ENTERPRISE 2.0: THE AGE OF AGILE

AGILE WORKING – A SOFTWARE INDUSTRY CONCEPT – CLAIMS TO MAKE COMPANIES FASTER, MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE SUCCESSFUL. HOW DOES IT TRANSLATE TO RETAIL?

REPORT

Digitalization’s accelerating effect is also impacting the fashion industry: trend cycles are growing shorter and consumer buying behavior is changing rapidly. To avoid being left behind, an increasing number of companies are turning to the agile approach to working embraced by the online world. “Agility” means a new corporate culture that moves away from hierarchical structures and towards autonomous teamwork and quick decision-making without fear of risk. Openly voiced criticism, respect, communication and commitment are some of the core values. Long planning processes are replaced by trial and error; trust takes the place of supervision; employees no longer take orders but become actively involved.

Although agile working has so far mainly been adopted by IT, large retail companies such as Otto and Zalando are also experimenting with new ways of working in other departments, creating new premises in the process. At both companies’ campus-style headquarters, flexible workspaces, which include open offices, quiet zones, lounges and gyms, have been set up as part of a multi-space concept. Otto board members have even given up their individual offices. Agility has been integral to Zalando since its creation; the 70-year-old Otto Group is in the midst of its platform transformation. Not every retailer will want to keep up with the heavy hitters, but there is still plenty that can be implemented in smaller businesses.

You don’t need to redesign the entire company straightaway. An agile mindset can also mean starting with one project or department. And ask for help: “For businesses who are using an old model but want to venture into new territory, I would always advise them to get support and seek guidance,” says Ewa Scherwinsky, Agile Coach at Otto. Every company has units or processes that are perfect for trialing agile working. And little preparation is required. First on the list should be regular communication: every day each team should have a brief conversation about what members are working on.