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As part of this, Schneider Electric also established its first large-scale Innovation Hub in Asia. The hub is a co-innovation platform with world-class facilities, enabling the global energy management and automation firm to develop tailored solutions to optimise energy efficiencies for building, healthcare, data center, oil and gas and utilities segments.
Spanning over 18,500 sqm and home to over 1,200 employees, the hub will bring together software engineers, solution architects and research scientists to work on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ - its open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform.
As per Schneider Electric’s commitment to becoming fully carbon neutral by 2030, the new HQ was retrofitted at a cost of S$23 million and is Schneider Electric’s first building in East Asia & Japan to use a hybrid electricity power source powered by solar panels installed onsite and offsite. Powered by Schneider Electric’s own smart building management solutions, it is the first office building to qualify for a BCA Green Mark Platinum Award by the Building and Construction Authority for Existing Non-Residential Building Pilot Version 2017.
In line with the launch, Human Resources spoke to Wendy Foong, vice president, human resources, East Asia and Japan Operations, Schneider Electric, to find out how the new energy efficient workspace impacts work culture and productivity, as well as gain a few tips on how to redesign a workspace. Here’s what she has to say.
"In our new East Asia & Japan headquarters in Singapore, over 1,200 employees work together within an open and vibrant office space. We are walking the talk by designing our hub to be both a productive working environment and model of energy efficiency. The office is powered by our own EcoStruxure solution, an IoT enabled system and architecture, to deliver reliability, efficiency and connectivity for our customers and employees. Also, our new office space has been built with our employees in mind which are designed with co-working spaces conducive for collaborative work. We have received many positive feedback from our employees about our new work spaces."
Q I understand that one of the core concepts behind this new workspace is energy efficiency. What is the people impact of this?
Our new workspace has state-of-the-art facilities that create an engaging and sustainable environment for our employees. We strongly believe that an enhanced and conducive work environment allows our people to achieve their full potential.
Our employees are our ambassadors and sustainability is at the core of our business strategy. As such focusing on becoming more energy efficient not only develops a sense of pride as we benefit from our own solutions, but also connects to our meaningful purpose and inspires a work culture towards the well-being of the environment and society.
Q How does an open and vibrant workplace help with the company culture?
An open and vibrant workplace allows us to create a culture that inspires healthy behaviours and lifestyles, resulting in holistic well-being. We want to develop a positive environment that facilitates the work and social activities of our employees. The workspace addresses the four dimensions of well-being – physical, mental, emotional, social – of our employees, increasing their work satisfaction and overall work productivity.
Co-working space
Q What are three ways an engaging office space help improve productivity?
Firstly, it helps to increase employee satisfaction at the workplace. When employees are engaged with the workspace, it helps to increase overall employee morale and they become more motivated workers.
Secondly, an engaging office space allows employees to better interact with their coworkers and the company. It provides a space where they feel comfortable and can act on their passion for their work, encouraging innovation in the workplace.
Thirdly, it helps to promote a fun and positive working culture. It enables employees, who are driven by their work, to go beyond to achieve greater success for themselves and the company.
Q What advice would you give other companies that are planning on redecorating their offices?
Companies should look to create an office that is open and collaborative, while being energy efficient and sustainable. Additionally, having a flexible working environment is equally important to ensuring employees’ well-being. When employees are happy at work, they become more productive and success driven. It is important for companies to do right by their people as well as the environment.
Scroll through the gallery to check out more photos of Schneider Electric's new East Asia and Japan HQ.
[gallery link="file" ids="101773,101772,101771,101768"]Photos / provided
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