Checklist

Designing for activity based working

Activity Based Working requires some careful thinking if you want to get the most out of your space. These are just a few design issues to consider.

85% of people surveyed say the design of their workspace is important to them (Leesman Index).

Space audit

It’s vital you evaluate your spatial needs when moving to Activity Based Working because people will no longer have their own desk space. Get as detailed a breakdown of staff requirements as possible – by department, team and individual. A good office design consultancy should do this for you.

How many people / workstations do you need to accommodate? Who needs to be at their desk some of the time and who can be more flexible?

Calculate current and future size, capacity and usage needs for:

    • Workstations, bookable and non-bookable
    • Meet and greet spaces (reception)
    • Meeting rooms, both bookable and non-bookable
    • Presentation suites
    • Social spaces for eating and team interaction
    • Collaboration zones
    • Video and tele conferencing facilities
    • Informal drop down space
    • Contemplation spaces
    • Brainstorming spaces
    • Quiet spaces for concentrating
    • Tables for spreading out papers
    • Phone booths / monk cells and any other places for people to have private conversations
    • Cafés and canteens
    • Gyms
    • Relaxation space
    • Training rooms
    • Showers for staff who cycle to work
    • Comms rooms
    • Copy and mail room facilities
    • Recycling points
    • Toilets

What storage is needed for activity based working?

Storage is an important part of Activity Based Working as staff can no longer keep their things on their desk. You need to come up with a flexible or mobile storage solution that is innovative and helps you deal with the inevitable question, ‘where am I going to keep my stuff?’ Here are a few types of storage to consider:

    • Tool kit / mobile storage box
    • Shared team storage
    • Individual lockers
    • Bigger storage for personal items such as helmets, bicycles, high heeled shoes, gym kits, suits
    • IT storage
    • Roller racking storage

Bringing the design to life

Once you have an idea of the design elements you need, it’s time to:

    • Produce concept drawings to visualise what it can look like
    • Commission 3D walkthroughs to show stakeholders exactly what it will look like
    • Produce a full layout (including desks, meeting rooms, kitchens, comms room, IT and
    • mechanical and engineering
    • Put together some mood boards, to find the look and feel that’s right for your business
    • Involve your marketing team in agreeing on a colour scheme that reflects your brand and identity
    • Look for ways of maximising sustainability and energy efficiency

Choosing furniture for activity based working

Policy changes to consider