In recent years there has been a shift away from traditional, hierarchical models of organisation towards more flexible, collaborative ways of working. This way of working is sometimes referred to as 'agile'. But what is agile ways-of-working, and how can it improve organisational culture? In this blog post, we'll explore the answers to these questions and more.
What is Agile Was-of-Working?
Agile ways-of-working is a term that is used to describe a way of working that is characterised by flexibility, collaboration, and openness. It is a response to the changing nature of work, which is increasingly being shaped by technology.
The traditional 9-5 office job is no longer the only or even the most common way of working. With advances in technology, more and more people are now able to work remotely and/or flexibly. This means that they are not tied to one specific location and sometimes also, the time in which they undertake their contracted hours.
However, agile working is about more than just location and/or the times in which we undertake our work. It is also about mindset. An agile worker is someone who is open to change and willing to experiment with new ways of doing things. They are proactive and adaptable, always looking for ways to improve their work.
How can Agile Working Improve Organisational Culture?
There are many ways in which agile ways-of-working can improve organisational culture. First of all, it can help to create a more positive work-life balance for employees. When workers feel they have more control over where and what times they work, they are less likely to experience burnout or feel like their work is taking over their life.
Agile ways-of-working can also lead to increased productivity and creativity. When employees feel trusted and empowered to work flexibly, they often respond by putting in extra effort and being more innovative in their approach.
Finally, agile ways-of-working can help organisations to attract and retain top talent. In today's competitive job market, workers are increasingly looking for employers who offer some kind of flexible working arrangements. By offering agile working options, organisations can make themselves more attractive to potential employees.
Tips and Advice
If you're thinking about introducing agile ways-of-working in your organisation, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, it's important to remember that agile working is not a one-size-fits-all solution - what works for one organisation might not work for another. It's important to tailor your agile approach to meet the specific needs of your organisation.
Finally, you need to make sure that you have the right systems and processes in place before you start. This includes things like setting up remote working infrastructure and ensuring that everyone has the necessary access and/or equipment.
If you take the time to plan carefully, you can set your organisation up for success by integrating agile ways-of-working into your organisational culture. Change won't happen overnight - it will take time, patience, and effort. But it will be worth it in the end!
Businesses can email contact@agilexperts.com.au or call 1300 287 213 for free first-step advice on how to improve culture, optimise business processes and become an Agile organisation. Follow us on LinkedIn or sign up here to receive our articles direct to your email inbox.