01 Back to the office
Focus on Activity-Based Working: Activity-Based Working (ABW) revol - ves around the core principle that em - ployees choose the work environment that best suits their daily tasks. When combined with a flex-office setup, this model thrives by organizing spaces around the company’s diverse activities to give employees greater autonomy. This variety of workspaces encourages initiative, allowing each employee to pick the space that meets their needs— without constant oversight from a ma - nager. Trust becomes the cornerstone of this approach. to adapt to different work needs: • Individual work: workstations, quiet zones • Informal exchanges: break areas, coffee corners, lobbies Workspaces that integrate trust and purpose, especially valued by Gen Z, will help attract young talent to consulting firms. In consulting firms, ABW takes on various configurations
4 pillars of ABW
Design ABW offers various environments tailored to each task's specific needs, from individual focus to collaborative meetings. Sensory ABW uses both explicit and implicit sensory elements to guide employees toward the right energetic environment for their immediate needs, from kitchens' dynamic energy to the quiet offices' calm serenity. Behavioral Reinforcement ABW reaches its full potential when employees clearly understand and respect the expected behaviors, allowing them to use each area optimally and appropriately based on the tasks. Iterative Learning ABW thrives when leaders continually adopt and integrate qualitative and quantitative feedback to refine the work environment's design, behaviors, and programming.
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• Social moments: cafeterias • Internal or external meetings: meeting rooms, phone booths • Ideation, creativity, and co- creation: rooms dedicated to creativity and collective intelligence • Team project work: large tables, dedicated zones • Gatherings: auditoriums, large hybrid spaces By incorporating this range of spaces, consulting firms can boost employee satisfaction while improving efficiency and driving innovation.
“One should not underestimate the magnetic appeal of co-creation spaces. Consultants are particularly fond of them, both for their internal use and with their clients. It is essential to pay attention to the video conferencing equipment to ensure a smooth and seamless hybrid experience. These rooms must also promote flexibility and adaptability: modular walls and easily reconfigurable spaces help stimulate ideation and creativity. Whiteboards remain a reliable staple!”
ABW also offers an ideal framework for distinguishing between prescribed and real work. Prescribed work includes the tasks, responsibilities, and proce - dures outlined in job descriptions and employment contracts. On the other hand, real work encompasses every - thing employees actually do daily— meetings, colleague interactions, and focus periods. These moments, which often exceed the scope of prescribed tasks, are vital to giving work its meaning and value.
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Lucas Benguigui Global head of Workplace, Wavestone.
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