Gone are the days when punching in long hours represented your productivity. Now everyone strives to work efficiently and get things done within the 9 to 5 timeframe. The productivity cultivated by coworking spaces has inspired many global companies like PwC and Dell to switch to a flexible workspace.
With the rise in shared office space and virtual office space, operators are leaning towards designing flexible workplaces. An agile office allows you to use the space more efficiently, and typically includes non-assigned seating for ease of collaboration. While it is relaxed, it’s also balanced. There are open, collaborative spaces along with private areas.
Here are the five main components of an agile office:
Open Plan
Instead of rows of cubicles, an open floor plan is adopted. This openness promotes collaborative efforts and allows good communication. While it is an efficient use of space, it can also cause chaos.
Breakout Zone
These multi-purpose spaces are the ideal space for everything from an impromptu meeting to relaxation and brainstorming. However, these spaces won’t be suitable for private meetings and confidential discussions.
Quiet Zone
The quiet zone balances the scales. These areas are reserved for tasks and projects that require focus and privacy. Typically partitioned, these spaces are suitable for confidential conversations.
Touchdown
These areas are designed to accommodate workers who use the office infrequently. Here usually workers work on short tasks such as answering emails.
Resources
In addition to workspaces, employees also have easy access to resources. This space has copiers, printers, stationery supplies, and other equipment. The area for resources and storage isn’t too close to the workspaces to prevent noise intrusion.
As far as the advantages are concerned, there are many. For starters, an agile office space will optimise your office space and help you make the most of it. It will give you a competitive advantage by reducing your response time. And as established, it plays a key role in increasing productivity and improving communication.
But on the flip side, it does have some noticeable flaws. Working in a flexible environment demands the need for self-management since monitoring might be difficult. The intention of hot desking is to improve communication but it might backfire and lead to territory wars. Moreover, some employees may not warm up to the idea of not having a specific personal space.
So should you transition to an agile workplace?
If you feel like shifting to a more collaborative and creative office culture will suit your business operations, an agile workspace may be right for you. But you can’t make this decision without your employees’ opinions.
Clearly, this model is quite aesthetically pleasing, but that shouldn’t be your sole motivator to make the change. Hopping on the trend bandwagon may cause more harm than good. If you rush into it without much consideration, it may hinder your business operations.
In conclusion, it’s a good idea to ask your employees what they think, since they will be impacted the most by it. If you receive a positive response, then it’s a green light for agile offices.
