Montreal, February 18, 2021 – Vision7 International’s Montreal-based agencies launch a pilot project to explore a new operating model and hybrid work styles, in partnership with WeWork.
Brokered by real estate services firm JLL, the flexible membership agreement will see the group’s agencies, Cossette, Cossette Media, Septième, Jungle, K72, Citizen Relations (Citoyen), Impact Research and the Colony Project, move to WeWork’s new space in the historic building located at 1010, Sainte-Catherine West in the heart of downtown Montreal, in December 2021.
“Our lease is coming to an end in the midst of a real estate market disruption. The timing is right for us to pilot a new model where we can not only enhance our employee and client experiences, but also conduct valuable research and development on what the future of work will look like for our industry,” said Louis Duchesne, President, Quebec and East, at Cossette. “WeWork’s flexible membership terms will allow us to focus on our core business, while empowering our teams with the freedom they want and the creativity enabling space they need.”
Results of an internal survey showed that when it’s safe to go back to the office, 96% of Vision7’s 400 Montreal-based employees would prefer a hybrid work model. Such a model would give them the flexibility to work remotely while also having an inspiring space for in-person collaboration to feel a sense of community at a rhythm that works for them.
“Over the past year, everyone has had to reevaluate what the future of work looks like. There has been a significant global shift and it’s become clear that the future of work will be centered on flexibility,” said Stephen Tapp, Territory Vice President of WeWork Canada. “Now more than ever before, the notion that companies must choose between entirely office-based or remote work is no longer reality. It can – and should – be both. We are thrilled to see companies like Vision7 provide flexible options for their teams to collaborate and connect in at WeWork.
Staff will have access to 35,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space specifically designed as an office that maximizes productivity and connectivity through purpose-driven and activity-based work areas. Employees will have the opportunity to test different ways of working and find a space that suits their workstyle of choice — be it a collaboration hub for meetings or a quiet space for heads-down work. They will also have access to all of WeWork’s shared spaces within the building, including lounge areas, reading nooks, phone booths for private calls, conference rooms and an on-site café.
“Managed office space and short-term commercial leases for large companies are very rare in the Montreal real estate market, but they’re something that more businesses are inquiring about, and a sign of just how much things have changed as a result of the pandemic,” says Andrew Bissett, Executive Vice-President at JLL. “It’s difficult to predict exactly what the future of work will look like, but this new forward-thinking agreement with built-in flexibility definitely puts Vision7 ahead of the curve.”
About Vision7 International
Vision7 International is a fully integrated marketing communications firm with 1250 talented people who work with a range of global brands through its network of award-winning agencies. Its full-service creative group includes Cossette, Eleven, the Camps Collective and K72. Vision7 Media is one of the world’s largest independent media planning and buying groups as well as data-driven insight marketing through its agencies Cossette Media, Jungle Media, Magnet, Impact Research, AIM and PathIQ. Vision7 International’s specialized groups include Gene, which offers consulting, product design and integrated communications support tailored to the healthcare sector and a robust international PR practice, with services offered through Citizen Relations; The Narrative Group; and The Colony Project.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.6 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 91,000 as of December 31, 2020. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.
About WeWork
WeWork is a global leader in flexible space, providing businesses of all sizes with the space, community, and services they need to run and grow their business. With over 700 locations, in 151 cities in 38 countries across the world, WeWork delivers flexible space solutions to its 542,000 members worldwide.
