Agile working isn't just about adopting a flexible approach; it requires a well-thought-out strategy to ensure success. Agile working is often misunderstood, leading to ineffective implementations that can harm morale and productivity.
The traditional office setting is dying. The modern workplace demands a new way of working: 'agile working'. A new functionality that to a large degree hands control to the employee. However, agile working won't just happen unless it is implemented as part of a carefully considered strategy. The potential application for that methodology is broad which invariably means that a business can manifest its own interpretation of what it means to 'go agile'.
Agile working empowers employees by providing the freedom to choose their work environment based on the task at hand. It promotes collaboration, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs.
In an article called what does the agile work environment look like? Ian Morley highlights why so many organisations are moving to agile working, In the typical corporate office, as much as 60 percent or more of desks sit unused every day.
In Our Experience...
Established in 2003, Hotbox creates agile work space tools for the global workspace. So, of course we are advocates for agile working. However, our experience of working with organisations and implementors of agile working all over the world has provided us with a unique insight into the highs and lows of business transformation. As with many things in life, success comes from proper understanding, implementation and hard work. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, Nothing worth having comes easy.
So, in simplistic terms what is agile working and how can you ensure that you avoid the pitfalls by correctly implementing the method? We asked leading workplace change consultant Colin Stuart and CEO of Baker Stuart for his thoughts:
The bottom line is what is agile working? That's the key. In an agile workplace an employee should have the freedom to choose their preferred environment for a specific task, explains Colin. Agile working is all about creating the environment that suits the tasks that people are doing. So, if you are quiet working you need an environment that is suitable for doing quiet work. If you are collaborating you need an environment that is suitable for collaborative work.
Misinterpreting what agile working means and not developing an all-round solution is the most common reason agile working is not as effective as it could be. The problem is, some people think agile working is just hot-desking, and hot-desking in its own right can be very dangerous. It can drive morale down and it can be very battery chicken in effect if it's not done right, Colin adds.
One of the most common frustrations after an agile working environment has been implemented is not being able to sit near your colleagues, explains Colin.
Colin goes on to suggest a way to address this problem. I'm not an advocate of allocating desks to teams because that can become very territorial, but allocating a neighbourhood and allocating teams to a neighbourhood where they share the space with like-minded teams that they work together with regularly really works. They have the flexibility to collaborate, but they then also have a bit of a home, Colin suggests.
The Right Tools For Agile Working
As the adoption of agile working spreads across the world, so too does the demand for specific tools that complement the new way of working. We at Hotbox often find that when an organisation moves from a traditional office setting to an agile workspace the employees are not given everything that they need. More crucially they are not able to move easily around the agile workspace.
Jamie Rothwell, Managing Director at Hotbox , begins by alluding to the missing link when an organisation makes the transition to an agile workplace. Employees have a real strength of conviction for having their own space and they like to make their space their own, says Jamie. So, if we're looking at an agile workspace it's vital to consider the human element. How do you make any space your own while still allowing people to get up and move around so they can work anywhere in a snap?!
In his opinion organisations must give employees the right tools to move around in an agile working environment. Too many organisations have said, Well here's some lockers, here's some desks, there's some breakout zones, good luck, off you go and get on with work, explains Jamie. However, if employees can't move around then it's not an agile space. So, you have to provide employees with the tools to be able to pick up and move to those spaces for them to work at.
We've been to see organisations where they have bench desking down one side of the office and on the other side they've got a breakout coffee area. However, all the employees are hunched around the bench desking with two or three at the desk because they've got no way of moving their things to the other collaborative areas, Jamie adds.
This is the key in Jamie's experience to a successful agile working environment for both business owners and employees. If it's already taken employees three or four trips to get their work things from the locker to a workspace they're dammed if they're going to move again because it's just too much hassle. So, an organisation has spent all this money on this great space and then everybody's huddled in one area because they can't move around. It's about providing the right tools. The literal part of that is a Hotbox because that is actually the key to being agile, to be able to move around and take your work things around with you, explains Jamie.
To successfully implement agile working, consider the following steps:
- Understand the Concept: Agile working is about creating an environment suitable for different types of tasks, whether quiet work or collaboration.
- Avoid Common Pitfalls: Misinterpretations, such as equating agile working with hot-desking, can lead to reduced morale and productivity. Instead, focus on creating designated "neighbourhoods" for teams to foster a sense of belonging while maintaining flexibility.
- Provide the Right Tools: Ensure employees have the tools they need to move around and work efficiently in different spaces. This includes portable storage solutions like Hotbox portable organisers to facilitate mobility within the workspace.
Embracing the Future of Agile Working
As we look towards the future, agile working continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements and changing work dynamics. The future of agile working will likely include:
- Increased Flexibility: With advancements in technology, employees will have even more flexibility in choosing where and how they work, potentially leading to more remote and hybrid work arrangements.
- Enhanced Collaboration Tools: The development of more sophisticated digital collaboration tools will make it easier for teams to work together, regardless of their physical location.
- Focus on Employee Well-being: Organisations will place a greater emphasis on employee well-being, creating work environments that support both physical and mental health.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The future workplace will require continuous learning and adaptation, as businesses and employees alike must stay abreast of new tools and practices to remain agile.
Preparing for the Future
To prepare for the future of agile working, organisations should:
- Invest in Technology: Ensure that employees have access to the latest tools and technologies to support flexible and remote work.
- Foster a Culture of Trust: Trust is essential for agile working to succeed. Employers must trust their employees to manage their own time and work effectively.
- Prioritise Communication: Maintain clear and open lines of communication to ensure that all team members are aligned and can collaborate effectively.
Conclusion
Agile working, when implemented correctly, can transform the workplace by enhancing flexibility, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. It's crucial to understand the concept fully and provide the necessary tools and environments to support this way of working.
Implementing agile working should be a bespoke, problem-solving exercise. To avoid the pitfalls that other organisations have encountered, business owners should seek out the right advice from workplace experts and employees need to be given the right tools for agile working .
The future of agile working promises greater flexibility, enhanced collaboration, and a focus on well-being. By embracing these changes and preparing accordingly, organisations can stay ahead of the curve and create a thriving agile work environment.