Future of Healthcare Workspaces: Activity and Wellbeing
Future of Healthcare Workspaces: Activity and Wellbeing

The success of Activity-Based Working (ABW) implementation highlights the benefits for attracting and retaining top talent within the healthcare sector.

The traditional image of the healthcare industry – doctors hunched over charts in dimly lit offices – is rapidly transforming. Activity-based working (ABW), with its emphasis on flexibility and collaboration, is revolutionising how healthcare professionals work.

The Rise of ABW: A Historical Perspective

While the concept of activity-based working (ABW) has gained significant traction in recent years, its roots can be traced back to the early days of office design innovation. Here are some key milestones:

  • The 1960s:Pioneering architects like Fritz Haller and Herman Miller introduced the concept of open-plan offices, challenging the traditional model of individual, enclosed workspaces (Fast Company – A Brief History of Office Design). These open layouts aimed to promote collaboration and communication, laying the groundwork for future ABW principles.
  • The 1990s:The rise of technology and mobile workstyles led to a growing demand for flexibility in workspace design. Peter Drucker’s book, “The Post-Capitalist Society” (1993), explored the concept of “knowledge workers” and the need for work environments that support their needs for information access and collaboration. This period saw the emergence of early ABW concepts, offering a mix of open areas, private workstations, and meeting spaces.
  • The 21st Century:The advancements of technology like laptops, Wi-Fi, and cloud-based applications have further fuelled the adoption of ABW. Organisations are increasingly recognising the benefits of flexible workstyles and the need for workspaces that cater to diverse work activities.

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Drivers of Change in Healthcare Workspaces: Why the Shift?

Several factors are driving the adoption of ABW in healthcare:

  • The Burnout Crisis:Physician burnout rates are alarmingly high. A recent AMA study found that 54% of physicians experience burnout.  ABW principles can create workspaces that promote wellbeing by offering designated quiet zones for focused work and reducing distractions.
  • The Rise of Technology:Telehealth, electronic health records (EHRs), and other digital tools allow for greater flexibility in where and how healthcare professionals work.
  • A New Generation of Workers:The healthcare workforce is skewing younger, with millennials and Gen Z demanding work-life balance and stimulating environments, both of which ABW can provide.
A Case Study: Reimagining the Nurse’s Station for Efficiency and Wellbeing

Traditionally, the nurse’s station has been a central hub of activity, often leading to information overload and constant interruptions. An ABW approach can redesign the nurse’s station to include dedicated areas for:

  • Charting and Documentation:Quiet, individual workstations equipped with noise-canceling headphones can promote focus and reduce errors.
  • Collaboration:Huddle spaces can facilitate team meetings and case discussions, fostering better communication and patient care coordination.
  • Relaxation:Designated break areas with comfortable seating and access to natural light can help nurses recharge and combat fatigue.
The Advantages of ABW for Healthcare Organizations
  • Enhanced Collaboration:Dedicated meeting spaces and collaborative zones can improve communication between physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, leading to better patient outcomes.
  • Improved Staff Morale and Retention:A well-designed ABW workspace that caters to employee well-being can boost job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and lead to a more engaged and loyal workforce.
  • Increased Efficiency and Productivity:By offering dedicated work zones for different activities, ABW can streamline workflows and improve overall efficiency.
Challenges and Considerations for Healthcare ABW

While ABW offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges specific to the healthcare sector:

  • Maintaining Patient Privacy:Healthcare organszations must ensure patient confidentiality is maintained in an open workspace environment. This may involve incorporating designated secure areas for handling sensitive information.
  • Accommodating Diverse Work Styles:Healthcare professionals have diverse work styles. Some may thrive in a collaborative environment, while others may require dedicated quiet spaces for focused work.
  • Technology Integration:Seamless integration of technology is essential for ABW success in healthcare. Reliable Wi-Fi, readily available mobile devices, and user-friendly collaboration tools are crucial.
Examples of Healthcare Leading the Way: 

Several healthcare organisations are innovating ABW design:

  • Atrium Health:This North Carolina healthcare system implemented ABW in its corporate offices, creating a mix of collaborative spaces, focus rooms, and social areas to cater to diverse work styles https://atriumhealth.org/.
  • Cleveland Clinic:This renowned medical center adopted ABW principles, offering employees a variety of work settings to choose from throughout the day https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/avon-hospital.recruitment
Finding the Right Balance:
Considerations for Designing a Successful ABW Healthcare Workspace

