A method, system, and computer program product for work plan based access control are provided in the illustrative embodiments. For a portion of the work plan, a physical space is determined. Access to the physical space is used in a task in the portion. At least one workflow is initiated to determine whether to grant the access to the physical space. Responsive to the workflow granting the access to the physical space, the access to the physical space is configured for a first duration for a first user performing the task. Responsive to an indication of closing of the portion, the access to the physical space for the first duration for the first user performing the task is revoked.