Cogeco shrinking operations at Burlington headquarters

Burlington residents may soon see a ‘For Lease’ sign in front of the Cogeco building, but no need to worry, the local cable company isn’t going anywhere.

What’s happening, though, is Cogeco doesn’t need all the space they currently have in their corporate headquarters at 950 Syscon Rd., near Burloak Dr. and Harvester Rd.

“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,” said Anita Cassidy, executive director of Burlington Economic Development.

“Naturally, this decision also comes with the realization that they will no longer require the full three floors they are currently occupying. 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. They have also said 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,” said Cassidy.

“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.

“It’s great to see one of Burlington’s largest employers, Cogeco, adapt to meet the needs of its employees, while staying in our community,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

“This announcement presents a unique opportunity to attract new investments to our city in a great location.”

Cogeco is one of Burlington’s largest employers, with 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.