Goodbye cubicles, hello modern open-concept workspaces. The Legault government is planning an initial envelope of $105 million to redevelop the offices of civil servants according to the latest trends, even if they will continue to telework part-time.
The mythical workstations separated by brown screens will soon be ancient history in ministries and public bodies.
State employees will eventually be able to take advantage of new “collaborative” spaces that are up to date and look like lounge when they come to the office.
Screenshot
The new workspace layout concept at the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) in Quebec City
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Quebec is releasing an initial amount of $105 million over ten years to modernize the workplaces of civil servants, we can read in the budget tabled Tuesday by Minister Eric Girard.
But beware, this kitty does not include the megaprojects for the redevelopment of the two largest civil servant office towers that belong to the government, namely the Marie-Guyart building in Quebec City, nicknamed Complex G, and 600 rue Fullum in Montreal. . Only the studies for these two major projects are calculated.
Hybrid work
Hybrid work will now be the norm among state employees, even after the pandemic, recently announced the president of the Treasury Board, Sonia Lebel.
Photo Chantal Poirier
Two redevelopment megaprojects are also in the plans at 600 rue Fullum, in Montreal, and at the Marie-Guyart building, in Quebec City. These are the two largest civil servant office towers owned by the government.
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For two years, the ministries have been deserted. Part of the civil servants began a gradual return to office since February 28. As of April 4, the return to face-to-face for a minimum of two days a week should affect 100% of the staff of departments and agencies.
“Stay Competitive”
As an employer, the government wants to “remain competitive” and “provide an attractive environment”. This is why it will provide collaborative spaces without assigned space and multifunctional premises that promote teamwork for public servants.
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
Two redevelopment megaprojects are also in the plans at 600 rue Fullum, in Montreal, and at the Marie-Guyart building, in Quebec City. These are the two largest civil servant office towers owned by the government.
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While the labor shortage is raging, the state considers this rejuvenation cure “necessary”. Employees should not only enjoy good benefits, but also an attractive working environment.
“It is important to provide attractive environments and ensure the retention of our resources. It also requires work environments that are stimulating. We are all in competition for the same workforce, “says the director general of space management at the Société québécoise des infrastructures, Jimmy Tremblay.
Rent savings
Departments and agencies will be consulted on the metamorphoses to be carried out. But the new layouts will still have to be sober and functional.
Courtesy picture
The modern offices installed at the head office of the Société québécoise des infrastructures in Quebec City.
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“We want it to be pleasant, from there to saying that there will be palm trees and hammocks, big beanbags, I don’t think that will be the formula that will be deployed,” warns Mr. Tremblay.
Quebec ultimately provides for rent savings of 127 million over ten years at the end of this exercise in modernizing workplaces.
The investments will make it possible, in the long term, to optimize the buildings that are owned by the government and to repatriate workers who are currently in rented places.
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