The Open House welcomed over 350 guests who explored and discovered a modernized environment designed by employees for employees and completely redefines of our ways of working.
What is a mobile and collaborative workplace?
Visitors saw first-hand how Information Technology employees are working in an open-plan workspace with unassigned seating. There are options to work sitting, standing, on a treadmill and even a stationary bike. It is also possible to work and participate in meetings remotely with the help of technology or take part spontaneous meetings in flexible meeting spaces. Most importantly, guests heard about our team and how they’ve created a collaborative environment that fosters agility to deliver innovative solutions and meaningful change at the University of Ottawa.
“And isn’t it exciting that by investing in collaboration, by investing in people, by investing in agility and flexibility, we can also increase our impact,” noted Jacques Frémont, President and Vice Chancellor during his opening remarks.
Guests were welcomed with opening remarks made by Mr. Jacques Frémont; Mr. Robert Bourgeois, Acting Vice-Rector for Resources; Mr. Marc-Antoine Joly, Associate Vice-Rector Facilities; and Mr. Martin Bernier, Chief Information Officer. They emphasized the importance of the spirit of collaboration and congratulated the members of the staff working committees and partners on campus who made the workspace possible. Mr. Bernier highlighted how it was a team effort to create the space and the guidelines for working in the space. To cap off the opening remarks, a humorous ‘ribbon’-cutting ceremony saw the traditional scissors replaced with large bolt cutters and the ribbon by an electric wire
(to represent our move to mobile and the flexibility and agility to work or collaborate anywhere). What a great way to celebrate a new digital initiative!
During the event, visitors also talked with IT experts to learn not only about our initiatives, but also the means taken to successfully collaborate and operate in the new work environment. In true ‘by employees, for employees’ fashion, workspace tours were led by Information Technology staff who could really speak to all the features and why they were chosen.
Visitor and partner feedback
“I would like to thank the CIO-IT office for inviting the UOITP group to the open house. This kind of collaborating effort is a progressive and exciting gesture on your behalf. We are grateful for being part of the unveiling of your new work space and wish you continued success with it.” – Mike Murphy, Supervisor uOttawa Science Electronics Shop
« The open house was a great chance for us to see what such a space could look like in our own environments. Those on the IT team I had conversations with were enthusiastic about their new environment and the flexibility it offers for various types of work. It would be nice to see other spaces at the University be transformed this way.» Alain Erdmer, Director General, Teaching and Learning Support Service (TLSS)
Visit our workspace!
If you would like to experience this dynamic mobile and collaborative workspace in-person, share your coordinates to receive information about a guided tour of our space.
