Prudential, a leading financial services company, aspired to become one of the top five employers of choice in Singapore. They faced the challenge of fostering trust, aligning values, and transforming their corporate culture to attract and retain top talent. To achieve this ambitious goal, Prudential sought the expertise of our industry-leading workplace design team.

Using the principles of Design Thinking, we embarked on a journey to better understand the people we were designing for - the employees of Prudential. Through four days of observation studies, we delved into the company's business synergies to apply them to spatial adjacencies. We collaborated with change champions work groups and conducted co-creation workshops to ensure a holistic and inclusive design solution.

Our insight statement revealed the key to success: cultivating a workplace that amplifies individual purpose and empowers ownership. With this in mind, our design solution took shape.

The design concept embodies the nurturing and safeguarding of a diverse community, drawing inspiration from seeds in a shell, symbolising growth and protection. The concept fosters agile community development and resonates throughout the planning process.

Prudential's 'Workplayce' design solution harmoniously merges creativity, collaboration, and wellness. Embracing activity-based working, the dynamic space empowers employees to work on their terms, maximising productivity and satisfaction. The vibrant community drives innovation in collaborative areas, promoting teamwork and idea sharing. Additionally, serene nature-inspired retreats offer employees spaces for rejuvenation and renewal, promoting overall well-being.

An activity-based working approach empowers employees to choose how and where they work, resulting in improved productivity and efficiency. The inclusion of serene nature-inspired retreats provided a sense of calm and tranquillity, encouraging employees to take much-needed breaks and return to their tasks refreshed and motivated.

The transformation was marked by a shift in the corporate culture - TRUST IN CHANGE. Before the redesign, the company aspired to be one of the top five employers of choice in Singapore. Following the implementation of our design solution, Prudential rose from 42nd in 2017 to 11th in 2018 in the list of preferred employers in the region.

By amplifying individual purpose and empowering ownership, the new environment fostered a sense of belonging and trust among employees.

Prudential's 'Workplayce' became a symbol of growth and protection, where employees feel nurtured and valued. The agile community development created a collaborative atmosphere, sparking innovation and creative problem-solving with ⅓ of the space being used for meet and greet spaces and front of house. Prudential's 'Workplayce' saw a 100% reduction in enclosed offices with 50% free seating.

The overall outcome was a thriving and dynamic workplace that not only aligned with Prudential's values but also positioned them as an employer of choice in the highly competitive job market of Singapore. The successful transformation instilled a sense of pride among employees and reinforced Prudential's commitment to nurturing and safeguarding its diverse community.