The Pro’s and Con’s of Agile Working

In the office every day? That is not always necessary. The work space can at home, or elsewhere outside Office. Especially for the new and upcoming generation of workers. Telecommuting or agile working is becoming increasingly popular with organisations, but still itt has not taken off as quickly as was expected. This is partly die to the lack of information on agile working. Many office workers and employers put question marks on this way of working. In addition to this, there is a lot of anxiety amongst workers as well as employers. They are particularly concerned about the lack of supervision and social isolation. 

Agile working is also for your customers

It would be good if organisations consider what Agile working could mean for the customer. Would the customer now get a better product and faster if he isinvolved in the process? Customer demand becomes more and more multidisciplinary. The customer asks less to make something but wants us to contribute ideas to develop something with him. Agile Working is ideal for this. As a result, the multidisciplinary team can work at the customers offices, own office or somewhere in between. This requires an integrated interpretation of Agile Working on people, workplace design, ICT and process. Ultimately it is a matter of a smarter, more effective and efficient organisation that is going to work for the customer to eventually create an organisation that is future-proof and where client satisfaction is way above average.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Agile Working for employee, employer and society? 

The advantages and disadvantages of the new way of working or Agile Working.

Advantages for the employee

• Concentration and productivity

• Better balance work-family, performing care duties

• Autonomy

• Opportunities for people with disabilities

• Less travel time

• Less travel costs

• Less Babysitting/Child Services (parents ‘ day/home)

• Higher job satisfaction

Disadvantages for the employee

• Isolation, less spontaneous meetings

• The workplace design is often of insufficient quality

• Greater chance of stress by unclear appointments

• Mixing work/private live? No regulated working hours

• TThe idea that it is negative for career opportunities 

Benefits for the employer

• Flexibility

• Efficient deployment of employees

• Higher productivity

• Better customer service

• Staff retention

• Beneficial for staff recruitment

• More opportunities for people with disabilities

• Less cost for office space by introducing flexible spaces

• Lower energycosts  

• Lower absenteeism

• Innovation of work processes and ICT technology

Disadvantages for the employer

• Cost of unoccupied workspace 

• Involvement

• Informal contacts

• Educating home workers

Adjustment for the organisation

• The shaping of a new leadership style

• Idea of not e-workers that they become overloaded

• Accessibility issues

• Additional costs for ICT and office furniture

• Health and safety legislation

• Tax implications 

Benefits for society

• Less commuting

• Environmental benefits: lower emission of CO2

• Stimulates economy by competition and innovation

• Higher percentage working women

• Better work-life balance?

• Less babysitting and child services (parents’ day/home)

• Lower absenteeism

Disadvantages for society

• Less tax income on commuting 

• Negative impact for social cohesion