Agile work is a project management approach rooted in flexibility, and an agile workplace is one that empowers employees to follow agile working practices.
If you're managing a team or running a business, understanding the principles of agile working can help you decide whether this approach is suitable for shaping your workspace and company culture.
In 2001, a group of software developers created agile work as an alternative to traditional, rigid project management styles. Essentially, it’s a methodology focused on flexibility, collaboration, and responsiveness.
Despite these beginnings, agile work isn’t only used by tech companies and engineering teams. Businesses also use agile project management in marketing, product development, and other business operations.
At its core, agile working is about creating a work environment that allows employees to work where, when, and how they are most productive while meeting business objectives. This means agile work is:
Employees are free to work flexible hours, meaning they can determine their own start and end times, and they may have flexible working arrangements, meaning they split their workdays between their home, their travels and the office.
Teams work together closely, often in two-week cycles known as ‘sprints’, to complete projects. They may also have ‘stand-ups’, which are daily check-ins to track progress and address barriers. This fosters a culture of open communication and shared goals.
Workers are trusted to make decisions on how they go about their tasks. This is intended to give people greater ownership over their work, leaving them more invested and motivated to succeed.
Agile working is about constantly seeking ways to improve processes and outcomes. This includes regular feedback loops and retrospectives (sometimes called ‘retros’) to help teams reflect and adapt their working methods.
There are no set rules for an agile office layout, but a quick Google image search will show you some similarities. Most agile workplaces offer a variety of workstations to enable workers to switch between different styles of work depending on their tasks. This includes:
Agile workplaces often employ hot desking rather than assigned seating, meaning employees can move around and switch seats from day to day.
See also: 7 ways to foster company culture in a serviced office
See also: How to host effective meetings
You may also find standing desks, walking pads, bean bag chairs, sofas, swings, and other types of furniture providing various ways to keep workers focused and motivated. Some workplaces will go the extra mile to support employees with nap rooms, breastfeeding rooms and prayer rooms.
Many businesses, such as Spotify and ING Bank, have successfully switched to agile working styles. According to a McKinsey study of 2,000 respondents, workplaces that switch to agile gain a 30 percentage point increase in employee engagement thanks to a greater focus on autonomy and a 30% improvement in operational performance thanks to the impact of continuous improvement.
But ultimately, it’s about finding what works for you and your business. Some workplaces don’t require a variety of workstations, and some can’t facilitate a mix of in-person and remote workers. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons of whether agile work can be applied to your product or service.
71-75 provides everything you need. Our fully-furnished serviced office space comes with a collaborative break out area, a roof terrace, a kitchen with complimentary teas and coffees, multiple bookable meeting rooms, and more amenities to help you and your team feel comfortable and productive.
Get in touch to see how our serviced offices in Covent Garden could be a great, cost-effective solution for your business.
