News
October 6, 2022
Statement from Anita Cassidy, About Cogeco’s Leadership Team’s Future Insights
October 6, 2022 | Burlington, ON
As part of the corporate calling program, Burlington Economic Development staff met with members of Cogeco’s leadership team to learn about the company’s future space strategy. We feel it is important to convey to the community that these changes are ones that we feel will benefit Burlington’s local economy.
Cogeco is one of Burlington’s largest employers, employing more than 1,000 jobs across office and retail in Burlington. They have been in Burlington for more than 30 years and are a leader in the telecommunications industry.
We learned of Cogeco’s plans to evolve into a hybrid workplace, which means offering their employees the option of hybrid and remote work conditions for the long-term. Naturally, this decision also comes with the realization that they will no longer require the full three floors they are currently occupying at 950 Syscon Road. With more than half of their workforce working from home all or part of the time, Cogeco plans to reduce their footprint to a single floor.
Over the next few weeks, Cogeco will begin working with local real estate partners to attract and lease the top two floors of the building. Cogeco has assured us they have no plans to sell or vacate the building in the long-term.
We were pleased to hear that Cogeco will join the growing number of employers offering greater workplace flexibility to support the well-being of their employees. Numerous studies have come out over the last two years citing the benefits of hybrid work. One study released by Cisco Canada, conducted by Angus Reid in 2021, found that Canadian employees want workplace flexibility, and that flexible schedules lead to increased productivity and improved employee retention. It found that 77% of respondents agreed that flexibility in work location and work hours now directly influences whether they will stay at a job. In Cogeco’s case, the company also cited an 84% reduction in emissions in fiscal 2021 compared to 2019 as a result of decreased employee commuting. They have also found that for employees who are working in the office, opportunities for collaboration and stronger team morale are stronger.
We are proud to see Burlington employers like Cogeco recognizing the needs of today’s workforce and embracing workplace trends that formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a telecommunications company, we are not at all surprised that Cogeco is standing behind their networks, confidently allowing their employees to connect anywhere, anytime. They are setting an example of what’s possible when employers prepare for the future and embrace technology.
We view Cogeco’s evolution as a hybrid employer as an opportunity to attract new business and jobs to Burlington. The space features state-of-the-art connectivity, modern work areas, ample parking and it is walking distance from transit and amenities. We look forward to supporting them in showcasing the space and attracting new investment to our community.
Sometime in the next few weeks, a “For Lease” sign will go up in front of Cogeco near Harvester Road and Burloak Drive. We realize that these signs can create more questions than answers, which is why we want to be the first to reassure our community that Cogeco will remain a top Burlington employer, and they have our full support.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Burlington Economic Development