In an office environment, there is a shift observed

in controls of technology where now the focus

has shifted to freeing up employees who were
tied up to their workstations earlier due to
technological constraints. Hence, concepts of
wireless communication, plug and play and
physical, technological tools play a vital role in
strengthening mobility.
The shift from fixed desktops to laptops as well
as planning of plug points and other controls in
alternate work environments as well as socializing
spaces, not only makes the work mobile but
also increases interactions and organizational
flexibility.
Mobility
As work becomes more global and more people are
hired to work on a project basis rather than long term
basis for cutting down on occupancy costs, there is
a significant shift towards technological controls
strengthening mobility.
The concept of assigned desks is hardly
followed now; instead, there are alternate work
environments given as well as hot desking and
physical controls which allows work to be connected
from any corner of the office. This also improves
teamwork and coordination when everyone can
configure the clusters of work settings based on
the type of work assigned.
Flexibility
Flexibility in an office environment enables employees
to have control over their work environment. It can be
looked at through two perspectives: Organizational
flexibility and Employee's flexibility.
Employee's flexibility allows the employees to
choose their work environment amongst various
alternate working environments. This leads to
freedom of choice and a sense of belonging which
positively impacts their performance. The concept
of unassigned seating compliments employee's
flexibility. Here, technology plays a vital role in
facilitating flexibility.
Organizational flexibility is how the organization can
facilitate change. It can be through modularity in
furniture elements, spaces or anything which allows
the future scope of expansion. Organizational
flexibility also plays a vital role in the optimization
of space since flexible, integrated spaces and spatial
elements which can open to be one, facilitates
integration and overlapping of functions and
multipurpose usage of space.
Fig 3.1.3. Hot desking and unassigned seating
reflect mobility in work facilitated by technological
tools.
Fig 3.1.3. Alternate working environment
providing flexibility in working.
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