The abundance of natural light, calming greenery, and plants creates an incredibly serene atmosphere. Situated on the 17th floor of One-North in Singapore, the office boasts breathtaking panoramic views. And then there’s the sheer size of the space…
Garena Online, a Singapore-based Asian internet company offering services like digital content, e-commerce, and payments, has gone above and beyond to design a welcoming 7,500 square meter office. This effort aims to attract and retain top talent, essential for maintaining a leading position in the digital economy. With operations in over 10 Southeast Asian countries and beyond, the company employs a workforce of 4,500.
Let’s take a peek inside this extraordinary workplace:
Garena’s core values, outlined in their manifesto, are prominently displayed in every function room and on this feature wall.
The office provides a stunning view and numerous spaces for discussions, with organic shapes incorporated throughout the design.
Living walls adorned with real plants and a connecting staircase between two floors enhance the office’s natural ambiance.
The main workspace features distinctive kidney-shaped desks that can be arranged in various clusters to encourage collaboration. Additionally, standing desks are provided for those who prefer them.
Each room is assigned a significant name. For example, one is named “Hwa Chong” after a renowned educational institution in Singapore, while another, “Murray Terrace,” pays homage to the location of Garena’s first office. There’s even a room named after the late statesman, Lee Kuan Yew.
Many rooms have unique features. The “Shangri-La” room, for instance, is infused with a signature fragrance from Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, making it a sought-after space. For private conversations, phone booths are strategically placed within the open-plan workspaces.
Twelve sleep pods, six on each floor, offer a place for employees to rest when facing tight deadlines. The pods are accessible from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:30 AM.
Two professional masseurs are available throughout the day, reflecting the company’s emphasis on employee well-being.
The spacious pantry is a haven for food lovers, featuring a generous supply of complimentary fresh fruit. Breakfast is catered, and employees can pre-order free dinner in the afternoon.
Dedicated recycling facilities for batteries and glass underscore Garena’s commitment to sustainability.
A dedicated chilled beverage section keeps employees refreshed.
Resembling a well-stocked supermarket, the pantry offers a wide variety of snacks for employees to enjoy.
Instant noodle enthusiasts will be delighted by the extensive selection available.
The frozen snack section provides a wide variety of choices.
A miniature garden chess set adds a touch of whimsy to a corner.
A packed recreation schedule highlights Garena’s focus on work-life balance.
Opportunities for group games foster team spirit and camaraderie.
This tour was organized as part of a media briefing on Shopee, Garena’s e-commerce platform.
The Shopee e-commerce platform aims to provide a seamless customer-to-customer (C2C) buying and selling experience.
Among Garena’s platforms is BeeTalk, an app that connects users with shared interests who are in close proximity.
Airpay, another Garena product, has gained significant traction in rural Southeast Asia, where traditional banking services are often limited. Through a network of reverse ATMs, users can exchange cash at physical stores for digital currency, allowing them to purchase both digital and physical goods.
Interested in learning more?
The WorkSmart Asia blog features posts about Shopee’s new launches and tips on capturing #instagramworthy shots.
For a visual tour, check out the WorkSmart Asia picture story about HubSpot’s office opening in Singapore, which also features standing desks.
Hashtag: #shopeeSG