Unilever's new Singapore campus shows global commitment to hybrid working and leadership development

Unilever Campus @ one-north is also sustainable and energy efficient—with employees' common areas powered by solar panels, and workplaces controlled by automatic sensors to ensure efficient use of energy.

Consumer goods company Unilever, on 27 October 2021 (Wednesday), launched its new workplace at One-North, a campus alongside its Four Acres Leadership & Development site at Nepal Park, Singapore.

Called Unilever Campus @ one-north, the establishment is dubbed the organisation's first purpose-built global campus that supports the future of work, in terms of providing all employees a workplace for hybrid working, and the autonomy to decide on their preferred work arrangements.

The launch, attended by Human Resources Online, saw how Unilever adapted its business and operations to modern (pandemic) times, and efficiently leveraged work spaces to allow employees to connect, collaborate, and innovate.

For work, the campus is filled with a range of quiet focus zones, open collaboration spaces, and "project squad rooms" supported by equipments and technology for hybrid- and team-work. And beyond work, Unilever Campus @ one-north is also built with several wellbeing spaces—such as a yoga room, a medical centre, as well as a massage room—and lifestyle quarters like cafes, a multi-purpose court, employee minimart, and hair salon.

Another aspect of the campus that captured HRO's attention was how the establishment is energy-efficient (powered by rooftop solar panels), has recycled materials fittings, and is installed with automatic sensors to ensure workspaces power down when not in use. Further, all staff and visitors are highly encouraged to do with a paperless culture, and away with single-use plastics.

According to the firm, these are all part of the its "global purpose to make sustainable living commonplace."

A meeting room called ‘Hougang’ that facilitates seamless Microsoft Teams integration for meetings.

Collaborative spaces with natural light to facilitate creativity and spur discussions.

Joining the site launch virtually, Leena Nair, CHRO, Unilever, said: "We wholeheartedly believe that flexibility encourages wellness, innovation, creativity and productivity.

"This exceptional new campus in Singapore will be a place for our people to connect, create, collaborate and celebrate. I am so excited to see this philosophy bought to life in Singapore against the backdrop of COVID-19, which has challenged traditional thinking about how and where work is done and how people work best to balance their work and personal lives."

Career development is also of utmost importance at the campus. At Unilever Campus @ one-north, current (and future) employees can engage in the Unilever Future Leadership Programme (UFLP) and Gen-Next internship programme that offer career development opportunities, as well as explore various career pathways—an extension to what Four Acres Leadership & Development already provides to its employees.

"Unilever’s commitment to lifelong learning and innovation will resonate with the career aspirations of Singaporeans who are seeking new opportunities for growth," said Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). "Unilever’s new campus will enhance its strong talent development capabilities, providing our local talent with diverse learning and career opportunities in the region and the world."

Adding to Poh's point, Dave Ingram, Chief Procurement Officer, Unilever, said: "Unilever’s ambition is that the new campus will continue to be a global talent hub that attracts, nurtures, and develops future leaders and provides unique and transformational career experiences for people around the world.

"Singapore has been Unilever’s home since 1965 and it has now become our strategic hub for global businesses. We are very pleased to unveil our new purpose-built campus in Singapore as we continue innovating and creating solutions that impact millions of consumers globally."

Hair Salon at Unilever Campus @ one-north.

Phone booth surrounded with lush greenery.

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All images / Unilever