What is an activity-based workplace?

An activity-based workplace is an office concept in which employees do not have assigned seats but instead choose a workspace based on the task at hand. These can include quiet zones for focused work, collaboration areas for meetings and teamwork, or social zones for breaks and informal conversations.

The goal is to create an office that is function-based, flexible, and tailored to different needs in order to counteract a monotonous environment where everyone works the same way all day long.

There are many benefits:

• Improved well-being and productivity because employees can choose an environment that suits the task at hand.
• Increased collaboration and knowledge sharing through open and accessible collaboration zones.
• Smarter use of space, which is especially important in an era where many people work in a hybrid model.

However, research shows that an activity-based workplace must be planned thoroughly. Poor design can lead to reduced concentration and increased stress, according to the Norwegian Association of Researchers. Good design and clear guidelines are therefore crucial.

Requirements for Office Space and the Work Environment

The Working Environment Act and the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority set clear requirements for how office spaces should be designed. According to the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, a workstation must have enough space to allow for “good and varied working postures and movements.”
In practice, this typically means at least 6 m² per workstation, but the required area must be assessed based on the type of work and the number of people using the space.

Section 4-1 of the Working Environment Act also requires that the work environment be “fully acceptable” both physically and psychosocially.
An activity-based workspace can have a positive impact, but only if it is designed with consideration for concentration, collaboration, lighting conditions, and acoustics.

Why are activity-based workplaces important?

• Efficient use of space

  As office rents rise and work patterns become more flexible, many companies want to make better use of their office space. Activity-based workplace solutions make it possible to reduce the amount of space used without compromising employee well-being.

• Adapting to hybrid work

  In the wake of the pandemic, few people work full-time in the office. Activity-based solutions make it easier to facilitate a seamless transition between home offices, project rooms, and meetings.

• Better work environment and well-being

How BLDNG Helps Businesses Create Activity-Based Workplaces

This is where we at BLDNG step in as a key partner. We offer digital tools and analytics that help businesses plan, operate, and optimize activity-based workplaces.

BLDNG is Norway’s leading platform for space optimization. Our solutions are designed for employees, management, and building owners alike, providing real-time data that enables smart, data-driven decisions.

Some of our key solutions include:

• myBLDNG.app – makes it easy for employees to find and book available spaces or meeting rooms.
• BLDNG.Screen – digital information screens that display available spaces in real time, integrated with Microsoft 365.
• Workplace Analytics – advanced reports that analyze office space usage and show where the company can save space or improve employee well-being.

With solutions like these, your business can measure actual usage and tailor office solutions to meet your needs.

How to Implement Activity-Based Workplaces in Practice

1. Assess office needs and usage
   Use data, surveys, and analyses. This can be done using BLDNG’s Workplace Analytics to understand how the current office is being used.
2. Plan by activity type
   Create zones for focus, collaboration, and socializing. Activity-based workplaces aren’t about open-plan layouts, but about having the right spaces for the right tasks.
3. Involve employees
   According to the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, employees should be involved in designing the workplace. Good communication fosters a sense of ownership and better adaptation.
4. Use technology for flow and flexibility
   Digital solutions like myBLDNG and BLDNG.Screen make it easier to navigate a flexible office environment.
5. Evaluate and adjust regularly
   An activity-based workplace should be dynamic. Use data and feedback for continuous improvement.

Customer experiences

Companies such as DNB and Statsbygg have implemented activity-based workplaces with good results. But they have also learned that the process requires time and adjustments. A study by SINTEF shows that employees thrive best in activity-based office environments that combine technology, well-designed zones, and clear guidelines.

Conclusion

Activity-based workplaces are more than just a buzzword. They are a response to the future’s demands for flexibility, efficiency, and well-being. But success requires insight, planning, and robust digital support systems. With BLDNG’s solutions, your business can make data-driven decisions, create safe and efficient office environments, and meet both office space requirements and the requirements of the Working Environment Act regarding office space.

Does this sound interesting to you and your business? Get in touch—we at BLDNG are here to help!