The Co-operators

• 5600 Cancross Court
  Mississauga, ON
  November 2008 - November 2009
  65,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

• Ergonomics
• Architectural Products
• Workplace Strategy
• Product Delivery
• Product Installation
• Asset Management
• Refurbishment
• Moves
• Cleaning & Maintenance
• Development of Workstation Standards
• Furniture
• Move Management

The HB Group space in Mississauga was not effectively meeting the needs of the growing business. They prepared a design for both floors and determined that growth could adequately be met in their current space. The mandate was to ensure that all operations of the business would be completely functional during the construction phase and furniture installation. This project, therefore, had to effectively manage all required services while keeping business continuity top of mind.

Mayhew took The Co-operators design and developed it into a working plan. Working closely with the client, Mayhew focused on the development of furniture standards and the effective use of space to accommodate growth. Mayhew also developed a detailed project plan to move approximately 350 call center staff using a swing space at an alternate location.

The result was a space that effectively met all the established criteria and represents a great working environment.

MAYHEW INGENUITY

Collaboration and scheduling at it’s finest.

Overall the most daunting aspect of this project was in the management of people movement. Each move was comprehensive and had to accommodate weekly changes to staff schedules. As the majority of staff was Call Centre, there was little flexibility. Plans and move schedules were colour coded with a great deal of detail due to the time challenges.

Mayhew was successful in realizing the client's vision specifically as it related to key common areas. The reception area was impressive, seamlessly blending the furniture into facility architecture. The main lunchroom became a flexible space where the furniture supported the functionality to create an attractive multi-use meeting space.

Mayhew worked diligently and very closely with multiple trades in order to achieve the ambitious timeline objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

The objective was to meet anticipated growth, establish furniture standards that were role specific, meet ergonomic needs, and achieve sustainability goals in design and in purchases.

Mayhew supported The Co-operators’ objective in optimizing space and natural light to the benefit of all staff. Meeting spaces were to be generous, while lunch facilities were to be functional and attractive. Workstations were to be ergonomic, comply with set standards and developed to meet the needs of a variety of users.

RESULTS

With Mayhew’s assistance:

• The use of space was optimal, allowing for a 10% growth factor.
• The design supported an environment which maximized productivity for the end users.
• Overall design successfully met The Co-operators sustainability objectives.

Mayhew services were all delivered on time and on budget.

Key Advantages of the Design

• Furniture standards supported the varying needs of staff.
• Ergonomic elements were incorporated in all workspaces.
• Workstations were designed in a neutral colour palette for longevity.
• Punches of colour and a strong pattern were incorporated in the floors, walls, seating and artwork.
• The overall design optimized the use of the entire space ensuring greater efficiencies throughout.

Sustainable Design Features

• The space was designed with longevity and with sustainability in the selection of building materials and furniture.
• Staff seating is made from recycled materials and is 97% recyclable.
• All furniture purchased meets corporate ergo standards and is fully adjustable to suit all individuals.
• More energy efficient suspended light fixtures reflect light upward and downward without creating glare.
• All private spaces and offices have individual light switches to control energy consumption.
• Overall space has been designed to encourage staff to informally meet in various coffee rooms, main lunchroom, stand up bars, wellness lounge and games room.
• Meeting rooms are fully equipped with the technology to support the business needs.
• Every effort made to use as much of existing furniture as possible. Balance of the furniture donated to local schools/charities
• The furniture standard was developed comprising fewer components resulting in optimum efficiencies.
• New HVAC system operates in tandem with existing bldg control system so optimal energy savings could be achieved.
• As part of The Co-operators wellness program, informal meeting spaces were created, wellness lounge was built and games room provided.
• Implementation of soft phone technology resulting in a more effective tool for call centre staff to use while reducing number of phone sets required.
• Every effort was made to recycle as much of the construction materials as possible and all metal was stripped so it could be recycled.