Shared Services Canada supports GCworkplace

GCworkplace is the new vision for the Government of Canada (GC) workplace; a vision that’s challenging what it’s like to work in government. In partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada, Shared Services Canada (SSC) is creating GCworkplaces where employees have the tools and technology they need to do their work, within spaces that promote collaboration. But GCworkplace is more than just new offices and furniture. It’s about the people.

SSC’s Communications Branch has transitioned to a GCworkplace work environment and we documented their journey along the way. Follow our employees as they move to a modernized mobile work space and watch the videos below to learn more.

Preparing for a move to GCworkplace

Meet Claudia, Elizabeth, Emmanuel, Nick, and Anna - our GCworkplace move ambassadors! Learn about their current working styles and what steps they’re taking to prepare for the transition to the new workspace.

Although the unassigned seating and open spaces are going to be a huge change for employees, our move ambassadors are excited for the new workplace and to try out the different work points.

Transcript – Meet Our GCworkplace Move Ambassadors

Narrator: Shared Services Canada’s Communications Branch is moving to a GCworkplace work environment.

Let’s meet our move ambassadors!

Claudia (Strategic Account Manager): You’ll often see me going from building to building depending on where my meetings take me. My working style is really flexible, so as long as I have my tablet and Wi-Fi, the location is irrelevant to me.

Elizabeth (Graphic Designer): I would say that my work style is flexible and easy-going. As a graphic designer, I have to adjust my day according to the priorities that come up. I value creativity and prefer face-to-face time when working with my colleagues and clients.

Emmanuel (Speech Writer): As a speech writer, my working style is organized and detail oriented, so I like to work in a quiet environment to concentrate.

Nick (Director General): I’m always on the go. I value flexibility and collaboration with my team. My schedule is always changing, but I still need to get my work done.

Anna (Issues Manager): I try to keep up with our Director General! I make sure he has the information he needs for his meetings and I keep him on track in his never-ending approvals and action items. We are a team.

Claudia: I’m attending the information session to learn about our new workplace and ask questions. I’m excited about the new workplace– the technology is going to make brainstorming with colleagues and clients in other locations so much easier.

Elizabeth: The unassigned seating and open spaces are going to be a huge change. Since the new environment is paper-light, we’ve started cleaning up our files. We organized a clean-up day and encourage everyone do the same.

Emmanuel: I’m looking forward to trying the different workstations because I can use the collaboration area to work with my team and also find a quiet spot to write.

Nick: My job is to support employees in their transition to GCworkplace. I’ve been providing regular move updates and coordinating move information sessions and tours to help employees understand their new work environment. I’m excited to be working closer with my team!

Narrator: Follow our move ambassadors on their journey to their new GCworkplace.

Stay tuned for updates!

Welcome to GCworkplace

SSC is on the move! Follow our move ambassadors as they unpack their boxes and settle into their new space.

There are a variety of work points in the new GCworkplace – 100% height adjustable work stations, focus pods, open collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and more. The transition to the new way of working will take some getting used to, but our employees are off to a great start.

Transcript – Welcome to GCworkplace

Narrator: Shared Services Canada is on the move! Follow our Communications Branch employees as they settle into their new GCworkplace.

Follow our journey to GCworkplace. Stay tuned for updates!

Settling into GCworkplace

Our boxes are unpacked, and our employees have settled into their GCworkplace. Check in with our move ambassadors to see how they’re adapting to their new space.

Claudia, Elizabeth, Emmanuel, Nick, and Anna each share experiences about how the workplace meets their unique needs. They also provide advice and tips for other employees who are about to embark on the transition to a GCworkplace.

Transcript – Check in with our GCworkplace move ambassadors

Narrator: Shared Service Canada’s Communications Branch has moved to a GCworkplace work environment. Let’s check in with our move ambassadors to see how they’re adapting to their new workplace!

Elizabeth (Graphic designer): As a graphic designer, the bright and open spaces inspires me. I’m at my best when brainstorming with my team so I love our collaboration spaces. It’s easy to work with my colleagues and clients and find creative solutions.

Emmanuel (Speech writer): As a speech writer, I often need a quiet spot to concentrate. Before, that spot always had to be my desk, even when nearby noise and distractions made it hard to work. But in the new GCworkplace, I take advantage of the many quiet zones and focus pods. Although the new way of working took some getting used to, I now have the freedom to move throughout the day to the space that best suits the task I’m working on.

Claudia (Strategic account manager): I want the technology and the tools I need to do my work – and GCworkplace delivers just that. I’m finding it really easy to adapt. Reliable technology helps me be efficient with my time and my tasks. There is Wi-Fi everywhere and I can easily use the videoconference equipment when working with colleagues across Canada.

Nick (Director General, GCworkplace co-champion): Flexibility and independence are big for me. GCworkplace promotes mobility, creativity and well-being through variety and choice. Employees love being able to choose where and how they work. I can see that they are happy and it shows in the quality of the work they do every day.

Anna (Issues Manager): Keeping up with our Director General is easy in our new open space. It makes him easy to spot and more accessible to employees. There’s always keep a closed office available for private discussions or urgent meetings to address issues as they arise. It helps us work smarter.

Elizabeth: My advice is to explore your new space. Try all of the different work points available – there is something for everyone. I think, regardless of level, we can all benefit from more collaborative and versatile work spaces.

Emmanuel: I would encourage everyone to think digital first. Our new work environment promotes a digital culture – with GCdocs paperless file storage, digital collaboration tools like instant messaging, and even virtual communication by video conferencing.

Claudia: As a manager, part of my job is to help employees settle into their new workspace. I encourage my team to:

  • complete their pre and post-move surveys. Their feedback will help improve future GCworkplace office spaces and moves.
  • it also makes use of available information and resources before a move. They really help smooth the transition to the new workplace.

Nick: Work is not a place or an office you go to. It’s a thing you do. A successful transition to GCworkplace requires this shift in thinking. Shared Services Canada supports GCworkplace and I am proud to work with other key players to transform the experience of working for the Government of Canada.

Narrator: Thank you for following our move ambassadors on their journey to their new GCworkplace.

The future of work

The journey to GCworkplace is transforming how employees work, so they can be as productive as possible in delivering programs and services to Canadians. With our modern workspaces, we’re doing things differently, like:

GCworkplace also supports the vision for Beyond2020 to change mindsets and behaviors for an agile, inclusive and equipped Public Service. Where the vision for the workforce goes, the vision for the workplace goes as well!

For more about the benefits of GCworkplace, visit the GCworkplace: A modern workplace for the new public service page.

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