Many companies, especially the progressive ones, are increasingly adopting an agile working environment It is good to note that the term agile working environment refers to the optimization in the use of space by utilizing a non-assigned seating structure. It essentially means moving away from the common workstations for each staff to adopting shared space that workers only use when needed. One of the reasons that has led to the adoption of this model has been because close to two thirds of all normal office space remains unused each day thus the agile work environment enables the organization to optimize the use of office space and decrease the cost by close to a fifth.
Plenty of companies are improving on this idea by opting activity based working as they also implement the agile working environment. It is good to note that activity based working gives staff the freedom to opt for the kind of space they want to work in based on the kind of work they need to perform that day. An incredible fact to note is that activity based working spaces are designed such that they enhance collaboration, productivity and creativity and create an ambiance that favors stimulating ideas and creative thinking because they provide comfy areas for people to interact.
Companies in America are playing catch up when it comes to implementing the agile working environment but in other countries like New Zealand and Australia companies began using this model a couple of years back thus they are quite ahead.
One of the major costs that most organizations face is in real estate followed by labor and agile working environments save the cost of real estate. The most recent findings indicate that close to two thirds of all office space is not used on a daily basis thus the move to flexible shared space enables businesses to effectively use space and accommodate more people per square feet.
Apart from just reducing the cost of overheard the agile working environment helps to attract and retain top talent in the business. In many industries there are a few talented and skilled people. Attracting the most talented people has become very competitive and some of the cool characteristics of an agile working environment like collaborative work spaces, comfy furniture and recreational areas might be what makes top talent desire to work for a certain company.
Another advantage of agile working environments is that it creates an ambiance of collaboration which leads to the generation of innovative and creative ideas. If an organization needs to kick start their idea generation to create a company culture that enhances innovation then it may be wise to consider adopting an agile work environment.
Agile Office Environments 