Better workplaces help attract and retain better people, generate better results

EY opens new offices in Calgary and Edmonton, more planned for 2017

CALGARY, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ - With more generations in the workforce than ever before, businesses are being challenged to offer workplaces and cultures that appeal to a diverse range of people. With that in mind, EY moved into a new office in Calgary this week that is a complete reimagining of the traditional office. The firm's Workplace of the Future combines a flexible, fluid work environment with sleek aesthetics and enhanced technology, delivering EY's people a space that reflects the firm's inclusive culture and enables high-performance teaming.

"The idea is simple," says Kent Kaufield, EY's Energy Market Managing Partner. "We're giving our people a better place to work. The new space reflects where our firm's culture intersects with our people's expectations. The design enables them to work smarter and more efficiently, and the flexibility to manage their careers with the wider aspects of their lives."

EY recently released research on generations, which finds flexibility is the most important workplace perk among the non-cash/benefits perks (18% of respondents rank it first). In fact, Gen X said they would be more likely to walk away from their current job in the absence of day-to-day flexibility (38% vs. 33% of Gen Y and 25% of boomers). Gen X respondents also rated flexibility as the most important perk (21%) over top-notch benefits (19%).

"Having the flexibility to achieve personal and professional goals contributes to greater engagement, which is a leading indicator of revenue growth," says Stephen Shea, EY's Canadian Managing Partner, Talent. "When we support flexibility, we are better able to attract and retain the best talent – and that contributes to engagement and revenue growth. This is enhancing the services we offer our clients on a global scale."

To date, Workplace of the Future has been implemented in 57 EY offices globally and another 15 offices are planned through December 2016. In Canada, Halifax and St. John's moved to Workplace of the Future in 2014, Edmonton moved in January 2016 and Calgary just opened its doors last week. Toronto and Montreal will move in 2017.

Highlights:

• Workplace of the Future is designed around how EY people work, not where they sit.
• People can choose which work space to use, regardless of level, based on the task at hand.
• It is fluid: someone could sit in a virtual collaboration room working with colleagues in other locations and then move to a private (just in time) room to take a confidential call.
• Technology supports work in transit, at home or from client sites and ensures people can be connected to colleagues wherever they are based.

For more information, or to schedule a tour of the new space in Calgary, please contact EY's PR team.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)

Image with caption: "EY's new offices feature a bright, open spaces and state-of-the-art design components like ergonomic chairs, adjustable monitor arms and desk heights. Vibrant colors are selected to cater to the well-being of employees. (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160420_C7789_PHOTO_EN_670156.jpg

Image with caption: "Instead of traditional, enclosed offices, employees work collectively, side-by-side in open-concept environments, regardless of position. This environment fosters engagement, inclusiveness and strong teaming. (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160420_C7789_PHOTO_EN_670162.jpg

Image with caption: "The Hubs are highly collaborative, café-like spaces designed for informal meetings, impromptu collaboration, or simply short breaks. (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160420_C7789_PHOTO_EN_670158.jpg

Image with caption: "EY's new offices are home to countless open, natural light-filled spaces, set with casual soft-seating and bold, energizing colors. (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160420_C7789_PHOTO_EN_670160.jpg

Sasha Anopina, [email protected], 416 943 2637; Julie Fournier, [email protected], 514 874 4308; Leigh Kjekstad, [email protected], 604 648 3807