SAP recently unveiled its new SAP Labs Montréal, a research and development center offering the latest advances in terms of versatile workspace. Along with the other Canadian SAP Labs located in Vancouver, BC and Waterloo, ON, SAP Labs Canada has been designated by the company as one of its seven Global Research Hubs.
The office space in SAP Labs Montréal is nothing like what you’d expect from a traditional office. Instead of the usual desks permanently assigned to employees, the space is divided into “neighbourhoods” for each team. In each of them, there is a variety of flexible workspaces. Employees have, for example, the choice of a sitting or standing desk. Community spaces are also located in each neighbourhood to promote better synergy. And for more “formal” meetings, rooms of various sizes are available in each neighbourhood, equipped with state-of-the-art presentation and videoconferencing equipment.
“Our new smart office is made up of spaces designed for our activities and created to meet the demand, which gives our employees the possibility of choosing the working environment that suits them best”, says Cindy Fagen, general manager at SAP Labs Canada. “Technology is an important piece of the puzzle, which will help us design our office space even more intelligently.”
The location was also well thought out. Located at 5 Place Ville-Marie, a prestigious building in downtown Montréal, SAP Labs Montréal is close to restaurants, cafes and shops. Its central location also makes it easily accessible by public transport; the metro (subway), commuter trains, and soon the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM), a light rail system currently under construction, are accessible without even having to step outside, and ample parking is also available.
A key element of the success of this new location is undoubtedly the SAP Flex Connect mobile application. It allows employees to book a workspace in advance that suits their needs. They can also book meeting spaces. A partnership with Ritual, a Canadian meal delivery platform, also offers staff a multitude of meal options from nearby cafes and restaurants.
