These spaces consist of seating arrangements separated by comfortable armchairs, sofas or acoustic partitions. They are particularly ideal for individual focus or small team meetings.
   13. Huddle Areas
       They are spaces designed for small group meetings, brainstorming sessions or quick interviews. These spaces are equipped with flexible seating arrangements and technological supports. They often feature whiteboards, screens and comfortable seating options.

   

   14. Standing Workstations
       High desks or adjustable workstations where workers can work standing up. Standing work increases mobility and reduces the negative effects of prolonged sitting. These spaces are suitable for short-term work or quick meetings.

   

   15. Small Meeting Room
       These are rooms designed for meetings with a small number of people. These rooms usually have a seating capacity of 4-6 people and are equipped with basic meeting equipment such as a meeting table, chairs, screen or projector. They provide a private and quiet environment for small groups.
   16. Large Meeting Room
       They are large rooms where larger teams or important meetings can be held. These rooms usually have a seating capacity of 10-20 people and include advanced technological equipment, video conferencing systems, large screens, whiteboards and flexible seating arrangements. These spaces are suitable for presentations, trainings and large group discussions.