What is the Future of Work initiative?
Acknowledging the changing landscape of work
The Future of Work (FoW) initiative is a hybrid work strategy that acknowledges the changing landscape of work. It encompasses flexible working arrangements, the integration of technology, and the creation of adaptable spaces to accommodate diverse work styles and preferences. This strategy aims to strike a balance between remote work, on-campus presence, and collaborative spaces that encourage innovation and creativity.
A hybrid work strategy roadmap will be developed to outline the steps and milestones necessary to implement and sustain a successful hybrid work model specific to George Brown College. This roadmap will drive technology integration, policy development, workspace design standards, capital planning/renovations, cultural integration/employee well-being, training and development, and ongoing evaluation.
FoW Phase 2
The FoW initiative started with the launch of a pilot at 230 Richmond St. E., in October 2022. Building on learnings from the pilot, we’re moving ahead with phase 2, leveraging change management and integrated design strategies with a focus on cutting-edge design standards and innovative workplace practices.
Our primary goal is to elevate and optimize working places and spaces across campus and digital environments to meet the evolving needs of our diverse workforce. Phase 2 is being supported by a team of consultants with industry-leading expertise in change enablement, workplace consulting, design, Indigenous engagement, and workplace culture training:
- JLL Canada
- Christensen and Co
- Ron Deganadus McLester
- Metrix
Goals
- Implement a flexible work model that accommodates diverse working styles, allowing faculty and staff to balance on-site and remote work effectively.
- Utilize space effectively by reimagining physical environments to support a hybrid work culture, reallocating spaces to suit evolving academic needs, and ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
- Ensure seamless integration of technology tools and resources to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in physical and virtual environments.
- Support equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity, anti-racism and neurodivergent abilities in new work models.
- Align the FoW strategy with academic goals, ensuring that the hybrid work model supports the delivery of high-quality education and enhances the student learning experience.
- Ensure equitable access to resources and support services for all faculty, staff, and students, irrespective of their location or mode of work, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Create a hybrid work model that is scalable and replicable across existing and new environments.
- Offer opportunities for professional development and training to faculty and staff for adapting to new teaching methodologies, technologies, and work practices within the hybrid work environment.
- Allow FoW Roadmap to inform the Campus Master Plan.
- Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation through hybrid workspaces that encourage interaction, idea-sharing, and cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty, staff, and students.
Benefits
College Benefits
Talent Acquisition: Attract and retain an in-demand and highly capable workforce.
This leads to the following benefits for employees and students:
- Meaningful Connections for Employees: Collegial relationship-building/exposure and community-building.
- Exposure for Students: Connection to industry leaders and subject matter experts.
College Benefits
Productivity: Diverse working environments to improve efficiency and output.
This leads to the following benefits for employees and students:
- Work/Life Balance for Employees: Greater flexibility to support well-being and work-life balance.
- Health and Wellness for Students: Positive learning experience through improved access to services.
College Benefits
Business Development: Agility in how we do business to stimulate new ideas, initiatives and practices.
This leads to the following benefits for employees and students:
- Professional Development for Employees: Exposure to new ways of teaching, learning, and service delivery.
- Skills Development for Students: Educational experience reflective of industry and digital best practices.
College Benefits
Future-proofing: Flexibility in space and operations to allow for ongoing and responsive change.
This leads to the following benefits for employees and students:
- Meaningful Connections for Employees: Collegial relationship-building/exposure and community-building.
- Flexibility for Students: Increased opportunities for personalization of education and curriculum development.
College Benefits
Found Space: Reinvestment of existing space afforded by improved utilization.
This leads to the following benefits for employees and students:
- Progressive Working Environments for Employees: Facilities that are innovative, collaborative and progressive.
- Progressive Learning Environments for Students: Found space to create state-of-the-art learning facilities that are flexible, adaptable and experiential.
We want to hear from you!
Input from the GBC community is crucial as we shape the future of our work environments and develop a roadmap to implement a FoW plan.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to actively engage in this transformative journey. We'll be hosting workshops, town halls and feedback sessions where you can share your ideas.
Together, let's shape a future of work that reflects our values, aspirations, and commitment to excellence at GBC.
