What separates a house from a home?
For many, it is the way we feel when we spend time in it. To keep our employees feeling happy, healthy and motivated at IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group’s (IMCPAA) office where many employees spend significant amounts of time, great care has been put into creating a “workplace of the future” that fosters IMC’s Living Habits and promotes work-life integration.
Several of these habits – in particular, Eating, Breathing and Stillness – were further augmented by the unveiling of The Living Room earlier this month. Located a floor above the current Singapore headquarters, the new multi-functional space by the Octave Institute houses a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen, three tea rooms, as well as a dining area that can be easily transformed into an event space in minutes.
The space will support cooking classes around plant-based eating for employees, as well as other Communication, Community & Culture (CCC) events and activities to nourish the mind and body.
“The importance of eating well is often underestimated in our overall well-being. The Living Room is one of the strongest reflections yet of our commitment to investing in our people’s health while championing more sustainable eating habits,” shared Loh Niap Juan, Group Chief Corporate Officer of IMCPAA.
“The new space brings together three key concepts centred around eating to inspire change. Our farm-to-table practice underscores Sustainability, and our plant-based eating and wellness activities highlight our commitment to Well-being. As we strengthen our mindfulness around how we eat and relate to one another through food, we also evolve our Consciousness,” he added.
The sustainability theme extends to the design of the space as well, shared Elf Seah, Director, Real Estate, IMCPAA. From full-length windows that optimise natural lighting, to Greenguard-certified furnishings that ensure air pollutants are kept to a safe and minimal level, every consideration was given to ensure that The Living Room would be as eco-friendly as possible.
Interested employees will soon be able to sign up for plant-based cooking classes led by Jeremy Nguee, Assistant Director of Culinary, IMCPAA. An experienced chef and restaurateur, Jeremy is a prominent local proponent of the main local proponents of Modern Singaporean cuisine and will be lending his culinary expertise to showcase how easy it can be to eat healthily and sustainably, while also eating well.
For Kenneth Tan, Deputy Executive Director of Octave Institute, more important still is the aspiration for The Living Room to breathe greater life into the IMCPAA community. He wants to increase engagement between employees and bring them deeper into their well-being journey through the many activities planned.
Kenneth said, “It’s not just about the space; it’s about the community. Each individual’s participation signifies the start of a journey toward a healthier, more joyous world – one that we can co-create together. Through meaningful connections and engaging conversations, we aim to create a support system that nurtures the pursuit of well-being.
“I hope to see everyone join us in making The Living Room their home away from home.”