Change management in the context of the relocation to a new building for the VRT

The challenge

In 2028, the VRT will leave its current buildings and move into a high-tech new development on the same site. The existing building on Reyerslaan will be replaced by a horizontally designed building in which collaboration is central. Each floor of the new VRT house will have its own distinct identity. One floor will be dedicated to news production, bringing together VRT NWS, Sporza and Radio 1. The production floor will house the new VRT Studios, the technical teams and the various radio brands. Support services and management will be located on the top floor. With this new building, the VRT aims to respond to the latest technological developments in the media landscape. In addition to large radio and television studios, the entire building will be designed to enable flexible media production. There will be no assigned workstations, but rather so-called neighbourhoods where teams can work together on their media projects.

Our approach

Through a framework agreement, brainmove was appointed to support the VRT throughout this major change process, impacting all 2,000 employees. Changing the course of a large ship requires an early start and a step-by-step approach, with every step moving in the right direction. Based on this principle, we began by mapping the current occupancy levels. We then carried out a profiling exercise to analyse future activities in the new building. In addition, dozens of focus groups were organised with various stakeholders to validate quantitative data through qualitative insights. This approach ensured that everyone was heard and actively engaged in the process. brainmove acted as a central point of contact for employees and also guided several smaller sub-projects in the lead-up to the major relocation. Throughout the process, we worked in line with the principles of the ADKAR methodology. Finally, we were responsible for the inventory of furniture, documentation and technical equipment.

Result

brainmove made a significant contribution to the success of this project through its robust evidence-based methodology. Working closely with the client, our change managers developed a unique workplace concept for a complex media organisation, fully aligned with the organisation’s values, culture and long-term vision. We supported change management in its broadest sense, while simultaneously developing a tailored workplace strategy that met the specific needs of the client.

More info: Nieuwbouw | VRT.

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