Federal Government Partners with LAUFT for Flexible Co-Working Spaces

The federal government is embracing flexibility in the workplace with a $13.8 million contract awarded to LAUFT Inc., a Toronto-based company specializing in on-demand workspaces. The partnership, led by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), will introduce co-working spaces for public servants in the National Capital Region (NCR), with the first site opening in Gatineau next month.

The three-year trial contract, awarded in 2022, reflects a shift toward more adaptable work environments amidst ongoing debates about return-to-office (RTO) policies. Jesse Sharratt, LAUFT’s co-founder, emphasized the relevance of their approach in light of these discussions, stating that it offers a “fresh and relevant perspective on the future of work.”

The new Gatineau workspace will serve PSPC employees on their designated “flex” days—days when staff can choose to work outside their primary office location. While many public servants are now required to be in the office three days a week (and executives four days), this co-working space provides a flexible alternative. PSPC spokesperson Jullian Paquin clarified that the Gatineau site is part of a trial to evaluate the viability of third-party workspace solutions, with potential plans for additional locations across the NCR.

The trial aligns with broader government efforts to optimize its real estate portfolio. In August, the federal government launched the Canada Public Land Bank to lease underused properties for housing development. LAUFT’s pilot locations are strategically placed outside the downtown core, offering shorter commutes and amenities like free parking. CEO Graham Wong highlighted areas like Kemptville and Kanata as possible future sites, though their development depends on PSPC’s decisions and other departments’ interest.

This trial differs from the government’s existing GC co-working program, which has established 13 satellite offices since 2019. However, both initiatives aim to provide flexible, modern workspace solutions for public servants.

As hybrid work models continue to evolve, LAUFT’s innovative spaces may pave the way for a new era of workplace design, offering public servants greater choice and convenience in where they work.

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