An activity-based office is based on a simple idea: different tasks require different environments. Instead of having a fixed desk that you share with your department, you choose your workspace based on what you need to do that day. The morning may call for quiet concentration, in which case the Solidariteten focus room is the best choice. Afternoon tasks involving collaboration and dialogue may be best suited to one of the meeting rooms or the home office.
From a private room to a communal space
For those who are used to having their own office, the adjustment can feel even more daunting. Questions about noise levels, access to good workspaces and how to find colleagues are common.
– It’s natural to feel a certain amount of anxiety. At the same time, we see that people have very different needs. Some need silence to concentrate, whilst others work better in a more social environment, says Mia Erlandsson, interior designer.
The workplace after the pandemic
Another key point is that the world of work has changed in just a few years. Today, we expect the workplace to be more digital, flexible and social. Many people have the option of working from home. This means that the office needs to offer more than just workspaces: meeting places and environments that cannot be recreated at home. An activity-based office therefore needs to be attractive, functional and flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of needs.
A workplace with several zones
Allhelgonaskolan has been designed with clear functions:
- The ground floor houses the more social areas – flexible workspaces, a lounge and a staff room – where people can meet, eat and chat in a more informal setting. The ground floor is also designed to be a place where staff from across the faculty can come together for various activities, meetings and more.
The other floors feature workspaces and meeting rooms designed to meet a variety of needs.
- Quiet study rooms for focused work.
- A room where conversations are permitted.
- Meeting rooms for both formal and informal meetings.
- A podcast for phone calls and digital meetings.
- Common areas – the shared spaces where division members can gather and keep their personal belongings.
To give it time
Adopting an activity-based approach to work also involves changing behaviour. It takes time to get used to moving around, trying out new environments and thinking more actively about how you work.
– This building offers everything you need to mix things up during the working day. Different tasks work best in different environments. If you know you’re going to be proofreading something that requires your full concentration, choose the focus room. If you need to think outside the box, try doing it in the creative room, says Mia.