As hybrid work models reshape the modern workplace, companies are prioritizing environments that promote employee well-being, community, and sustainability initiatives. In Singapore, where urban density amplifies the need for innovative solutions, Grobrix is helping organizations create vibrant, health-conscious offices through urban farming. By partnering with a leading financial services client, Grobrix has integrated a vertical farming wall into their office, supporting both employee engagement and sustainability goals. 

Bringing Nature Indoors with Vertical Gardens

The financial services client sought to enhance their Activity-Based Working (ABW) office, designed to support flexibility and collaboration, with a solution that would advance their sustainability initiatives and promote employee wellness. Grobrix’s vertical gardens, which grow fresh herbs, leafy greens, and edible flowers, proved to be the perfect fit. “The urban farming wall setup makes the office very bright and cheery, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and visitors. It’s also a great talking point when we have guests, and for our staff, it brings a bit of nature indoors,” shared a representative from the Corporate Services team.

The green walls seamlessly integrate into the ABW layout, where employees choose workspaces based on their tasks. These plant walls serve as a central feature, fostering a sense of community and familiarity. “The walls serve as a space for people to de-stress. It’s great that they can take breaks, sip coffee, and unwind among the plants when needed,” the representative added. The vibrant greenery creates a calming, biophilic environment that supports mental well-being, aligning with Well Certification standards that prioritize employee health. Grobrix’s vertical farming system is designed for ease and efficiency, making it ideal for busy office settings. “The Grobrix walls also come with their own water tank. The self-running system also means that maintenance is simpler, making it ideal for an office setting,” the representative explained. 


Fostering Team Building and Employee Engagement

The vertical gardens have become more than an aesthetic addition—they’re a catalyst for employee engagement activities and team bonding. The client introduced initiatives like Salad Tuesdays, where employees harvest fresh produce from the Grobrix walls to create salads together. These sessions go beyond providing farm-to-table greens; they spark interaction and raise awareness about sustainability. “During these sessions, we see a lot of interaction among staff. Generally, we notice higher awareness around sustainability, and people really enjoy having access to fresh produce,” the representative noted.

Salad Tuesdays serve as informal team building events, bringing employees together to collaborate and connect. The hands-on experience of harvesting herbs and greens encourages conversations, helping colleagues form stronger relationships. These activities align with Grobrix’s mission to empower urban communities to engage with their food, fostering a sense of shared purpose. By integrating farm-to-table practices into the workplace, the client is creating opportunities for employees to connect with sustainability in a tangible way, enhancing both workplace culture and individual well-being.

A Personalized Service from team Grobrix

The client’s experience with Grobrix is enriched by consistent, personalized customer service. “Every Tuesday morning, you’ll see the Grobrix team here for maintenance. If we need to adjust the timing—for example, if board members are visiting—they’re flexible and accommodating,” the representative shared. This reliability ensures the green walls remain a thriving part of the office without disrupting daily operations.

The regular presence of Grobrix’s team strengthens the connection between the system and the employees. “Gareth, the Customer Success Lead, often engages with staff, answering questions or sharing insights about the plants. That personal touch is something you don’t get with other companies,” the representative noted. This hands-on support, combined with Grobrix’s Farming-as-a-Service model, ensures the vertical gardens are easy to maintain and fully integrated into the workplace, enhancing the overall employee experience.

Advancing Sustainability Initiatives

The partnership with Grobrix supports the client’s sustainability goals. With their installation, they have the ability to grow around 500kg of fresh farm-to-table produce annually, eliminating the use of thousands of single-use plastic wrappers and reducing food waste significantly. By growing food on-site, the client minimizes the environmental impact of food transport, contributing to a more sustainable food system. These outcomes align with Singapore’s 30 by 30 goal to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, making this urban farming initiative a tangible step toward a greener future.

Beyond environmental benefits, the vertical gardens contribute to a healthier workplace culture. “The mental wellness benefits are significant. It’s not just about sustainability. The walls help create a pleasant, engaging environment that brings people together,” the representative summed up. The green walls embody the client’s commitment to sustainability initiatives while providing employees with a space that feels vibrant and connected.

Looking Ahead: A Thriving Workplace Culture

“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 the financial services client, this partnership is about creating a workplace that inspires and connects. The green walls transform the office into a hub of employee engagement and sustainability, proving that small, thoughtful changes can have a lasting impact. From Salad Tuesdays to the calming presence of greenery, Grobrix is helping the client cultivate a workplace that grows together, one harvest at a time.

At Grobrix, we are proud to support companies in building workplaces that prioritize wellness, nurture community, and champion sustainability. Discover how Grobrix can transform your workplace into a hub for collaboration and well-being. Get in touch here.

Post Views: 438