This short report aims to highlight the most important findings to emerge from a survey conducted by the Disruption project into the impacts of the recent workplace reorganisation implemented by the City of York Council (CYC). As part of the reorganisation CYC consolidated its offices and workforce in 2013 from 17 sites to just 2 sites, West Offices and Hazel Court. In addition CYC also introduced new working practices that encouraged flexible working hours, ‘hot-desking’ and working from home. This was necessitated by a deliberate decision to reduce the desk space available at the two new sites compared to the previous 17 sites.

The two new initiatives had the potential to cause disruption, both positive and negative, to CYC employees in a number of ways. The consolidation of office space might lead to longer or shorter commuting journeys for employees, a potential change in routes, a potential change in modes and more/less complex trip chaining, (e.g. dropping children at school on the way to work). New working practices might be welcomed by some employees who enjoy the flexibility they can bring and less welcomed by others who prefer more structure and an office environment. They might lead to productivity gains at the individual and organisational level, or losses if employees are not able to connect and engage with colleagues at appropriate times.
WP3 – CYC_Reorganisation_Final Report June 2015