CONNECTING EMPLOYEES OF ALL LEVELS

ALLEN & OVERY’S SINGAPORE OFFICE EMBRACES NEW WORKSTYLES WITH A BALANCED APPROACH TO FLEXIBILITY AND SOCIAL INTERACTION, TRANSFORMING THEIR WORKSPACE TO ENHANCE COLLABORATION AND CLIENT EXPERIENCE ACROSS TWO DYNAMIC LEVELS.

Allen & Overy, a prestigious global law firm, is steadfast in its mission to support the world’s leading businesses as they grow, innovate, and excel. By offering innovative solutions to complex legal and commercial challenges, the firm has established itself as a crucial partner for its clients. The Singapore office, a key hub for Southeast Asia, plays a vital role in the firm’s extensive Asia Pacific network.

In the wake of the pandemic, Allen & Overy recognised the growing need to balance employees’ work and personal lives. This insight led to the creation of a new office environment, designed to foster social interaction and learning while continuing to deliver the high-quality client service for which the firm is renowned. Collaborating with Paperspace, they developed a workspace that made optimal use of the available real estate, featuring ample spaces for social and collaborative activities across two levels, all while establishing a client-friendly atmosphere that appeals to all visitors.

Prior to the pandemic, employees were adept at working individually at their desks. However, the shift to remote work and the subsequent return to the office revealed new workstyles that Allen & Overy sought to incorporate. The firm recognised the importance of adding flexibility to the workspace and promoting social activities to accommodate these evolving work habits.

With the office spanning two different levels, it was essential to facilitate seamless movement across floors. Paperspace’s strategic workplace solutions identified the need for high-traffic areas where employees could gather. As a result, new pantries were installed on both levels: Level 9, designed for client reception, offers a comfortable and convenient space with various seating areas for meeting and a well-equipped pantry for refreshments. Level 10, intended for internal use, features more comprehensive facilities to encourage employees to take breaks or catch up with colleagues, regardless of their office level.

Due to their mobile and client-facing workforce, Paperspace introduced shared offices for employees with high-travel routines. This strategy allowed for the reallocation of space to create collaborative areas that support a variety of work activities away from the desk. This shift maximised the workspace’s efficiency and promoted a dynamic and engaging work environment.

WITH THE OFFICE SPANNING TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS, IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO FACILITATE SEAMLESS MOVEMENT ACROSS FLOORS, ENSURING AN INTEGRATED EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH THE FEE EARNERS AND BUSINESS SERVICES DIVISIONS. PAPERSPACE’S STRATEGIC WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS IDENTIFIED THE NEED FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS WHERE EMPLOYEES COULD GATHER.

DUE TO THEIR MOBILE AND CLIENT-FACING WORKFORCE, PAPERSPACE INTRODUCED SHARED OFFICES FOR EMPLOYEES WITH HIGH-TRAVEL ROUTINES. THIS STRATEGY ALLOWED FOR THE REALLOCATION OF SPACE TO CREATE COLLABORATIVE AREAS THAT SUPPORT A VARIETY OF WORK ACTIVITIES AWAY FROM THE DESK. THIS SHIFT MAXIMISED THE WORKSPACE’S EFFICIENCY AND PROMOTED A DYNAMIC AND ENGAGING WORK ENVIRONMENT.

Allen & Overy’s redesign of their Singapore office exemplifies their commitment to creating a balanced and innovative work environment that caters to the evolving needs of a modern law firm while maintaining exceptional client service. Their forward-thinking initiative integrates flexibility, promotes social interaction, and optimises space utilisation. It underscores Allen & Overy’s dedication to fostering a supportive and productive work culture, ensuring their employees and clients thrive in a collaborative and efficient setting.

Allen & Overy’s strategic adjustments have not only enhanced their office space but also reinforced their core values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in client service.

THIS PHOTO: Reception area equipped with diverse seating options perfect for hosting clients and informal meetings.

THIS PHOTO: Reception area equipped with diverse seating options perfect for hosting clients and informal meetings.

THIS PHOTO: Reception area equipped with diverse seating options perfect for hosting clients and informal meetings.