What is Agile Working?
Agile Working is similar to Activity Based Working (see our previous post here), but has more of a focus on ‘the agile worker’.
This means workers have flexible working hours, as well as get to decide where they work.
Workers are not just restricted to a variety of work stations as with ABW, but can generally work anywhere – in or out of the office.
This may include working in a café, co-working space, or even in transit.
Optimising the way office space is used is also a big focus of Agile Working.
The idea is to promote creativity, collaboration and innovation, as well as provide areas to cater to all types of workers.
What are the benefits of Agile Working to an organisation?
There are a number of benefits to Agile Working, not dissimilar to those that Activity Based Working offers.
Everyone is different, and unfortunately there’s no single office environment that encourages every worker to perform at the best of their abilities.
Therefore, Agile Working means providing a variety of different spaces within your office environment, to suit different kinds of workers. These can include:
- Collaboration spaces.
- Concentration and focus spaces.
- Relaxation spaces.
- Phone conversation spaces.
- Innovation spaces.
Having these areas boosts the efficiency of your workers, having a great impact on the overall productivity of your business.
The cost of creating an Agile Working space is actually considerably less than that of a normal office space, as you won’t outlay as much on fixed desks and other furniture.
A study on Agile Working showed that you could save up to 15-20% when choosing to fit out your office as an Agile space instead of a traditional open floor plan.
As a whole, Agile Working can mean that your workers skills are more accurately utilised and you can match your workforce to fluctuating demands.
What are the benefits of Agile Working for staff?
The principle of the ‘Agile Worker’ essentially means your staff have plenty of flexibility.
With this flexibility comes better work/life balance, and this will have a great impact on your workers health and wellbeing.
There will be reduced stress, a better sense of control over their work lives and it will be easier for your workers to integrate healthy eating and exercise into their lifestyle.
More autonomy and freedom for staff also means more job satisfaction, and along with that comes more pride in their role.
Agile Working requires less floor space due to the addition of flexible work areas and a higher number of staff working remotely.
This means a more spacious office, which lends to a relaxed and positive environment for your staff.
How to implement Agile Working?
Implementing Agile Working generally involves a big change in culture.
Therefore, communication is key. You need to be clear about expectations, responsibilities and expected benefits with your staff.
It’s essential that your organisation as a whole, from the top tier management to your office staff, understands the system for it to benefit.
The technology and IT infrastructure also has to be in place for Agile Working to be successful. Without having all staff properly connected, Agile Working simply cannot work.
Finally, the physical space must be conducive to Agile Working. For this, an office design and fit out company like Niche Projects is on hand for all of your design questions and queries.
We currently offer FREE office space plans.
Click this link to find out more.
