Federal public servants vie for prized co-working spaces to avoid downtown commute

Federal public servants in Ottawa are facing long waits each morning to secure a spot in one of the city’s suburban co-working spaces rather than endure the commute to their government offices downtown. Employees are queuing outside co-working offices in places like Place d’Orléans, hoping to secure one of the limited workspaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. The demand for these spaces has increased significantly, with most of them being reserved in advance.

The GCcoworking offices, established as part of a pilot project by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in 2019, aim to provide alternative workspaces for government employees. These offices are equipped with modern tools and technology to promote collaboration, innovation, and productivity. They offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, video-conferencing services, electric height-adjustable desks, power doors, and tactile signage.

While employees are required to work in the office three days a week, alternative arrangements can be made based on operational requirements. The co-working spaces offer public servants a convenient option, especially for those with long commutes. Joannie Campagna, who lives 60 kilometers from her downtown office, finds the co-working space in Ottawa’s east end to be a lifesaver, particularly when trying to balance work and family commitments.

Despite the benefits of these co-working spaces, there are challenges such as long lineups and limited availability. PSPC acknowledges that the spaces are often at full capacity and is considering expanding to offer more shared office solutions for federal public servants. The government has also signed contracts with private companies to provide flexible office space options for employees.

However, the Government Services Union has raised concerns about the current situation, describing the long lineups as unacceptable. The union’s national president, Bruce Roy, believes that the government should open more office space in suburban areas without private sector involvement. He highlights the lack of preparation before employees were ordered back to the office and calls for a more strategic approach to address the challenges faced by public servants in accessing workspace.

In conclusion, while co-working spaces offer a valuable alternative for federal public servants in Ottawa, there is a need for better planning and infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition back to the office environment. By addressing these challenges, the government can provide employees with a more efficient and productive work experience.