23 Apr What really is ‘Agile Working’?
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Agile working’ is often discussed with an understanding that it means flexible working hours, working from home or hot desking. However, the knowledge of the real meaning behind agile working seems to have been lost as more humans think in terms of being self-focused. The accurate understanding and terminology differ from flexible working hours and other terms which are enveloped by the expression, “new ways of working.”
Agile working certainly is not new in any form, although it is a new way of working. It can most certainly be loosely defined under the term of “smart working,” which encompasses the benefits of the ever-evolving work practices, technologies, and working environments.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (The Agile Organization, 2018) published an intriguing and thought-provoking piece on agile working. It discussed various aspects of what agile working isn’t, and what agility is. However, it still is ambitious to draw a succinct definition of the matter. The article does explain some exceptional points around the statement that “work is an activity, not a place,” (The Agile Organization, 2018). However, this has led some to the idea of location independent working, but it is not all about the location. Agile working practices can be justly applied to the fixed roles within the actual workplace.
I am not saying that the aspects of location and flexibility are not dimensions incorporated into agile working; however, it does involve working in a way that is different and focuses more on the performance and outcome. This simply means moving employees from dedicated workspaces to shared spaces which the employee can use as needed (Ian Morley, Serraview, 2018). Research shows that about 60% of conventional office space is wasted, as it is not used. The agile working environment provides a way for a company to increase to use of the workplace, as well as reducing costs, often by 20% or more (Ian Morley, Serraview, 2018).
This brings us to ‘activity-based working’ (ABW). ABW workspace focuses on working being conducted in spaces which are “fit for purpose,” and abolishing the traditional rules of assigned seating and desking, and any other hierarchical structures. “ABW has proven to reduce space by up to 40% and increase staff satisfaction by 15%,” (Hubb Consultants, 2018).
The utilization of ABW and an agile working environment is growing very quickly within the United States of America. Yet, you can see companies and businesses within Australia and New Zealand who have implemented these ideas and began the transition several years ago.
If you are looking at making the transition into a more agile working environment, all factors need to be considered and adapted to. One other main factor that influences the agile working environment is having the most up to date technologies. You must take advantage of the growing technological advancements and utilize it. This helps and assists businesses to manage and optimize how the staff uses the workplace (Ian Morley, Serraview, 2018). With the right technology, you could work anywhere.
Although it is mentioned to save space and money, that is not the only benefit. This style of work empowers your employees to succeed and reach their full potential of working as they are not restrained into, what you could say is a box. It is no secret that agile working is beneficial for everyone within the working environment, staff and clients alike.
It is common knowledge if you enjoy your working environment, you become better at it, which in turn makes you psychologically and emotionally happier. By implementing the agile working framework and ideas, it becomes increasingly obvious that one of its main benefits is staff attraction and retention. Attracting the best talent to your company is a competitive sport in the corporate world. The refreshing elements of comfortable furniture, collective work spaces and recreational areas could be the deciding factor for an individual to seek employment at your office.
The culture within the working environment has greater effects on the employee’s psyche, emotions and effectively their productivity. A collaborative and collective culture can produce more ideas, which produces better productivity. If your organization needs a refreshment or a little bit of a kick-start in the ideas and productivity department, perhaps you should be thinking about implementing agile working and ABW.
Agile working ultimately provides a work-life balance, self-determination, increased job satisfaction and productivity and of course, cost savings. There is no direct formula to define agile working, as it is an umbrella term for many different aspects. The key aspects of the idea of an agile working environment are the maximum flexibility, a collaborative work space and updated communications and technology. Essentially, you as an employer must think, “How can I empower my staff and deliver the best value?”
Referencing
The Agile Organisation (2018) – http://www.agile.org.uk/what-is-agile-working/
Serraview (2018) – https://serraview.com/what-does-the-agile-work-environment-look-like/
Hubb Consultants (2018) – http://www.hubbconsultants.com.au/activity-based-working/