As a global telecommunications leader, Ericsson pioneers technologies that shape connectivity and innovation. This forward-thinking approach extends to its workplace culture, where sustainability initiatives and employee well-being are central priorities. By partnering with Grobrix, Ericsson has integrated vertical farming into its Singapore headquarters, creating a vibrant office environment that enhances employee engagement and fosters team bonding. We spoke with Rob Edwards, Head of Workplace Operations at Ericsson, about how Grobrix’s green walls are enriching the workplace and reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.

Aligning Sustainability Initiatives with Workplace Wellness

Ericsson’s dedication to sustainability is globally recognized, earning the company a spot on the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies for 13 consecutive years.

“The Grobrix installation aligns perfectly with Ericsson’s sustainability, workplace experience, and employee wellness goals,”Rob Edwards, Head of Workplace Operations at Ericsson

The partnership began with a simple outreach. “Grobrix’s Customer Success Lead Gareth reached out to see if I’d be interested in a chat about the product,” Rob recalls. “We immediately saw it as a great addition to the workplace, which is why we decided to move forward.” The decision was driven by Grobrix’s focus on actionable change. “Sustainability is something I care about on a personal level, and I believe small, intentional choices in the workplace can create meaningful change. When we were considering ways to bring more greenery into our space, Grobrix stood out—both for the well-being of Ericsson staff and for reinforcing our commitment to a greener future,” Rob shares.

The green walls support Ericsson’s pursuit of certifications like BCA Greenmark and Well Certification, which recognize workplaces prioritizing environmental responsibility and employee health. By growing farm-to-table produce, the plant walls eliminate single-use plastic wrappers and reduce food waste, aligning with Singapore’s 30 by 30 goal to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. This integration of indoor farming makes sustainability a daily reality for employees, enhancing both the workplace environment and Ericsson’s broader environmental objectives.

Enhancing Employee Engagement with Vertical Gardens

The Grobrix vertical gardens have become a cornerstone of Ericsson’s workplace wellness strategy, fostering employee engagement and creating opportunities for team building. Fortnightly harvest sessions, promoted through internal channels, bring employees together to pick fresh greens and herbs. “Outside of scheduled harvests, we also incorporate Grobrix into various activities and events. For example, we use freshly harvested produce to support initiatives that promote healthy eating,” Rob shares. These team building events encourage collaboration and spark conversations, strengthening workplace community spirit.

The green walls add a refreshing aesthetic to the office, creating an inviting environment. “It has added a refreshing touch of greenery. But on top of that, the installation is a great conversation starter, and people seem engaged as they gather around, admiring the different greens they can enjoy at the next harvest,” Rob notes. The vibrant plant walls create a biophilic atmosphere that supports mental well-being, making the office a more appealing space for employees navigating hybrid work models. This aligns with Ericsson’s goal of creating a workplace that encourages employees to return to the office, enhancing both productivity and connection.

Employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the fact we are growing salad in our space,” Rob shares. The success of the urban farming initiative led Ericsson to expand their Grobrix installation, ensuring more staff can benefit from interacting with nature at work. This expansion highlights the vertical gardens’ role in driving employee engagement and creating a dynamic, health-conscious workplace culture that resonates with employees across teams.

Fostering Team Bonding Through Corporate Workshops

To deepen the impact of the green walls, Ericsson is incorporating Grobrix-led corporate workshops that offer creative ways to engage employees. From farm-to-table smoothie bars to pesto-making classes, these workshops teach staff how to use the fresh produce while promoting sustainability and healthy eating. “By incorporating Grobrix’s vertical farming solution, we are fostering a greener workplace while promoting employee well-being. It creates a more engaging and dynamic workplace experience, encouraging collaboration and a connection to nature,” Rob explains.

These team building activities provide opportunities for employees to connect and learn, transforming the office into a hub of interaction. For example, a pesto-making workshop showcases the freshness of the plant walls’ produce while encouraging employees to share recipes and ideas, fostering team bonding. Similarly, smoothie bar sessions offer a fun, interactive way to explore healthy eating, reinforcing the value of indoor farming. These corporate workshops align with Grobrix’s mission to empower urban communities to engage with their food, creating a sense of shared purpose among Ericsson’s staff.

The workshops also educate employees about the benefits of sustainable food practices, such as reducing reliance on packaged produce and prioritizing fresh, chemical-free greens. By participating, staff gain a deeper appreciation for farm-to-table principles, which supports Ericsson’s broader wellness and environmental goals. These activities make the workplace more engaging, encouraging employees to spend time in the office and strengthening team cohesion in a hybrid work environment.

Plug and Play Service and Support

Grobrix’s Farming-as-a-Service model ensures the vertical gardens are easy to maintain and seamlessly integrated into Ericsson’s workplace. With a closed-loop irrigation system and minimal power requirements, the green walls are both practical and impactful. Grobrix’s dedicated team handles installation and ongoing maintenance, allowing Ericsson to focus on its core operations while enjoying the benefits of indoor farming. This reliable support ensures the plant walls remain a thriving part of the office, enhancing the employee experience and reinforcing sustainability commitments.

A Tangible Commitment to Sustainability

The Grobrix green walls bring Ericsson’s environmental goals to life in a tangible way. “It’s one thing to talk about sustainability, but integrating it into our daily environment makes it feel more tangible and real,” Rob notes. The vertical gardens produce fresh, pesticide-free greens, encouraging employees to adopt healthier eating habits while reducing the environmental impact of food transport. This aligns with Ericsson’s mission to create a greener future, making the plant walls a powerful symbol of their values.

Rob enthusiastically recommends Grobrix to other companies. “Absolutely! Grobrix creates an engaging environment by encouraging employees to connect over something tangible—growing fresh produce together. It sparks conversations, fosters teamwork, and adds a refreshing natural element to the office,” he says. The green walls have transformed Ericsson’s Singapore HQ into a hub of employee engagement and sustainability, demonstrating the impact of thoughtful, actionable changes.

Looking Ahead: Growing Together

Ericsson plans to expand its partnership with Grobrix by introducing more corporate workshops to enhance employee engagement. These activities will deepen employees’ connection to the farm-to-table process, promoting sustainability and wellness. For Ericsson, the vertical gardens are a catalyst for cultural transformation, creating a workplace that inspires, connects, and grows together, one harvest at a time.

Get in touch here to explore the workplace wellness benefits of a Grobrix urban farm in more detail!

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