Cisco's new cutting-edge office based on employee needs

SINGAPORE - As companies in Singapore struggle to retain top talents and boost productivity among staff, many like DBS Edelman and Facebook are choosing to invest in building attractive and comfortable work spaces for their workers.

Most recently, Information and communications technology (ICT) firm Cisco also chose to celebrate its 20th year operating in Singapore with a new mega office, which spans 120,000 square feet and brings together 1,000 employees from its previous four offices across the island.

The new Cisco office is meant to be cutting-edge in all aspects, designed to allow employees flexible working hours and unrestrictive spaces.

Instead of providing employees with tight and cramped cubicles and managers with closed private offices, the new office is a "connected workplace", with as many as 803 work environments for employees to choose from based on their tasks-at-hand.

Employees can choose their work space according to their work needs as each environment provides different tools  and technology.

This freedom will bring about business benefits such as the reduction of real estate costs, increased productivity and employee satisfaction, Cisco says.

ljessica@sph.com.sg