Work Trend: Agile Working Environments

Agile work environments are one of the latest office trends, but you may find yourself wondering exactly what that means.

Agile working means you regard your work as an activity rather than a place and aims to reduce any obstacles that stand in the way of achieving that. This means allowing employees to work remotely or work from various places within the office, not limiting them to specific desks or areas. This also allows companies to reduce costs and utilize more of their workplace since so much of the workspace goes unused on a day-to-day basis. It’s yet another break in the traditional office setting as we move ever-further away from the corner office mindset.

Here are some benefits you can reap from adopting an agile work environment:

Increased Productivity

Instilling a more flexible work environment allows people to become more productive and opens them up to collaboration with coworkers. Allowing them to work where they’d like removes any external pressures as well. For instance, not having to travel back to your desk after meetings allows employees to continue working comfortably from where ever they’ve settled. They’ll also be able to work closely with other employees in various spaces around the office, finding opportunities to collaborate across teams as necessary to achieve their goals. They can use their time and resources way more efficiently in this way.

Cost Cutting

According to HR Drive, “Research by the Agile Future Forum (AFF) found that agile working practices saved 3 -13% of workforce costs, with the potential to increase that from 3% to 7% where agile working practices were implemented more considerably.” Again, seeing how so much of an office space is unused throughout most days, you’re opening it back up to use and therefore reducing costs of unused space. Additionally, if you’re allowing your employees the opportunity to work remotely more often then you don’t have to purchase as much in-office equipment for them to use as well as various other expenses that pop up (coffee/tea, plates, office supplies, etc.).

Retain More Talent

Flexible workspaces and the option to work remotely are becoming more and more important to employees. With this in mind, you’ll be more likely to retain employees if you meet their needs in this way. Employees are seeking out a greater work-life balance, and it’s important for businesses to recognize this demand. According to Tech Funnel, “Being offered agile working is in such high demand that in the past few years, the demand of agile working has increased by more than 40%. Any company that doesn’t offer agile working is most likely losing out on great talent.”

Inspires Self-Determination

By allowing employees to have the ability to choose how and where they work, it flips more responsibility into their hands. It breaks down unnecessary hierarchies and allows the employees to embrace their own authoritative voices. It also helps bolster confidence in your employees so they feel more inspired to take on more projects, collaborate with other teams, and look for opportunities to grow within your organization.

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