Edited for 2020.
In 2020, office environments need to be designed for the different tasks and responsibilities fulfilled by the people who manage them. Some employees need a calm place to focus, and others produce better in a collaborative workplace. Some team members may prefer to work in an employee lounge, while others still enjoy the privacy of a workstation or modern cubicle.
As new technologies and innovative office designs are giving coworkers the freedom to work wherever it suits them best, assigned spaces remain unused for up to 50% of the workday. Today’s workforce is results-driven and dynamic, and it isn’t chained to a desk for 50-plus hours a week. In response, traditional offices are giving way to Activity Based Working (ABW) models, such as touchdown spaces.
Activity-Based Working Perks
A touchdown space is typically a laptop-centric, informal setting such as a private concentration room, lounge, presentation room, or collaborative area. They use modular workstations with fast Internet access for specific assignments that are shared between coworkers and management. Employees can use a touchdown space to quickly respond to an email, call, or text message and then move to other areas to complete projects.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), for example, recently implemented the ABW model in their Sydney office. The majority of their staff was issued 11-inch Macbook Air and Dell laptops, and their 56,000-square-meter office space was outfitted with docking stations and lockers instead of desks and workstations. Their touchdown spaces now have beautiful lounge furniture—where coworkers can get work done, chat with their colleagues, or relax while enjoying a latte—as well as collaborative workspaces where private meetings can be conducted.
CBA Chief Financial Officer David Craig said the bank expects the bulk of its real estate savings to come from the flexible layout which can accommodate multiple tasks without requiring hardware to be moved about.
Turn Your Office Into a Productivity Powerhouse
At the heart of activity-based working is the question: “How can I help my coworkers perform at their best?” If your team members think working in an open space with lounge sofas will help them work faster and better, then, by all means, create one.
Or maybe your coworkers need a place to take a private call or get privacy during the workday? Try adding acoustic office furniture around your office so they can get some peace and quiet without being disturbed or disturbing others.
While collaboration is crucial, people need privacy too so they can concentrate on their individual work. You can create private spaces with ergonomic task chairs and adjustable work desks.
StrongProject has extensive experience helping companies design the perfect office. Contact us for creative modern office design solutions for your workplace needs.
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