Activity Based Working (ABW) is currently attracting attention in Japan from the perspective of maximizing workers capabilities, improving labor productivity, utilizing human resources, stimulating collaboration, and realizing workers well-being.
However, ITOKI feels that unfortunately, correct understanding of ABW is not widespread. This column is divided into two parts: the basics section, which mainly explains the basics of ABW, and the practical section, which is aimed at those who are actually considering implementing ABW. Please read to the end.
What is ABW?
ABW is a comprehensive work style strategy that maximizes self-discretion and workers allows people to design their own work style autonomously. workers It is a way of working in which people choose for themselves where, when, and with whom they can work most productively in accordance with their activities*.
Its origins date back to the 1990s, when work style consulting firm Veldhoen + Company helped Dutch companies introduce ABW, and it then spread across Australia in the late 2000s, before reaching Japan in the late 2010s.
At ITOKI, we break down and reinterpret our daily work into "10 activities."
ABW is gaining attention as a flexible work style as telework expands
With the spread of COVID-19 as a turning point, the very idea of WORK-Style is about to change dramatically. Before COVID-19, going to the office to work was a given. The pandemic forced many workers to work remotely, and while they learned that it's easier to concentrate on work from home and that they can still carry out their work without losing productivity, there were also times when they were reminded of the role of the office, such as how ideas are more likely to come up in meetings in the office. Some workers also feel that their work-life balance has improved, as they can now spend the time they previously spent commuting on childcare, elderly care, and hobbies.
As a result, more workers are hoping to continue working flexibly even if the number of infected people declines. On the premise of meeting these needs, many companies are beginning to take a strong interest in how they can improve their office environment, IT environment, and various systems to improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and creativity. As one way of considering this, the ABW working style is once again attracting attention.
Difference between ABW and hot desking
To understand the characteristics of ABW, it may be a good idea to compare it with the "hot desking" system, which is often compared and confused with it. hot desking system refers to an operational rule in which employees are not assigned their own desks in the office, but in reality, there are often only a few types of desks and spaces, and many spaces with similar furnishings are simply lined up. A hot desking system is often introduced with the aim of maximizing space efficiency and reducing office costs. In contrast, ABW is a way of working that gives employees the choice of when, where, and how to work, depending on the organization's business needs and the results they are aiming for, increasing mobility.
Another feature that differs from the free address system is that ABW considers not only the office but also home, outside the office, and hot desking offices to be "places of work." It also breaks down one's work into "activities" and provides a variety of environments to support those activities.
In What is ABW? (Basics), we explained the history and basic concepts of ABW, as well as the differences with hot desking, which are often confused with it. In What is ABW? (Practical), we introduce the actual approach, Advantage and disadvantage, as well as each phase from introducing ABW to establishing a new way of working. If you are even slightly considering introducing ABW, please continue reading.
Read the second part of the article here
"What is ABW? (practical guide)—A comprehensive look at the benefits, drawbacks, and implementation stages of activity-based working (ABW) (link)"