To address potential drawbacks and create a successful ABW environment, healthcare organisations should consider:

  • A Variety of Work Settings:Offer a mix of open collaboration areas, quiet focus rooms, private workstations, and designated relaxation zones to cater to diverse work styles and tasks.
  • Biophilic Design Principles:Integrate elements of nature, such as natural light, plants, and calming water features, to promote wellbeing and reduce stress.
  • Technology Integration:Ensure seamless Wi-Fi access, readily available mobile devices, and user-friendly collaboration tools to facilitate efficient work across different environments.
The Future of Healthcare Workspaces

The future of healthcare workspaces is likely to be a hybrid model, with a blend of ABW principles and designated quiet areas. Organiations that prioritise employee wellbeing and create work environments that cater to diverse needs will be best positioned. 

The Potential Drawbacks of ABW and How to Mitigate Them

While ABW offers exciting possibilities, it’s not without potential drawbacks:

  • Information Overload and Distraction:Moving between activity zones can lead to fragmented workflows and disrupt concentration, especially for tasks requiring deep focus.
  • Lack of Personalization:Without dedicated workstations, employees may feel a sense of detachment and lack of ownership over their workspace.
  • Potential for Burnout:Constant activity and a lack of quiet zones can lead to fatigue and stress, particularly for those who thrive in quieter environments.Healthcare Culture
Strategies for a Successful ABW Implementation in Healthcare

Here are some key strategies to mitigate these drawbacks and create a successful ABW environment in healthcare:

  • Employee Input is Key:Involve staff in the workspace redesign process. Gather feedback on their needs, preferences, and concerns to ensure the new space meets their expectations. This fosters a sense of ownership and reduces resistance to change.
  • Pilot Programs:Start with a pilot program in a specific department or floor before implementing ABW across the entire organisation. This allows for adjustments and refinements before a full-scale rollout, minimising disruption and maximising success.
  • Training and Support:Provide employees with training on how to best utilise the new workspace and manage their time effectively in a more fluid work environment. Training can cover topics like etiquette in shared spaces, effective communication strategies for collaboration, and time management techniques for maximising productivity.
  • Change Management Strategy:Develop a comprehensive change management strategy to help employees adjust to the new workspace. This could involve communication plans, training programs, and support groups to address concerns and ensure a smooth transition.nurse wellbeing

Helpful Tips for HR and Executives

  • Communication is Paramount:Clearly communicate the rationale behind ABW and address employee concerns throughout the transition. Transparency and open communication are crucial for building trust and buy-in from employees.
  • Focus on Wellbeing:Implement programs and initiatives that promote employee wellbeing within the ABW environment. This could include access to ergonomic furniture, mindfulness training programs, and designated relaxation zones with comfortable seating and calming features.
  • Measure and Adapt:Continuously monitor employee feedback and usage data to assess the effectiveness of the ABW design and make adjustments as needed. Regularly gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one meetings to identify areas for improvement and ensure the workspace continues to meet employee needs.wellbeing UBIS Health Jobs
A Thriving Future for Healthcare Workspaces

Workspace Design to Prevent and Mitigate Errors – Keeping Patients Safe: 
Research suggests the link between workspace design and patient safety in healthcare settings.

How to Create Healthcare Workspaces that Support Clinicians and Patients: : This article offers practical tips on designing healthcare workspaces that support both clinicians and patients

Conculsion

Embracing ABW principles and prioritising employee wellbeing, healthcare organisations can create workspaces that:

  • Foster Collaboration and Innovation:A well-designed ABW environment can facilitate communication and interaction between healthcare professionals, leading to new ideas, improved patient care protocols, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities.
  • Attract and Retain Top Talent:A dynamic and well-designed workspace can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining talent, especially for younger generations who value flexibility, work-life balance, and a stimulating work environment.
  • Boost Innovation:A stimulating and collaborative environment can foster creativity and innovation within healthcare teams. This can lead to the development of new technologies, improved healthcare practices, and ultimately, better patient outcomes.

The future of healthcare workspaces in healthcare organisations can create workspaces that foster healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care while maintaining their own well being. This, in turn, will lead to a more engaged workforce, improved patient care,

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