Massey staff move from private offices to open plan

The university is in the middle of a major shift in how campuses are designed and used, with a strong push towards an open-plan, neighborhood style work environment for staff.  

Deputy vice-chancellor, university services Shelley Turner said this is part of Massey’s Financial Sustainability Plan, aimed at right-sizing campuses to better utilise space and secure a sustainable future. 

“We acknowledge that it takes time for staff to adapt but we are committed to working with staff so that their workspaces support the way they work - with spaces for focus and privacy, collaboration and meeting with staff and students.” 

Particularly on the Albany campus, where staff and students need to vacate buildings to prepare for lease, there’s a chance for Massey to change how things are set up.  

Auckland is already home to examples of this new model, with the Innovation Complex and Sir Neil Waters buildings housing staff in open-plan layouts.  

Turner said the shift come with changes to staff’s working habit. Many opt for a hybrid approach — sometimes working from home, sometimes from their campus office, or sometimes working collaboratively from other places on campus. 

Staff who are needing to move and adapt to new workspaces are involved via design workshops, to ensure their needs. “It is important we hear staff views on their workspace requirements so that we can develop functional environments that staff genuinely want to work in,” Turner said.

The university is collaborating with Architectus Aotearoa on the areas to met staff and student needs while making best use of space.