It’s important to crawl first, then walk, then run. You don’t want to overwhelm the workforce, so doing things in phases will help acclimate people to the changes.
At minimum start by installing the necessary infrastructure, such as multi-sensors, some of which will be required anyway by code. Look for “easy wins” like the workspace/room reservation system integration, which provides control and convenience and will lead to high adoption rate among employees. Then integrate various building systems (occupancy sensors, HVAC, power metering, lighting control, AV systems, etc.) that can be used for facility trending. Eventually, you can introduce additional features to set preferences, or report deficiencies and security concerns.
If you can balance the formula, you can create a better user experience and a more productive environment. If one thing falls out, it will risk becoming less productive.
The message should remain focused on what agile working is providing for them: that increased control over their working environment is a worthwhile exchange.
By framing things in a way that shows the benefits and advantages, then the transition to an agile workplace is going to be smoother—and even embraced—by those who recognize and appreciate those advantages.
Also note that current employees aren’t the only concern: You are also in competition to attract top talent to the company. Firms that focus too much attention to the cost- and space-saving aspects of the agile workspace risk losing good people to the companies that have given employee benefits greater consideration.
You can’t guarantee productivity; you can only strive to enable the best productive environment. But with proper preparation, I believe the return on investment into an agile workspace can be realized within two years. Top talent is attracted to a collaborative, innovative atmosphere that inspires creativity.
This equation is an excellent way to find that path toward creating that atmosphere for your workers and give your company a greater competitive edge in your market.