Exploring opportunities with activity-based work in Swedish public workplaces-a qualitative analysis based on the socio-ecological model.

introductionActivity-based work (ABW) is a workplace concept that offers different work environments, letting employees choose settings that best support their specific tasks. Although research on ABW is growing, there is limited knowledge about how employees experience opportunities in these environments, particularly from a salutogenic health-promoting perspective.

methodsA qualitative design was applied using a survey with open-ended questions, completed by 448 employees in administrative roles in one public sector organization in Sweden. A combined deductive and inductive content analysis was conducted. The socio-ecological model was used as a deductive categorization matrix to organize the data into three levels, while subcategories were developed inductively within each level based on recurring patterns in the material.

resultsThe analysis identified six subcategories within the three levels of the socio-ecological model: intrapersonal (autonomy, well-being), interpersonal (social support, collaboration), and organizational (adapted facilities, an attractive work environment).

conclusionsThe findings indicate that employees' perceived opportunities in ABW can be understood across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels, and that these levels are closely connected. The study suggests that the socio-ecological model can be useful for understanding employee experiences in organizational settings and highlights the importance of considering factors at different levels when designing ABW environments.