From Vision to Reality: Mediacorp’s Journey to a Sustainable and Thriving Workplace Culture

As Singapore’s national media network, Mediacorp has long been a leader in storytelling and building connections across communities. But their forward-looking approach extends beyond their content—it’s reflected in their workplace too. With a strong dedication to eco-conscious practices and employee wellbeing, Mediacorp is redefining what it means to foster a thriving workplace culture.

We spoke with James Hollis, Head, Sustainability & Senior Vice President, Production Services, about how Mediacorp is embedding sustainability and fostering a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Mediacorp embeds eco-consciousness from the ground up, starting with the formation of volunteer-led awareness groups. These teams spearhead initiatives to encourage environmentally responsible practices, from improving recycling systems to transitioning to e-name cards and eliminating single-use plastics.

Even at company-wide touchpoints like town halls, sustainability is emphasized. Food sustainability is end-to-end from engaging more sustainable vendors and menus, to proper segregation of food waste and recyclables. Mindful actions are rewarded – for example employees who bring their own reusable plates and cutlery enjoy perks like a “green lane,” offering faster food service and reinforcing the importance of sustainable habits. “Although these lanes have now gotten so long they aren’t so fast anymore!” James laughs. “It’s fantastic that so many people have embraced this behaviour.”

Among Mediacorp’s many green initiatives, the Grobrix farm walls have become a standout feature – a daily reminder of the organization’s dedication to environmental responsibility and employee wellbeing.

The freshness of the produce harvested from Grobrix walls has been another game-changer.

“The Grobrix installation has become a highlight on our office tours. It often sparks conversations about sustainability and encourages both staff and visitors to reflect on where their food comes from. When you compare the rocket from Grobrix to what you’d buy at the supermarket, the difference is remarkable—the flavour is fresher and stronger,” James Hollis, Head, Sustainability & Senior Vice President, Production Services at Mediacorp

To ensure everyone has an opportunity to access fresh produce, Mediacorp introduced a ballot system. This approach has been particularly effective in their shift-based workplace, where not all employees are present during harvest hours.

“Employees submit their names via email for the ballot, and those selected get to collect the harvest,” James noted. “This way, everyone has a fair shot, and it creates excitement around the produce.”

The farm walls are more than functional; they’re sensory highlights too. Employees often comment on the delightful aroma of herbs filling the office post-harvest, which adds to the space’s appeal.

Grobrix-led workshops have become an enjoyable way to engage staff with Mediacorp’s sustainability mindset. These sessions go beyond harvesting herbs, teaching employees creative ways to use the produce—such as making herbal teas or fresh pesto.

“It’s not just about the greenery,” said James. “The workshops encourage employees to reflect on sustainable practices, experiment with new ideas, and adopt habits that positively impact their daily lives—both at work and at home.”

Inspired by Mediacorp’s story? Discover how Grobrix can help your workplace become a hub for collaboration, wellness, and sustainability. Get in touch here

From Vision to Reality: Mediacorp’s Journey to a Sustainable and Thriving Workplace Culture

As Singapore’s national media network, Mediacorp excels in storytelling and building community connections. This forward-looking approach extends to its workplace, where sustainability initiatives and employee well-being are central priorities. By partnering with Grobrix, Mediacorp has integrated vertical farming into its office, creating a vibrant, health-conscious environment that fosters team bonding and supports employee engagement. We spoke with James Hollis, Head of Sustainability & Senior Vice President, Production Services, about how Grobrix’s green walls are transforming Mediacorp’s workplace culture.

Embedding Sustainability Initiatives from the Ground Up

Mediacorp’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations, driven by volunteer-led awareness groups that champion environmentally responsible practices. These initiatives include improving recycling systems, transitioning to e-name cards, and eliminating single-use plastics. At company-wide town halls, sustainability is emphasized through eco-friendly menus and proper segregation of food waste and recyclables. Employees who bring reusable plates and cutlery are rewarded with perks like a “green lane” for faster food service. “Although these lanes have now gotten so long they aren’t so fast anymore!” James laughs. “It’s fantastic that so many people have embraced this behaviour.”

These efforts align with certifications like BCA Greenmark and Well Certification, which recognize workplaces that prioritize environmental and human health. Grobrix’s vertical gardens, which grow fresh herbs, leafy greens, and edible flowers, further enhance these sustainability initiatives, transforming unused office space into a hub of indoor farming that supports Mediacorp’s eco-conscious goals.

