APAC | Workplace design, shaped for people and wellbeing

The best workplaces don’t happen by chance, they’re designed that way.

Not just in how they look, but in how they feel to move through, work within and return to each day. From the quality of light to the ability to switch between tasks, every detail quietly influences energy, focus and connection. 

Across Asia Pacific, organisations are becoming more intentional about this. Workplace design is valued as a strategic lever for wellbeing, performance and talent attraction. Employee experience and wellbeing now sit at the core of workplace strategy. 

The shift is grounded in a simple idea: when you design spaces around people, how they work, think and interact, better outcomes follow. 

Natural light, greenery, comfortable environments and ergonomic design are no longer “nice to have” but expected.  At the same time, workplaces are leading with inclusive strategies, creating environments that support a multi-generational workforce. 

The result is a new kind of office: one that actively shapes wellbeing by design. 

Bringing it to life: the Singapore experience 

At Colliers Singapore, this philosophy is embedded into the workplace in ways that are both considered and practical. 

Movement, not just desks

Rather than anchoring the office around fixed seating, the space encourages movement throughout the day. Flexible ergonomic workstations, walking pads and modular zones allow people to shift naturally, more frequently. This reflects a broader shift towards adaptable environments that support both active movement and mental clarity. 

Designing with light, nature and people in mind 

Natural daylight flows through the level, creating an environment that feels bright, energising and easy to work in. At the same time, greenery is thoughtfully integrated. Together, these elements reduce reliance on artificial lighting while creating a more balanced, grounded environment. One that supports both productivity and wellbeing. 

Spaces that make connection feel natural 

Our people come into the office for the conversations, the shared ideas and the sense of being part of something bigger. Social connection remains one of the strongest drivers for being in the workplace, and a key reason Colliers Singapore is recognised as a Great Place To Work®. 

Chris Archibold, Managing Director, Office Services, Southeast Asia describes: “The best spaces are multi-use, tech-enabled and humancentric, positioned as not just places to work, but places to connect, create and belong. Great design fosters interaction through accidental meetings, shared experiences and a sense of community.” 

The Singapore office reflects this through a mix of collaborative zones and social spaces whilst also having a dedicated wellness room. 

More than a place to work 

What ties all of this together isn’t any single feature, it’s intent. 

Bastiaan van Beijsterveldt, Managing Director, Colliers Singapore, shares, “A well-designed workplace doesn’t just support work. It shapes how people feel, how they connect and how they perform over time. It creates an environment where people can do their best work, not because they have to be there, but because they want to be.” 

As workplaces continue to evolve, the most effective ones will be those designed with people at the centre. Balancing technology, flexibility and experience into something that feels both purposeful and human. And increasingly, that’s what people are looking for.