Canon Middle East, a provider of imaging technologies and services, has announced the opening of Space360 within its Middle East headquarters in Dubai. Space360 is a fully functional, innovation-led space that connects minds and drives creativity within the organization, and also aims to become a center fostering collaboration between other like-minded entities.
The opening was attended by Ammar Al Malik, Executive Director for Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City, and included a tour of the new space led by Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East, concluding with a networking session and games.
During tour, Anurag said: “Our priority when planning Space360 was to put our people first because they are the talent and minds that drive innovation; and to achieve this objective, the workplace has to reflect the needs of today’s working environment. Space360 is a one-of-a-kind initiative that is a basis for how the workspace is changing in the future. We are seeing a more collaborative, creative and open approach to doing business, and this is also reflected physically in our organization which has a heritage built on pioneering innovations. We are already noticing a change in mindsets and a more optimistic and productive atmosphere in the office, and the positive, happy energy is contagious.”
Space360 is part of the Canon’s larger ‘Follow Your Happiness’ campaign which was launched last year and driven by three pillars: Future, Youth, and Happiness, creating an interconnected Canon eco-system of employee engagement. Falling within the Future pillar, Space360 provides the physical space and tools for Canon’s employees to grow professionally within the organization through learning opportunities, training, and other collaborative engagements. Divided into three areas, Innovation, Knowledge and Community, Space360 was inspired by today’s youth and transformations in the workplace that are taking place all over the world.
Initially, Canon embarked on a larger office renovation initiative last year based on extensive research, workplace space analysis and an employee survey, which resulted in Space360 becoming an integral part of the project.
“Agility and efficiency at work was one of the major points for us, and the renovation allowed us to initiate and shape new, up-to-date policies within Canon catering to today’s workplace. Space360 was specifically incorporated within the larger renovation project to offer opportunities beyond simply a new working environment. Space360 is an innovation incubator within Canon to support youth and their novel ways of doing business – which is also a direction many regional governments, such as the United Arab Emirates, is encouraging businesses to initiate as we move into a more diversified economic environment,” added Agrawal.
During a congratulatory note, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Director Dubai Internet City said: “Dubai Internet City is a community that fosters a diverse ecosystem of businesses, big and small, conducive to innovation, exchange of knowledge and best practices. We are always supportive of our partners and encourage them to grow and diversify to achieve their goals. The opening of this creative space at Canon Middle East is a good example of how we envision the future collaborating on the next big idea.”
The three sections within Space360: Innovation, Knowledge and Community, have specific functional features and are equipped with the latest technology to enable communication, messaging and engagement via various media.
The Innovation area is the launch pad for stimulating brainstorms and outside the box thinking, either between Canon’s employees or other partners, and will be the basis announcing new initiatives and projects. The Innovation Hub also features a down-time area with games for employees to have fun and mingle with colleagues.
The Knowledge area is geared for training and learning about new methods, systems and operations; it is where employees can expand their sphere of knowledge and understand how to use this information as a tool to enhance their work and grow professionally.
Finally, the Community area is for connecting and engaging with others within the organization for a more collaborative and friendly working environment. It is also a space where employees can relax, reenergise and have a meal. Set up like a garden with outdoor elements, the Community Hub also features a full-fledged kitchen ready for in-house use and employee engaging activities, such as cooking classes.
“With the launch of Space360, Canon is entering a new era of doing business and engaging with our teams. Everything in this space from the design, lighting, materials, accents, and more has been selected for the purpose of adding value, catering specifically to our employees’ well being, happiness and ability to be innovative in their work. I look forward to seeing what initiatives we launch from this space,” added Anurag.