Vertical Gardens as a Catalyst for Employee Engagement

Grobrix’s green walls have become a standout feature in Mediacorp’s office, serving as a daily reminder of the organization’s dedication to sustainability and employee well-being. “The Grobrix installation has become a highlight on our office tours,” James shares. “It often sparks conversations about sustainability and encourages both staff and visitors to reflect on where their food comes from.” The plant walls produce fresh, pesticide-free greens, offering a tangible connection to farm-to-table practices.

The freshness of the produce is a key draw. “When you compare the rocket from Grobrix to what you’d buy at the supermarket, the difference is remarkable—the flavour is fresher and stronger,” James explains. To ensure equitable access in Mediacorp’s shift-based workplace, the company introduced a ballot system for harvests. “Employees submit their names via email for the ballot, and those selected get to collect the harvest,” James notes. “This way, everyone has a fair shot, and it creates excitement around the produce.” These harvest sessions have become anticipated team building events, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The green walls also enhance the office’s sensory appeal. Employees frequently comment on the delightful aroma of freshly harvested herbs, which elevates the workplace atmosphere. “It’s not just about the greenery,” James says. “The workshops encourage employees to reflect on sustainable practices, experiment with new ideas, and adopt habits that positively impact their daily lives—both at work and at home.”

Corporate Workshops for Team Bonding and Learning

Grobrix-led corporate workshops play a part in Mediacorp’s employee engagement activities, offering creative ways to connect staff with sustainability practices. These sessions teach employees how to use the produce in innovative ways, such as crafting herbal teas or farm-to-table salad bar sessions. The hands-on nature of these workshops fosters team bonding, bringing employees together to learn, create, and connect. For example, a pesto-making class highlights the freshness of Grobrix’s produce while encouraging collaboration as colleagues share recipes and ideas. Similarly, farm-to-table smoothie bars provide a fun, interactive way to explore healthy eating, reinforcing the value of indoor farming.

These workshops align with Grobrix’s mission to empower urban communities to engage with their food, creating a culture of shared learning and environmental awareness. By participating, employees gain a deeper appreciation for sustainable food systems, which supports Mediacorp’s broader environmental goals.

Enhancing Workplace Wellness with Urban Farming

In the dynamic media industry, employee wellness is a priority for Mediacorp. The Grobrix green walls create a calming, biophilic environment that supports mental and physical health. The availability of fresh, pesticide-free produce encourages employees to incorporate nutritious greens into their diets, promoting healthier eating habits. The vertical gardens also make the office more inviting, encouraging employees to spend time on-site. Harvest days and corporate workshops provide compelling reasons for employees to engage with the office environment, strengthening team bonding and workplace culture.

Grobrix can produce hundreds of kilograms of produce annually, eliminating thousands of single-use plastic wrappers and reducing food waste significantly. By growing food on-site, Mediacorp minimizes the environmental impact of food transport, supporting a more sustainable food system. These outcomes align with Singapore’s 30 by 30 goal, making the green walls a practical step toward a greener future.

Seamless Integration with Grobrix’s Support

Grobrix’s Farming-as-a-Service model ensures the vertical gardens are easy to maintain and fully integrated into Mediacorp’s workplace. Requiring only 260 cm of wall space, two power points, and a closed-loop irrigation system, the green walls are both practical and impactful. Grobrix’s dedicated team handles installation and ongoing maintenance, allowing Mediacorp to focus on its core operations while enjoying the benefits of urban farming.

Looking Ahead: Growing Together

Mediacorp plans to expand its partnership with Grobrix by introducing more corporate workshops, such as herbal tea sessions and salad-making classes, to enhance employee engagement. These activities will deepen employees’ connection to the farm-to-table process, promoting sustainability and wellness. “At Grobrix, we see a future where urban communities have a closer relationship with the source of their food,” says Mathew, Grobrix’s founder.

For Mediacorp, the green walls are a catalyst for cultural transformation. “It’s not just about the greenery,” James reiterates. “The workshops encourage employees to reflect on sustainable practices, experiment with new ideas, and adopt habits that positively impact their daily lives—both at work and at home.” By integrating vertical farming, Mediacorp is cultivating a workplace that grows together, one harvest at a time.

Inspired by Mediacorp’s story? Discover how Grobrix can help your workplace become a hub for collaboration, wellness, and sustainability. Get in touch here.