Case Study:
MLSE
84,500 sq. ft.
Toronto, Ontario
Workplace Strategy
Introduction
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), a leading sports and entertainment company, partnered with Bennett Design’s Workplace Strategy team to develop a go-forward strategy for its seven-floor corporate headquarters at 50 Bay Street in Toronto. The objective was to leverage the DIG™ Workplace Strategy Program to gather data and uncover insights, enabling the creation of a dynamic, efficient, and collaborative workspace that embodies MLSE’s winning culture and brand identity. The Bennett WPS team worked closely with stakeholders to assess workspace utilization, employee needs, and opportunities for brand integration, setting the stage for a transformative redesign.
Opportunity
The discovery process revealed several key opportunities for improvement. Employees expressed a desire for better cross-departmental connectivity, more flexible and functional workspaces, and a stronger sense of brand identity within the office. Additionally, there was a need to optimize underutilized spaces, enhance collaboration areas, and provide a variety of work settings to support diverse workstyles. These insights highlighted the potential to align the physical workspace more closely with MLSE’s organizational goals and dynamic culture.
Our Approach
Bennett Design employed its DIG™ Workplace Strategy methodology to gather insights through executive visioning sessions, manager interviews, employee surveys, and focus groups. This comprehensive approach allowed the team to identify specific challenges and opportunities, such as the need for activity-based work settings, improved space adjacencies, and enhanced technology integration. The design strategy focused on creating flexible work zones, upgrading meeting and collaboration spaces, and incorporating bold, brand-centric design elements. Each floor was dedicated to a core organizational value—such as Energy, Passion, and Innovation—reinforcing MLSE’s culture and identity.
Outcome
The redesigned headquarters successfully addressed the identified challenges, creating a workplace that supports collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. Flexible work zones and activity-based settings provided employees with spaces tailored to focus, collaboration, and social interaction. Meeting and collaboration areas were upgraded with modern technology to support hybrid work, while bold graphics and distinct color palettes celebrated MLSE’s brand and core values. The redesign also incorporated sustainable and wellness-focused features, such as sit-stand workstations and universal washrooms. These changes not only improved workplace efficiency and employee engagement but also positioned MLSE as a leader in aligning workspace design with organizational culture and goals.
Key Takeaway
A well-executed workplace strategy can inform the transformation of office spaces into dynamic environments that enhance efficiency, foster collaboration, and strengthen both brand identity and employee engagement.