EY sets new standard for inclusion and sustainability with Singapore office

When EY wanted to update their Singapore office to a distinctive, impactful and welcoming EY@Work workspace, the goal was clear: to adapt the workplace to new needs of a new generation of employees who prioritised inclusivity, wellbeing, and work-life integration.

With these requirements in mind, JLL’s Workplace Strategy, Design Solutions, Project Management teams came together to advise the global professional services company on how to future-proof their office.

Crafting an engaging and collaborative workspace

As a ‘Big Four’ global professional services organisation, EY recognises the importance of fostering a culture of productivity and wellbeing by creating the right office environment to attract and retain top talent.

The challenge lay in designing a space that balances corporate goals with employee needs.

Developing a data-driven workplace strategy

To create a workplace that truly works, JLL’s Consulting team created a data-driven workplace strategy by understanding what EY leadership and people are looking for in their ideal office space.

From business objectives to staff pain points, the team gathered extensive feedback on the old office space and what they wished to have in their new workplace through co-creation workshops, one-on-one interviews, and online surveys.

Additionally, we conducted an observational study to understand how EY functions as an integrated organisation, considering the interactions between front-end consultants and business support functions.

The data and feedback gathered were analysed to identify the work styles and preferences EY people. The team used these insights, along with their close understanding of prevailing office design trends, to develop the right workplace strategy for EY.

The final workplace strategy recommended the need for an innovative office design that could:

• Improve efficiency and productivity through an enhanced workplace experience.

• Support new ways of working, especially in today’s era of hybrid and remote work.

• Support the company’s efforts towards a more sustainable and inclusive future of work.

Human-centred design consultancy

JLL’s Design Solutions team translated the workplace strategy recommendations and integrated EY@Work space typologies into a human-centred office that fosters collaboration and employee wellbeing.

The new design included:

• A human-centred destination and stacking plan that creates an engaging experience for EY people, clients and visitors

• Features that enrich physical, emotional and social wellbeing

• Sufficient flexible workspaces, phone booths and meeting rooms to support both collaborative and individual work

• A creative workshop, collaboration and presentation space called EY wavespaceTM where teams can work with clients to co-create solutions

• Acoustic paint, ceiling boards, and fabric panels at workstations to reduce noise in open plan areas

• Well-placed water points and social hubs on each floor that offer relaxation and the best views of the city skyline

• Consistent wayfinding and access points from lift lobbies to aid familiarity and ease of transition across floors

A sustainability-first office

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the EY@Work design principles. The office’s sustainable design not only aligned with the EY commitment to the environment but also sets a benchmark for future office projects.

• All materials used, including carpets, lighting, furniture, and finishes, were procured to Green Mark standards

• Live plants were placed throughout the office to enhance air quality and create a calming environment

• Use of recycled wood panelling throughout the office

• Maximised use of natural light to reduce energy needed for lighting and to provide staff with breathtaking skyline views

• Smart bins for waste separation and food waste conversion into biodegradable material

• Reusable cutlery at pantry hubs to reduce the need for disposable cutlery

Award-winning accessible design for inclusivity

An inclusive office design is about accommodating choice, flexibility and practicality – i.e., having a work environment that benefits everyone. The diverse talents in EY have unique requirements for their office experience. The new Singapore office now holds the EY gold standard for inclusive office design across Asia Pacific. The design ensures that the workspace is accessible and supportive of all employees, reflecting the EY organisation’s dedication to diversity and equity.

• Braille signages for all meeting rooms and handrails

• Accessible and gender-neutral restrooms

• Height-adjustable desks

• A multi-faith prayer room and mother’s room

• Dedicated spaces for neurodivergent talent who need a sensory break

• Wellness rooms to support diverse employee needs

Ready for the future of work

The collaboration between JLL and EY resulted in an office space that not only met but exceeded expectations. The final design is a testament to the One JLL team’s ability to transform challenges into innovative solutions.

This collaboration on an inclusive, sustainable and future-proof office highlights the transformative potential of a holistic approach to workplace strategy, design consultancy and project management. By adopting a data-driven, human-centred approach, the new EY Singapore office is ready to support the organisation as it takes its business and people forward.