Is Agile Really the Answer?
The last CCRE breakfast for the year took a look at the trend for agile workplaces and posed the question of whether these new environments are meeting expectations.
A sold out crowd was able to experience a new agile workspace firsthand, at Herbert Smith Freehills’ new 480 Queens Street office, and hear three unique perspectives on the shifts away from the occupancy model.
Carolyn Solley, Senior Associate and Practice Leader for Interior Design at Hassell, provided an overview of the principles behind the shift towards agile and activity-based working environments. Carolyn outlined that in the rapidly changing global business environment, the flexibility of these spaces will be critical to organisations trying to stay ahead of the curve. Carolyn spoke to examples of the work being undertaken by Hassell in this space, from the St George Bank offices in Brisbane to Sky Central in London.
Steve Urwin, Director – Kernel, showcased the flexibility of his Sydney office which includes an innovative system to transform the working space into an area suitable for other purposes. Steve stressed the importance of not undertaking a shift to an agile working environment purely to lower costs. This approach, Steve explained, was the easiest way to get resistance to the change from the workforce. The focus should instead be on achieving better financial results by increasing staff productivity.
Kerry Heilbronn, Partner – Herbert Smith Freehills, shared his experience of the development of Herbert Smith Freehills’ new tenancy. Kerry explained that shifting to a new office is a terrific opportunity to recast the tone of any organisation. Herbert Smith Freehills engaged Lendlease to undertake a fact-based analysis of what the firm’s requirements were and how they could be met through an agile and flexible workspace. This process led to a set of guiding principles which shaped the development of the new tenancy.
Following the presentations a question and answer session was moderated by Christine O’Hara – General Manager, Brisbane CBD Portfolio with Investa Office.
The panel agreed that agile is the answer. While post-occupancy studies have demonstrated that workforce satisfaction is improved by the new workplaces, the panel stressed the importance of a considered change management process (as opposed to simply ‘staff consultation’) in achieving the best outcomes and full workforce engagement.
The Property Council would like to the speakers for sharing their insights, and event hosts Herbert Smith Freehills for allowing guests to tour their exciting new office.
Photos from the event can be found here.
Event Host: