Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 Facilities Town Hall. Whether you attended during the day or joined a night or weekend session, your presence helped make this a meaningful and energizing event.
These gatherings — held once or twice a year — are a chance to come together as one Facilities team. Together, we reflect on the work we’ve done, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to the priorities that will shape the year ahead.
Who we are
Facilities is made up of nine departments working together to steward UBC’s academic and administrative buildings, land, utilities infrastructure, and public realm. Our mission is to ensure these spaces function effectively, sustainably, and meaningfully for the UBC community. As part of the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) portfolio, our work supports the university’s academic mission through thoughtful operations, planning, and service delivery.
Workplace Experience Survey: Your voice matters
We shared results from the 2024 UBC Workplace Experiences Survey — a valuable tool that helps us understand how staff experience their work at UBC. Facilities achieved a 41% response rate, up from 26% in 2021. Thank you for sharing your voices.
What improved:
- Work Environment
- Work/Life Integration
- Collaboration
- Small but positive gains in Professional Growth, Student Focus, and Innovation
Key focus areas moving forward:
- Communication: Improve transparency, timeliness, and reach
- Inclusion & Respect: Foster an environment where everyone feels heard and valued
- Collaboration: Strengthen cross-team connection and knowledge sharing
What you said: Reflections from the Town Hall
We asked staff two key questions at each session.
What work-related achievement are you most proud of this year?
Common responses included teamwork, collaboration, apprenticeship opportunities, and overall efficiency.
How can we work together to create a more collaborative environment?
Themes included:
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- Clear roles and accountability
- Respectful, open communication
- Kindness and listening
- Stronger team unity and trust
Your feedback shows a shared commitment to continuous improvement and a supportive workplace culture.
Customer Experience Survey Highlights
From our internal customer survey:
- 59% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied overall — an encouraging step forward.
- Awareness of Preventive Maintenance and Routine Capital programs increased.
- While core service quality measures improved overall, there is room to grow in reliability, timeliness, and efficiency.
Our Roadmap: Six strategic focus areas
We also revisited the Facilities Roadmap, which guides our efforts to support people, improve service, and build strong internal systems. Learn more about what we’ve accomplished and what comes next on the Facilities Roadmap (CWL required).
As we move into the next fiscal year, your contributions — both at the Town Hall and in your daily work — are helping shape a better Facilities for everyone.
Thank you for your dedication, your ideas, and your commitment to UBC.