Work Preferences & Challenges with Activity-Based Offices

The teleworking boom and work-from-home preferences

The global pandemic accelerated the introduction of telecommuting, forcing organizations to quickly adapt to new ways of working. As employees spent more time working from home, they began to identify the types of tasks they preferred to perform from home. A study from Gartner (2020) found that 74% of employees were more productive when working from home and 80% reported better work-life balance.

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Types of tasks people prefer to do from home

Research has shown that employees often prefer to perform tasks that require deep concentration and focus from home. These tasks can include writing, coding, designing, or analyzing data. The quiet environment and lack of distractions in a home environment may offer the ideal conditions to perform these types of tasks efficiently (Kniffin et al., 2021).

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The Potential Disadvantages of Activity-Based Offices for Focused Work

While activity-based offices can offer flexibility and encourage collaboration, they can present challenges for employees who need to perform focused work. Noise and distractions are common in these environments, which can make it difficult for employees to concentrate on complex tasks (Wohlers & Hertel, 2017). In addition, the lack of personal space and assigned desks can cause some employees to feel less comfortable or less likely to get into productive work routines.

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How activity-based offices can affect employees' return to the office

As organizations begin to consider bringing employees back to the office, it is important to understand that some employees may be hesitant to return to activity-based office environments.

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Employees who are accustomed to doing focused work from home may find the transition back to a more open and collaborative environment challenging. Offering employees a choice between activity-based offices and working from home can ease this transition and ensure employees remain productive and satisfied with their work environment.

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Balancing activity-based offices with remote work opportunities

Organizations wishing to introduce activity-based offices should carefully consider the preferences and needs of their employees. Offering a balance between activity-based office spaces and telecommuting opportunities can help organizations meet the diverse needs of their workforce. This approach lets employees choose the work environment that best suits their tasks and personal preferences, ensuring they can remain productive and engaged.

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Conclusion

As organizations navigate between different ways of working in the post-pandemic workplace, it is important to understand the relationship between work-from-home preferences and activity-based offices. By knowing the types of tasks employees prefer to perform from home and the potential disadvantages of activity-based offices for focused work, for example, organizations can create a work environment that supports employee productivity and well-being.

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References

• A., Bapuji, H., Bhave, D. P., Choi, V. K., Creary, S. J., Demerouti, E., Flynn, F. J., Gelfand, M. J., Greer, L. L., Johns, G., Kesebir, S. J., Klein, P. G., Lee, S. Y., Ozcelik, H., Petriglieri, J. L., Rothbard, N. P., Rudolph, C. W., Shaw, J. D., Sirola, N., Wanberg, C. R., Whillans, A., Wilmot, M. P., & Vugt, M. V. (2021). COVID-19 and the workplace: Implications, problems, and insights for future research and action. American Psychologist, 76 (1), 63-77. doi:10.1037/amp0000716
• Wohlers, C., & Hertel, G. (2017). Choosing where to work at work - towards a theoretical model of the benefits and risks of activity-based flexible offices. Ergonomics, 60 (4), 467-486. doi:10.1080/00140139.2016.1188227

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