In March 2017, Steelcase joined forces with Microsoft to launch Creative Spaces, a collection of technology-enabled workspaces designed to help organisations foster creative thinking and collaboration. The first 10 Creative Spaces were rolled out at Steelcase’s Worklife Centres in the United States and Europe throughout 2017, before making rounds to other locations in the world this year.

Last week, Creative Spaces landed at Steelcase Worklife Centre Singapore. The 5,100-square-feet showroom at Mohamad Sultan Road has been converted into five Creative Spaces comprising Focus Studio, Duo Studio, Ideation Hub, Maker Commons, and Respite Rooms.

Maker Commons – Steelcase’s Illustration

The Focus Studio is dedicated for individual creative work that requires focus while allowing quick shifts to two-person collaboration. This area features Microsoft Surface Book or Surface Pro 4. The Duo Studio is maximised for working in pairs. It includes a lounge area for a quick review with Surface Hub.’

Ideation hub is a high-tech spot set with Microsoft Surface Hub that active creative input from a number of teammates in the same location or otherwise. Among the high-tech features in the space is a glazed screen that blacked out the Microsoft Surface inside the room, presenting them as blank black surfaces to the eyes outside, protecting the confidentiality of the project. 

An embodiment of today’s creative culture, the Maker Commons comprised a workshop island designed to encourage quick switching between conversation, experimentation and concentration. This space features a mix of Surface devices, such as Surface Hub and Surface Book. Meanwhile, the Respite Room is a private space to decompress with a view to the green area next to Steelcase Singapore’s building. 

The five spaces have been developed in response to new research commissioned by Steelcase and Microsoft into employee attitudes and engagement at work across the globe.

The research found that while 54 per cent of global workers believe their employer cares about them, only 13 per cent are highly engaged and highly satisfied with their workplace.

The findings correspond with a recent ‘Job Happiness Index’ survey that showed that 45 per cent of workers in Singapore are unhappy at work with low job satisfaction and workplace flexibility cited as some of the main factors.

“We are facing unprecedented challenges, amid the ever-evolving business landscape in Singapore, the fast-changing processes, and increased competitive pressures. This may cause workers to feel overwhelmed and a loss of connection with our work and organisations,” said Maria Bourke, Communications Director, Steelcase Asia Pacific. “But the data also suggests a significant degree of untapped potential for greater engagement among workers.”

Maria Bourke (centre)

“With Steelcase, we are able to combine place and technology into a seamless environment that allows our most important asset, our people, to unlock their creativity and share that with others. The future of work is creative,” said Vinod Muralidharan, Regional Director, Surface Commercial Business, Microsoft.

Steelcase Singapore celebrated the launch of Creative Spaces with a festive party attended by industry clients, friends and families. 

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