It is without question that the workspace of a small and dreary cubicle stimulates minimal excitement. This conventional work environment characterized by the ‘nine-to-five grind’ has been refuted and reconstructed by the national telecom, TELUS. The company’s revolutionary and innovative ideology led to the construction of the Telus Garden, located in downtown Vancouver. The design of this recently-built structure embodies the ambitions of the company; it incorporates “the most state-of-the-art workplace technologies, [while] shifting 50% of the employees to working on a mobile basis.” ¹ The Telus Garden is a result of the alternative workplace philosophy that believes in allowing employees to have a flexible work environment. TELUS’s valuation of an employee’s overall wellbeing propelled the company to create the cultural landscape, Work Styles.

Work Styles is part of TELUS’ focus on developing a high-performing team that is intrinsically motivated, and has “increased productivity among employees [. A] recent independent study found employee engagement at 80 per cent, which put Telus in the top one per cent globally.”² From the perspective of the employees, this work program provides freedom to go about their daily lives in a way that suits them. This creates a larger sense of accountability and ownership throughout the workplace, which has led to an increase in productivity and efficiency. Therefore, TELUS’ alternative workplace program has tangible and quantifiable benefits while also reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions.³ TELUS is clearly ahead of the trend toward mobility in the workforce, and has reaped significant benefits from allowing employees to work in such a way that would suit their individual needs. TELUS is the first of many companies to recognize the needs of their employees and view them as individuals. This has lead the company to have increased team engagement thus positively impacting the experience of customers.

Telus Garden Offices / office of mcfarlane biggar

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References:

1. “Telus garden.” Office of mcfarlane biggar architects designers. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
2. Toneguzzi, Mario. “Program creates flexible work environment.” Www.canada.com. N.p., 24 June 2013. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
3.  McIntosh, Sandy. “Work Styles: a view into TELUS’ flexible work program.” Blog TELUS. N.p., 10 June 2013. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.