Frontiers in Psychology (Oct 2021)

Development and Validation of a Multi-Dimensional Measure of Activity-Based Working Behaviors

  • Gisela Bäcklander,
  • Gisela Bäcklander,
  • Rebecca Fältén,
  • Christina Bodin Danielsson,
  • Susanna Toivanen,
  • Anne Richter,
  • Anne Richter

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.655881
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Most work on activity-based working centers on the physical environment and digital technologies enabling flexible working. While important, we believe the key components for implementing activity-based working are employee and manager behaviors. To measure the degree of enactment of activity-based work, based on workshops with experienced practitioners as well as previous literature, we have developed and validated a behavior-focused measure of activity-based working behaviors. In our initial sample (Sample 1, N = 234), three subscales were identified: task – environment crafting, workday planning, and social needs prioritization. In the replication sample (Sample 2, N = 434), this model also showed adequate fit. Moreover, task – environment crafting was related to general health and lower stress in sample 1 (multi-organization sample), but not in the single-organization sample (sample 2). Workday planning was associated with higher concentration in both samples and in the second sample with general health and work engagement; the latter was also related to social needs prioritization.

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