In the corporate world, the word "agile" is most often encountered when talking about project management. Agile project management leads to flexibility and allows to change the direction of work midcourse. Increased flexibility is also the main idea of an agile approach to the workplace.
An agile workplace aims to give employees the widest possible range of options for where, how and when to work. Collaboration is also valued, where the invisible (and visible) walls between subordinates and superiors are torn down. So what does an agile workplace consist of and what does the transition from a classic work model to an agile one look like?
The most important elements of an agile workplace include:
Accessibility
Employees should be able to access as much space in the office as possible and choose the most suitable place for their current activities. Accessibility in the design is achieved through the visual zoning of the open space and the clever use of partitions, which provide privacy but do not turn the office into a sequence of small cubes.
Ergonomics
Uncomfortable environments or unergonomic furniture will always decrease employee productivity. An agile environment must be flexible, but it's always key to keep in mind the comfort of everyone who uses the space. Money saved on comfort will be wasted on employee productivity.
Support for creativity
The agile approach comes with an emphasis on creativity, which should be reflected in the office environment. For example, different tools should be made available (whiteboards, interactive elements) allowing the office to support creativity with a playful look (only in some zones, for example).
Quiet for work
Some activities require maximum concentration. So ideally there should be several places where noise or other distractions do not intrude. This can be a separate room or special acoustic booths.
Adaptability
If the company's premises are small, an agile environment can be created thanks to modular furniture. This way the individual sections can be used during the day both for quiet work and for shared relaxation or brainstorming.
The benefits of an agile approach
Greater employee satisfaction
Satisfied employees are both productive and loyal. In a survey of architectural forms conducted by Gensler, a direct relationship between employee satisfaction and the flexibility of their work environment was shown. Companies that choose an agile approach to the workplace can save money in the long run on finding suitable candidates, training new people and other expenses associated with more frequent workforce turnover.
More collaboration between colleagues
An agile approach emphasises collaboration as a core value. Open communication is the key to better functioning of all departments in the company. A more flexible workplace encourages colleagues to meet and exchange ideas.
Smaller carbon footprint
Workplaces that are designed to be agile from the outset often require less office space. As a result, the company will save on rent, energy and various costs associated with the operation of the office. This will also reduce the impact on the environment, something many employees appreciate today.
To read the full article please visit Capexus
https://www.capexus.cz/en/blog/what-does-an-agile-workplace-look-like-in-practice
Photo authors: Rastislav Blaško, Actiu