Relocation to Activity-Based Workplaces (ABW)—Importance of the Implementation Process

Eva L. Bergsten, Katarina Wijk and David M. Hallman
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Eva L. Bergsten: Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gavle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
Katarina Wijk: Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gavle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
David M. Hallman: Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gavle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-16

Abstract: Activity-based workplaces (ABW) have been implemented in many organizations to offer office flexibility and decrease facility costs. Evaluations of the ABW implementation process are rare. The study aimed to examine the ABW relocation process of two offices in a Swedish governmental agency and to explore factors that influence the implementation process and satisfaction with it. Qualitative or quantitative data were collected on process variables (context, recruitment, reach, dose delivered, dose received, satisfaction), barriers and facilitators to the process were explored in focus group interviews, and immediate outcomes (perceived knowledge, understanding office rules, satisfying information and support) were measured by questionnaire before and after the relocation. The evaluation showed that recruitment was unsatisfactory and reach insufficient—and participation in activities was thus low for both offices. However, intended changes improved. Unclear aims of ABW, lack of manager support and, lack of communication were some of the reported barriers to participation, while a well-planned process, work groups, and program activities were facilitators. Thus, to increase satisfaction with the relocation, our results suggest that recruitment should be thoroughly planned, taking these factors into account to increase participation. This knowledge may be useful for planning and designing successful ABW relocations and evaluations.

Keywords: activity-based flexible office; organizational intervention; implementation; working environment; office design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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