Flexible Workspaces, Agile Workplaces
Either/or or Both?
In a Flexible Workspace, workers choose to work in different types of work areas. The furniture and fixtures are fixed; the people flex between types of workspaces depending on their tasks.
In an Agile Workplace, the furniture and fixtures are mobile, not fixed. Furniture and fixtures can be used to create different types of workspaces including flexible workplaces. Agile Workplaces are easy to reconfigure, grow, or contract depending on an organization’s needs.
What is a flexible workspace?
In a hybrid work environment, employees divide their time between working at an office or working remotely or from home. An office equipped with flexible workspace provides a range of workspace options, from individual desks to private offices and meeting rooms. When in the office workers can choose the type of workplace they need for their immediate tasks. Flexible workspaces often utilize arrangements like hot desking or desk hoteling, where employees share desks and workstations on an as-needed basis.
Hot desking
Hot desking is an arrangement where desks are not assigned to particular workers. Instead, workers utilize available desks or offices on a first-come, first-served basis. After completing their work, employees clear their belongings from the desk to make it available for others.
Desk hoteling
In a desk or office hoteling system, employees can book a workspace in advance using a reservation system. They may be able to reserve a specific workspace for a full day, a week, or more, depending on their needs and the space available.
Both systems help an organization make the most of its office footprint. A flexible office may also use mobile office furniture to create adaptable multipurpose spaces. For example, you may want a meeting room where you can arrange the furniture to accommodate a workshop, board meeting, or client pitch.
What is an Agile Workplace?
An Agile Workplace features easily movable and reconfigurable furniture and fixtures. An Agile Workplace can be configured to be a Flexible Workspace. You should not get the idea that an Agile Workplace is the antithesis of a Flexible Workplace. The concepts can coexist.
In an Agile Workplace, the key features of the furniture and fixtures center on ease of reconfiguration. In a Flexible Workspace, people move. In an Agile Workplace, the furniture moves.
Most offices today are still designed around AC power connections. This is the greatest barrier to being agile. Power may be routed through drops from the ceiling, raised floors, or under-carpet wiring systems. The infrastructure involves electrical sub-panels, conduit, heavy wiring, and receptacles.
Any change can be costly and time-consuming. Securing permits may take time. Finding a qualified contractor can be a chore. Finally, every change must be inspected to ensure the installation meets electrical codes.
Can an AC-powered office be changed? Of course, if you are willing to absorb the cost. Most businesses, however, try to avoid changes in electrical systems because they are simply expensive and disruptive. The change process takes time, money, and patience.
What is August Berres’ solution?
August Berres C-Power
A portable source of power: two USB-C receptacles or placed in a docking position in a desk.
August Berres' mission is to create truly agile furniture and fixtures. To accomplish this, August Berres’ products rely on batteries onboard the furniture to power workplace devices.
Wi-Fi eliminated the need to run cables to every workstation. Battery power eliminates the need to run AC wires to every workstation.
Easy Charging
24 C-Power Batteries can be charged overnight from one connection.
August Berres charges up to 24 C-Power Batteries with a single 120V AC outlet or a Fault-Managed Power system. The charging system is the only cord-connected product in the system.
Since there are no concerns about cords and cables, August Berres has incorporated casters into every product for easy reconfiguration. Minor layout changes can be made without an installation crew.
Respond! Desk
August Berres Respond! Desks incorporate a docking position for the C-Power battery system. The desks feature a dual stage sit/stand chassis, cabling for dual monitors, and wireless phone charging.
Because changes are easy, productivity-enhancing moves can be embraced rather than avoided. When the move is to another building, the investment you made moves with you. With AC power, everything remains behind.
Battery-powered furniture is also a great solution for older buildings. It reduces or eliminates the need for tenant improvement costs associated with electrical upgrades. For historical buildings, structural changes can be avoided.
CampFire Desk
The CampFire desk accommodates four users with laptops using a single C-Power Battery: a great solution for hybrid workspaces or training centers.
August Berres’ Agile Furniture does more than complement Flexible Workspaces. People can be flexible and so can your furniture products.
