With an ever-evolving workforce, working professionals and employers now expect a flexible work environment in which creativity and collaboration can thrive. We speak to Mr. Low Chee Wah, Frasers Centrepoint Singapore’s Head of Retail and Commercial, on how Frasers Tower has been designed to meet the changing demands of Singapore’s workforce.

Q: Why the rise in the co-working trend?

LCW: As the nature of work becomes more complicated, more companies see the need to provide employees the right working space that inspires innovation, creativity and the habit of working collectively. Consequently, developers are creating spaces with less physical barriers. This results in stronger synergy across functions, as workers have frequent brainstorming sessions to discuss, collaborate and share ideas. 

What companies have adopted from the co-working trend is the flexibility for employees to participate in community activities. These creates more opportunities for bonding and networking and contributes to a better balance of work, live and play. The shift towards a gig economy and a rise in the number of smaller businesses or freelancers also contributes to the increasing demand for co-working spaces.

Q: How was Frasers Tower designed to accommodate evolving working styles in the age of co-working?

LCW: Developers like us have to consider the current and future business needs when we design new properties. We recognise that the workplace is changing and work may no longer be confined to the desk. Therefore, we have included in the design of Frasers Tower four community zones designed to promote greater community interaction and integration.

The Sky is where tenants can enjoy tranquillity and panoramic views of the city as they converge at the roof garden to enjoy some downtime. 

For social events and town hall sessions, The Terrace located on level 4, is a communal breakout area ideal for creative thinking and networking events in an uplifting green environment. It is even equipped with foosball tables and resting pods. 

For a wide range of food and beverage options at the doorstep, tenants can hang out at the retail podium called The Oasis. It is located next to the office tower and features a roof garden. 

Also unique to Frasers Tower is a park of its own called The Park. It is linked to Telok Ayer Park and features lush greenery for tenants that need temporary respite or to experience dining at the cafe/bistro located within.

Tenants can make use of the space for events such as their town hall meetings or cocktail parties. There are also plans to put in place executive wellness programmes where tenants can participate in social events such as inter-company competitons, yoga sessions or simply to relax at the resting pods amidst the lush greeneries with water features. We equip the zone with free Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows our Tenants to plug-and-play anywhere and enjoy working beyond their office areas. We want our Tenants to feel at home and have a sense of belonging at Frasers Tower.

Q: The first lease signed for Frasers Tower is with a serviced office operator, how does Frasers Tower accommodate to the needs of such tenants?

LCW: Our first tenant The Executive Centre (TEC), a leading serviced office provider, has rented an entire floor covering 20,000 sq ft. They will have the infrastructure to run businesses, with workstations and meeting rooms, along with IT and telecommunications. Also, they will incorporate shared and social workplaces where different businesses can interact.

TEC was attracted to the idea that Frasers Tower is strategically located at the commercial gateway to the core CBD, while its flexible workspace allows customisation to meet their clients’ demand for exclusive corporate and recreational spaces. As the requirements for workspace is changing and workers no longer just work at their desks, TEC also appreciates the various community zones and provision of WI-FI connectivity across the entire building which encourages stronger interaction and collaboration.

Other companies that have shown interest in relocating to Frasers Tower include those from legal services, multi-sector conglomerates, and technology.

Frasers Tower is designed to meet the demands of the changing workforce of tomorrow and is expected to be completed by mid-2018.

Read more of what Mr. Low Chee Wah (Head, Retail & Commercial, Frasers Centrepoint Singapore) and Ms. Yvonne Lim (Regional Director – Australia, Indonesia & Singapore, The Executive Centre) have to say about Frasers Tower on Channel NewsAsia.