Workplace Impact

THE RIGHT WORKPLACE CHANGES EVERYTHING

Discover why investing in your team’s environment is one of the most
important business decisions you can make.

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See the Evidence

What is activity-based working?

Activity-based working is a modern workplace strategy that gives employees the freedom to choose where and how they work based on the task at hand. Instead of assigning fixed desks, activity-based working environments offer a variety of purpose-designed spaces such as quiet zones for focused work, collaborative areas for teamwork, and informal settings for social connection. Aligning the workspace with different working styles and activities helps teams stay agile, productive, and engaged throughout the day.

Density planning

Density planning is the process of determining how much space is needed per person based on how teams work, rather than assigning a one-size-fits-all desk ratio. In an activity-based working environment, density planning ensures the right balance of focus areas, collaboration zones, and social spaces, so the workspace supports a variety of tasks without overcrowding or underutilisation. It helps create an efficient, flexible layout that evolves with your team’s needs.

Low density

Spacious, comfort-focused layouts designed to support deep focus and wellbeing.
– Generous space per person
– High ratio of quiet zones and breakout areas
– Ideal for confidential, creative, or leadership work
– Promotes calm, privacy, and employee wellbeing
– Premium feel with lower occupancy per sq ft

Medium density

A balanced approach that blends efficiency with flexibility for hybrid and agile teams.
– Even mix of desks, collaboration areas, and quiet zones
– Supports a range of working styles and tasks
– Ideal for hybrid or fast-growing teams
– Comfortable without being space-heavy
– Most aligned with activity-based working principles

High density

Efficient layouts that prioritise occupancy and cost-effectiveness.
– Maximum people accommodated per square foot
– More shared desks and compact circulation
– Suits shift-based or highly task-focused teams
– Lower cost per person
– Requires strong space planning to avoid crowding

See how this compares to a leased office

Workplace Strategy Options

A well-designed workplace strategy isn’t just about where people sit; it’s about how space supports your team’s success. Serviced offices offer the flexibility and scalability today’s businesses need to adapt quickly, stay competitive, and put people first. Whether you’re growing fast, managing a hybrid workforce, aiming to boost productivity, or focused on attracting and retaining talent, the right workspace can help you get there faster. Explore the scenarios below to see how different strategies can unlock value for your team with none of the operational hassle.

Growing Teams – Spaces that flex with your headcount

If you’re seeking out a suitable workspace that flexes along with your headcount, look for flexible layouts to accommodate changing team sizes. Seek out space which incorporates modular zones into the design, as they can grow or shift as needed.

Opting for a serviced office provider like ourselves supports fast onboarding, providing your business with smooth transitions from one space to another. This is particularly useful as it avoids overcommitting on long-term space too early. Opting for a provider like us ensures you’re in a space with future-proof design for agile businesses.

Hybrid Workforces – Making the office a destination

Your office should be a desirable space to be in, designed to connect and foster collaboration. Consider spaces with hot-desking and shared spaces for flexible attendance, as it better suits hybrid workforces.

Tech-enabled zones make for seamless hybrid meetings, which are an essential yet useful element for making the office a destination. Creating these efficient environments that work for people, encourages meaningful in-person interactions, and supports autonomy while reinforcing culture.

Retain and Attract Talent – Drive engagement and belonging

Environments that reflect values and demonstrate culture are more likely to aid in luring in and retain employees. Think about incorporating spaces that cater to the health and well-being of staff, wellness-focused design that shows you care.

Creating a desirable environment ultimately inspires a sense of pride and belonging. This can help give your business the competitive edge in recruitment conversations, as it showcases your ability to support diverse workstyles and differing life stages.

Productivity-Focused Leaders – Minimise distractions and
friction

Think about how you can make the space optimal for productivity, consider using zoning. Zoning can help with separating focus, collaboration, and creating social areas.
Practical things to think about include the acoustic design and lighting. Ensuring that these elements are balanced throughout your office will create spaces which enhance concentration.

Ergonomic furniture and an intuitive layout can help staff maintain focus by allowing them to remain comfortable. The space should serve them, rather than them needing to adjust to have employees work efficiently.

Clear workflows supported by smart space planning is conducive to getting a better output, whilst reducing the time it takes to achieve a high level of quality.

Leased vs Serviced Offices: What is the real cost?

At first glance, leasing an office may seem like the more cost-effective option, but the reality is often very different. Once you factor in fit-out costs, maintenance, utilities, office management, and the time spent handling it all, a leased space can become more expensive and less flexible than it appears. Serviced offices offer a fully managed solution with transparent pricing, built-in services, and the agility to scale up or down as your needs change. Use our calculator below to see how the true costs compare and discover where the real value lies.

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Leased vs. Serviced Office Infographic

Real Impact for Real Teams

The way a workplace is designed has a measurable impact on how people perform, collaborate, and feel at work. From increased productivity to stronger culture and higher retention, the evidence is clear: smart, purpose-driven spaces drive real results. Take a look at how well-designed workspaces can impact teams with some of our own client success stories.

20% Boost in Productivity – Employees in well-designed work environments are up to 20% more productive than those in poorly designed spaces [Source: Gensler Workplace Performance Index].
18% Reduction in Staff Turnover – Companies that invest in workplace experience see up to an 18% drop in staff turnover [Source: Leesman Index, Global Workplace Survey].
30% Increase in Reported Wellbeing – Workspaces with natural light, ergonomic design, and biophilic elements report a 30% increase in employee wellbeing [Source: Human Spaces Global Report (Interface)].

Flexible Space That Grows with Us

Arcus joined the WorkWell family around 2021, and since then, our team has doubled in size. WorkWell made the transition effortless, supporting our growth by providing a larger office space with minimal disruption. The flexibility they offer has made scaling simple and stress-free. We also make great use of the shared meeting spaces, which are easy to book and ideal for client meetings or collaboration with colleagues from our other offices. The overall setup fits our business perfectly.

Ryan Thorpe – Operations Manager at Arcus

Cut the Admin, Focus on What Matters

Since moving into Copthall Bridge, we believe we cancelled over 20 suppliers, which meant hundreds of payments a year were eliminated. This has significantly reduced our paperwork and banking transactions.

Gary Edwards – Partner at Primeast

A Space That Works for the Whole Team

Joining the WorkWell community was a simple decision, and Brookfield Court felt like the right fit from the start. Now that we’re settled in, the whole team is enjoying the new environment. Whether it’s the quality breakout and meeting spaces, the calm vibrancy of the building, or just the easy, pleasant location, the move has been a real success.

Andy Howard – Chief Executive Officer at CSX Carbon

Take a look at the lost cost of an ineffective office

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Year	Desks	Space (sqft)	Leased (Annual £)	Serviced (Annual £)	Savings (Annual £)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 5

Component	£/sqft	Total
Electricity
Internet
IT
Front of House
Setup Costs
Maintenance
Dilapidations
Building Insurance
Cleaning
Total