Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology Publishes Article by Dr. Lauterbach

Dr. Ann Sophie Lauterbach from the Chair of Organization and Management, together with Dr. Randi H. Borge (National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway), has published an article in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. The study, titled “How is your new office? A meta-analytic review of activity-based offices' theoretical foundations and empirical outcomes,” provides a comprehensive synthesis of research on activity-based offices (ABOs).

As organizations increasingly adopt flexible and space-efficient office designs, activity-based offices have become a prominent workplace model. However, empirical findings on their effects on employees have remained fragmented and inconsistent. Addressing this gap, the authors conducted the first meta-analysis of ABOs, integrating 133 effect sizes from 35 independent studies across diverse industries and countries. The results show that ABOs can reduce work-related stress while increasing employees’ physical activity and coworker interaction. At the same time, they are associated with higher job demands.

Importantly, the findings suggest that the effectiveness of ABOs depends on contextual factors: outcomes tend to be more favorable in private sector organizations and when compared to traditional open-plan offices (rather than cell offices). By combining theoretical perspectives with quantitative evidence, the study demonstrates that activity-based offices are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, their success depends on how they are implemented and how well they align with organizational resources and goals. The findings provide valuable guidance for organizations seeking to design healthier and more effective work environments.

This article is published open access and can be downloaded for free here.