Agile workspaces focus on facilitating flexibility. They’re designed around the idea that workers should be able to move around their space depending on their needs, rather than being stuck with a single, fixed desk.

In practice, that tends to mean that agile workspaces contain a variety of different settings. Along with the regular desk setup that’s used for standard work activities, there might also be a dedicated quiet area, breakout spaces where people can work more casually, and other options. 

The term ‘agile’ in business originated in the 1990s, describing an emerging style of work pioneered by software developers. It centred around flexibility and adaptability, rather than relying on established processes and rigorous planning.

Since then, the agile methodology has spread far and wide. It’s now well into the mainstream, and is used by all sorts of companies. And it’s especially relevant now, following the emergence of hybrid working practices that make flexibility is more important than ever.

The growth of agile principles in our day-to-day working practices means that agile workspaces are in demand. This article explains everything you need to know about them. 

What is agile workspace design?

There’s no single way to build an agile workspace – there are plenty of variables involved which means no two are the same. But there are a general set of principles that are associated with agile workspaces, including:

• Diverse spaces that are designed to suit different types of work
• Design features and amenities that encourage collaboration
• Open-plan design as standard, as opposed to cubicles or private offices

Agile workspaces may also be better-equipped than other office options, with common amenities including kitchen spaces, outdoor areas, and meeting rooms. 

These factors aren’t directly linked to the agile methodology. But they may appear more frequently in workspaces designed for agile working, because these workspaces tend to be more progressive and forward-looking in general.

Types of agile workspaces

Agile workspaces are arguably best identified by the variety of different settings to facilitate different ways of working that they can contain. Those settings often include:

Open-plan workspace

Agile methodology might mean differences to the way we work, but there still needs to be plenty in the way of regular desks where people can get their day-today tasks completed. In agile workspaces, this is often in the form of a large open-plan space filled with desks that workers can bring their laptops to and from.

Quiet zones

When the open-plan workspace is too distracting, agile workplaces often have a quieter retreat somewhere. This might just be a sectioned-off area of the main workspace with stricter rules on volume. Alternatively, it might be a dedicated quiet zone in a private room. Whatever form it takes, the quiet areas in an agile workspace provide a much-needed environment for high-focus tasks.

Breakout spaces

Agile workspaces also often accommodate less formal working situations with breakout spaces. These are casual meeting points with comfortable seating. Breakout spaces are perfect for collaborative work, brainstorming sessions, informal meetings with clients, and more. They might even be used for a relaxing sit down after a sprint. 

Meeting rooms

Finally, meeting rooms are a mainstay in agile workspaces. They provide a structured space where people can meet, discuss ideas, brainstorm, and present. And with hybrid working patterns becoming increasingly common, meeting rooms tailored to suit conference video calls are especially useful to ensure everyone who needs to be present can be.

The benefits of an agile workspace

There are countless potential benefits of an agile workspace, depending on just how it’s set up. However, there are three main benefits that seem to drive adoption. Namely, they are:

Increased productivity

Agile workspaces are designed to meet the different needs somebody might have during a regular work-week. To be at their best, they’ll sometimes need a quiet space or a space they can collaborate with team mates in. Agile workplace design means that, no matter what they’re tasked with, workers can be at their most productive.

Better collaboration opportunities

Traditional office layouts, characterised by cubicles, private offices, and partitions, isn’t ideal for collaboration. But agile workspaces, with their open-plan layouts and spaces dedicated to collaboration, are a perfect match for companies who want to help their employees work efficiently together.

Suitability for flexible/hybrid working

Flexible and hybrid working practices have become a part of the mainstream, and they’re arguably still growing in popularity. Agile workspaces are practically built to facilitate these new ways of working. 

They’re laptop-friendly, with the open-plan workspace allowing whoever’s in the office for the day to choose a desk that suits them best at that point. And the efficient layout means that businesses can often get away with a smaller workspace than they would need if they went the traditional route. 

How to adapt to an agile workspace

Unlocking the benefits of an agile workspace is as simple as choosing one which suits your business. While there might be a natural period of adaptation, especially if you’re coming from a traditional office, there’s not much to it other than getting used to the more flexible nature of the space.

All of the workplaces in The Boutique Collection are set up to allow agile working practices. They contain open-plan, fully-furnished serviced offices, along with breakout spaces, meeting rooms, and more. Take a look at the full list of flexible workplaces in our collection and book a tour if one suits you!