From Cardboard to Care: How Safri Turned Office Waste into Flood Relief

Respect in the workplace is more than a formal gesture. We might see it in daily routines, like maintaining a tidy workspace and finding practical solutions to everyday challenges.

At one of OCS Indonesia customers’ offices, our general service colleague, Safri Akmaludin, embodied this mindset. He transformed a cardboard waste problem into a project that improved the site’s working conditions and provided aid to communities affected by landslide floods in Sumatra.

An improvement driven by care

Safri works at the headquarter of a multinational manufacturing company, where he maintains cleanliness, manages utilities and supplies, and supports daily operations. His role requires constant attention to details, part of our broader hospitality approach.

One day, Safri noticed an issue in the storage room where cleaning tools and chemicals were stored. Frequent deliveries to the office filled the limited space with packaging waste, particularly cardboard. Each month, around 15 to 30 kilograms would pile up, blocking access to equipment and hindering the team’s movement.

Safri proposed a solution. Together with the General Service team, he organised the cardboard for proper collection. After gaining the customer’s approval, he arranged for a recycling partner to collect the material. This partner converts waste into cash, turning a storage challenge into a valuable resource.

The idea kept the area clean and functional, preventing unnecessary waste. It also supported OCS Indonesia’s commitment to responsible resource use and our wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

A small idea with social impact                                                 

Safri chose not to keep the proceeds from the recycled cardboard. Instead, he donated every penny to support colleagues and communities affected by the severe flooding in Sumatra last year. The news of the disaster had moved him, and he was determined to help however he could.

He hopes his actions will inspire his colleagues to see how small, positive steps for the environment can also support the wider community.

Living the value of respect

This simple, caring initiative earned Safri recognition as an OCS Indonesia TRUE Star in the Respect category. The award highlights his proactive approach, both in maintaining an efficient workplace and in extending his concern beyond it.

For Safri, respect goes beyond following instructions or being polite. It means valuing the workplace and doing every task with sincerity.