Creating new workplace strategies for Monash University
Melbourne's Monash University is one of the highest ranked universities in the world. When it unveiled its new Learning and Teaching Building, we helped its faculty of education change their workplace experience.
“The preparation materials that we put together prior to the move really set the scene for transitioning into the new building. The amount of positive feedback I received from staff from all areas was just amazing,”
The A$225 million Learning and Teaching Building (LTB) is located at the university’s Clayton campus and spans 29,227 square metres over four levels. The faculty of education is its main occupant, a diverse and dynamic department with 500 academic and professional staff, as well as higher degree by research (HDR) students.
We were engaged by Monash University to define a new way of working for the faculty. This collaborative process between Monash University, the faculty and the design team (John Wardle Architects) tested workplace models against the strategic vision of the university and culminated in a progressive ‘flexible-office’ workplace model.
This workplace model moved academic and professional staff out of enclosed offices and placed academics in 7.5 square metre focus rooms, while professional staff worked in an open space. HDR students adopted activity-based working with access to unassigned seats and support equipment.
Monash University recognised that its transition to the Learning and Teaching Building was more than just a physical move. So we provided dedicated change management and communication support over 12 months to prepare staff for their new way of working.
We defined clear objectives, worked with key stakeholders to develop bespoke change plans by impacted group, prototyped settings before rolling out the change in full scale, and provided regular communications and support.
Want more? Talk to the team