Let’s talk about such a new trend in office space organization as agile office. Many large companies today are thinking about how to increase the productivity of employees, creating the most comfortable working conditions for them. Here are some examples of such unusual offices.
Agile is translated from English as “flexible, agile”. Agile development methodology originally emerged in the field of IT technologies, and then spread to other areas of the business. It consists in the fact that work on a project is carried out by several small groups of employees who are engaged in homogeneous creative work. At the same time, the management is very liberal, democratic, the number of bureaucratic procedures and documents is minimized.
This approach is often criticized, some managers believe that without proper control, employees relax, discipline falls. However, there are significantly more advocates for agile working methods..
Since the work is carried out by teams, several groups that have to constantly cooperate with each other, performing a common task, there was a need for a new approach to organizing office space. As a result, agile offices appeared.
The essence of the “flexible office” is that each employee gets the opportunity to choose exactly where to work. Such an office space has places:
- For work in a private environment, corners with everything necessary, covered with screens or partitions, where the employee can retire. Such relatively closed spaces are often chosen as a permanent “springboard” by workers who are in the office on a daily basis, or are temporarily occupied by incoming freelancers..
- For teamwork. In such an area there is a large “round” table, at which the whole team can discuss progress in the development of the project, study current issues and problems.
- For informal communication. Relaxation areas where you can relax, for example, with a cup of coffee or tea, chat about abstract topics.
At the same time, the zones and their content can change, the office turns out to be really flexible, mobile, here you will not surprise anyone with the look of an employee who purposefully follows the zone for informal communication with his laptop and armchair in order to work fruitfully.
More specifically, there are four zones in agile office:
- Permanent jobs assigned to specific employees.
- Temporary jobs.
- Project studios for team communication, with projectors, large screens, conference calls.
- Lounge areas, work cafes.
Experts say that such planning can increase office capacity by 25-30%, increase staff productivity by 40%, remove inefficient workplaces and reduce the cost of maintaining office space by about 30%.
It is important that the flexible office can be easily converted to accommodate additional staff. Partitions can be easily moved, tables are rearranged, new work areas appear. And all this is in the same territory. At the same time, no one cancels the rational principles of creating and organizing jobs, because employees should be comfortable.
Now there are design bureaus that work exclusively on the concepts of creating an agile office, developing such projects. This is a fashionable and popular trend, although, we admit, while creating a “flexible” office with the help of professional designers and special furniture can only be afforded by fairly large companies that are also distinguished by a creative approach to employee development..
In Russia today, such giants as Yandex, Google, Sberbank and Avito can boast of agile-style offices. However, even small businesses can try to implement this approach on their own by zoning premises and organizing a recreation area with bean bags..
It is noticeable that in a “flexible” office there is much more greenery, furniture is much brighter, more mobile, and unusual. There are some interesting tricks, like walls covered with paint, on which you can quickly jot down an idea that just came to mind. And then it’s easy to erase the records. Technical equipment also plays an important role..
In addition, for the convenience of employees, agile offices are equipped with showers, changing rooms, storage areas for personal belongings. Some “flexible” offices even have gyms and rooms for children, who for some reason had to be taken to work..
Many new hires, when they first enter the agile office, call it their dream job. Yes, the experience is really very pleasant, especially compared to traditional boring offices.
What are some practical examples of implementing agile practices in office spaces? How does this new approach redefine traditional office setups and improve productivity?
What are some practical examples of agile offices and how do they redefine the traditional office space by adopting a new approach?
Some practical examples of agile offices include open floor plans with flexible seating arrangements, collaboration zones, and dedicated areas for focused work. These offices redefine the traditional workspace by adopting a new approach that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and employee autonomy. The absence of fixed desks allows employees to choose where they work based on their task, mood, or preference. This promotes cross-functional collaboration, as teams can easily come together to work on projects. Agile offices also incorporate breakout spaces, huddle rooms, and informal meeting areas to facilitate quick and spontaneous discussions. The focus is on creating a dynamic and adaptable environment that supports agile working methods, promotes employee engagement, and enhances productivity.
Agile offices are changing the way we work by providing spaces that are flexible, collaborative, and user-centric. These offices are designed to accommodate different work styles and preferences, allowing employees to work in a way that suits them best. They promote collaboration and creativity by breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging interaction between team members. With a variety of work settings to choose from, employees have the freedom to work in a space that best suits their needs at any given time. This leads to increased employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. Overall, agile offices are a practical and effective way to create a more dynamic and adaptable work environment that supports modern ways of working.
Some practical examples of agile offices include open floor plans, flexible workstations, and collaborative spaces. These offices redefine the traditional office space by encouraging interaction, creativity, and efficiency. By eliminating assigned seating and cubicles, employees have the freedom to work wherever they feel comfortable and can easily collaborate with their colleagues. Agile offices also often incorporate amenities like standing desks, lounge areas, and quiet zones, catering to different work preferences and promoting a healthier work environment. Additionally, technology is seamlessly integrated into the office space, enabling remote work and fostering seamless communication and collaboration between teams. The result is a more dynamic and adaptable workspace that promotes employee engagement, innovation, and productivity.
Agile offices are revolutionizing the way we work by promoting collaboration, flexibility, and creativity. With open floor plans, flexible workstations, and collaborative spaces, employees have the freedom to work wherever they feel most productive. This not only encourages interaction and teamwork but also boosts efficiency and creativity. By incorporating amenities like standing desks, lounge areas, and quiet zones, agile offices cater to individual work preferences and promote a healthier work environment. Seamless integration of technology allows for remote work and enhances communication between teams. Ultimately, agile offices foster a dynamic and adaptable workspace that enhances employee engagement, innovation, and productivity.