# Indicators for adaptive work environment Support diverse, distributed teams by offering flexible and adaptable work environments that enable sustainable productivity and collaboration. **Topics** + [ # [OA.AWE.1] Equip teams with feature-rich tools for virtual collaboration ](oa.awe.1-equip-teams-with-feature-rich-tools-for-virtual-collaboration.md) + [ # [OA.AWE.2] Offer inclusive options for both virtual and on-site collaboration ](oa.awe.2-offer-inclusive-options-for-both-virtual-and-onsite-collaboration.md) + [ # [OA.AWE.3] Balance work schedules for diverse global teams ](oa.awe.3-balance-work-schedules-for-diverse-global-teams.md) + [ # [OA.AWE.4] Provide adaptable workspaces for effective on-site collaboration ](oa.awe.4-provide-adaptable-workspaces-for-effective-onsite-collaboration.md) + [ # [OA.AWE.5] Organize team-building activities and social events to foster a sense of community and promote collaboration ](oa.awe.5-organize-team-building-activities-and-social-events-to-foster-a-sense-of-community-and-promote-collaboration.md) # [OA.AWE.1] Equip teams with feature-rich tools for virtual collaboration **Category:** FOUNDATIONAL In a DevOps environment, collaboration tools are required to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among distributed teams. These tools allow teams to rapidly make decisions and solve problems together. Provide well-integrated collaboration tools that support virtual collaboration through chats, voice, video, break-outs, and interactive boards for virtual meetings. These tools should be available on different devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile. Invest in training for teams on how to use these tools effectively and securely. Gather feedback from teams on the suitability of the collaboration tools and any new features that could enhance their virtual collaboration experience. # [OA.AWE.2] Offer inclusive options for both virtual and on-site collaboration **Category:** FOUNDATIONAL Create a more inclusive and high-performing work environment by accommodating employees with diverse needs. To improve the organization's capability to accommodate employees with special needs, conduct assessments of existing facilities and identify areas that require improvement. Collaboration tools should include accessibility features such as closed captioning, screen readers, and speech-to-text capabilities. Promote an inclusive culture throughout the organization by providing training for employees on topics such as diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Gather feedback from employees with special must identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to create a more inclusive and accessible work environment. # [OA.AWE.3] Balance work schedules for diverse global teams **Category:** RECOMMENDED Flexible work policies for appropriate roles are recommended because they help organizations attract and retain skilled employees, while also promoting a healthy work-life balance, improving employee satisfaction, and facilitating global collaboration. Establish policies and guidelines that facilitate remote work and flexible schedules, while fostering communication and collaboration among team members across different time zones and locations. Use techniques such as *follow-the-sun* support models and handovers to promote seamless collaboration across different time zones. Schedule meetings that are convenient for all team members or record and share information if such scheduling is not feasible. Provide employees with the necessary technology and tools to effectively work remotely, while protecting company information through appropriate security measures. Seek feedback from employees to refine and improve the organization's remote work and flexible schedule policies to better meet the needs and preferences of its workforce. # [OA.AWE.4] Provide adaptable workspaces for effective on-site collaboration **Category:** RECOMMENDED Having a flexible and reconfigurable workspace environment promotes DevOps adoption by allowing for customizable collaboration and communication methods that fit individual and team needs. When teams work in the office or use a hybrid approach that requires meeting in person, they require tools and equipment to support their unique ways of working. If your team is fully remote and does not ever meet in person in a designated office, this capability might not apply to your organization. Evaluate the current workspace layout and identify areas that can be reconfigured to better support in-person collaboration. Arrange the seating of teams and team members working on the same products or closely collaborating teams to be in close proximity to each other. This arrangement improves communication, collaboration, and problem resolution among team members. Provide on-site collaboration tools, such as meeting rooms, physical and virtual whiteboards, projectors, and conferencing equipment. Keep the workplace area clean, organized, and accessible for all employees. Gather feedback from teams to assess the effectiveness of the workspace environments, and make necessary improvements to be sure that they meet the needs of the teams. # [OA.AWE.5] Organize team-building activities and social events to foster a sense of community and promote collaboration **Category:** OPTIONAL Organize regular team-building activities and social events to help team members build relationships, foster a sense of community, and promote collaboration. These events can be both in-person and virtual to accommodate remote team members. Encourage employees to participate and provide feedback on these activities to collect data on how impactful or enjoyable they are. These events are more impactful for distributed teams that span multiple time zones, and cities, or work fully remote.