What is flexible working: Adaptable office design

Far from a passive backdrop, the workplace actively influences behaviours, productivity, collaboration and even company culture. This makes an intentionally designed flexible workspace essential for organisations embracing more dynamic ways of working.

So what exactly constitutes a truly flexible workspace, and how can firms go about achieving it?

From an office interior design standpoint, flexible working is centred on creating adaptable environments that empower choice. People can select on-demand from a variety of spaces that best support changing needs - rather than being bound to rigid locations that may not suit given activities.

Some core aspects of flexible space design include:

Variety – Different settings tailored for focus, collaboration, creativity, rejuvenation etc.

Agility – Mobile furnishings and layouts simple to reconfigure or repurpose as needs evolve.

Autonomy – Self-directed space switching to match individual working styles and energy levels.

Multi-use – Shared amenities and zones take on different roles at different times.

At its heart, flexible office space provides options and reduces friction. People can quickly transition between solo analysis to group sessions to relaxed breaks by moving between purposeful areas. No single imposed location has to meet every diverse need in compromised ways.

The outcomes are improved privacy, fewer disruptions, better ergonomics, more inspiring surroundings and easier alternative ways to tackle tasks. People gain personal control to reduce frustrations through flexible working meaning they enhance their performance and enjoyment of time spent working.

Transforming traditionally rigid office environments into thriving flexible spaces involves spatial, technological and cultural initiatives:

1. Zone the floorplan

Analyse typical daily workflows to identify compatible vs incompatible needs from a workplace consultancy. Plan layout separating open collaboration, quiet focus and confidential zones while allowing intervisibility to maintain connectivity.

2. Embrace mobility

Prioritise mobile ergonomic furniture and avoid fixed custom builds. Wheeled, height adjusting and modular components allow rapid reconfigurations.

3. Centralise shared tools

Convenient access to printers, supplies, AV gear, charging etc facilitates movement between areas without wasting time repeatedly returning to fixed desks for particular items.

4. Add sensory variety

Vary lighting, views, noises and decor between zones to cue different mindsets and energise people changing spaces.

5. Promote micro moves

Multi-height sit-stand desks, walking meetings and varied choice seating all inspire mobility within spaces for regular posture shifts.

6. Allow personalisation

Whiteboards, ambient music choices, and some trinkets on desks give people the opportunity to feel at home and creatively express themselves.

7. Apply change management

Overcome resistance by demonstrating benefits, building confidence and supporting people through potential discomforts when initially transitioning from fixed to fluid working arrangements.

8. Continually optimise

Keep evolving approaches in response to user feedback on what flexible aspects help versus hinder. Address any friction points or confusion.

Flexible design provides spatial versatility and empowerment enabling people to operate in diverse mobile ways. But fluidity alone isn’t enough – surrounds must also actively promote focus, collaboration, revitalisation and connections between individuals.

When well executed, adaptable spaces become living ecosystems that nurture productivity. They breathe in synchronicity with inhabitants by providing on-demand environments matching evolving needs. Fixed uniform spaces can’t fulfil so seamlessly amid rapidly changing demands.