What is a Social Zone?

What Is The Purpose Of A Social Zone?

The social zone is intended to be an area where employees can enjoy catch-ups, take a 10-minute break or casually get together and share ideas. It can also act as a casual working environment for employees that prefer to work in high-energy spaces with background noise.

Activity Based Working acknowledges that employees are humans, not just workers. Therefore, social zones in the office can boost employee satisfaction and help foster a positive office environment. Rather than have their heads down at a desk all day, social zones encourage employees to explore and interact with others. For example, employees from different departments may conduct a casual meeting over coffee rather than book a formal meeting room or converse via email.

Research by the Delft University of Technology found that employees of Activity Based Working offices experienced greater communication and shared more knowledge. Additionally, social spaces drove greater interactions between different departments. In traditional offices, departments or team members tend to sit together at their dedicated desks, but Activity Based Working encourages employees to be more flexible, explore new working environments and build human connections. Therefore, social zones encourage a more dynamic office and create a welcoming atmosphere.

What Does A Social Zone Look Like?

When employees enter the social zone, they should be able to feel the buzz of the atmosphere straight away. All elements of a social zone should welcome employees and visitors to take a seat. For example, the radio could be on, people would be chatting, and large-format displays could show the latest updates. Comfortable furniture and décor details such as artwork and inspiring quotes signify a space of comfort.

The social zone is typically the biggest of all the zones because it facilitates more employees at once. Some Activity Based Working offices may incorporate games and well-being elements into the social zone too. This offers team members a space to de-stress, increasing productivity and employee satisfaction.

A social zone can also have different areas for different purposes. Sofas with coffee tables can be used to work from laptops or host an informal meeting. Cafeteria seating can be used for lunch breaks or social catch-ups. Rows of open desks with comfortable seating can be used for individual work. Some offices may even decide to use lightweight furniture that can be moved around the space. Access to plenty of plugs and connectivity is key in these social areas as employees should be able to take a seat anywhere to work.

What Technology Is Needed In A Social Zone?

An Activity Based Working workplace enables employees to fulfil tasks effectively and efficiently. Once the space has been designed, technology must be implemented to support the different zones and work tasks. While whiteboards, Wi-Fi and power outlets will be staple, more tailored technology will be vital to the successful implementation of activity based working.

For individual work in the social zone, employees will require monitors. As multiple employees will use these throughout the day, users would benefit from ergonomic, water resistant and high-quality monitors. Document solutions will also be useful for printing out and scanning meeting notes or design ideas.

A large format display is also a common technology type for social zones as it can effectively deliver messages and add to the atmosphere. For example, a business may display its values, latest news, videos or a music playlist. Connectivity accessories, mounts and cables will ensure that displays are utilised to their full potential.

ABW workplaces allow employees to take control and decide which environment is best suited to their task. The social zone usually acts as the hub of the office as it sets the tone of the business. To create a successful social zone at work, businesses should consider the décor, furniture, technology and resources.

If you would like more information about having a social zone in your workplace please contact us or call at 0845 270 5075 we would be happy to assist you.