Radical new office concepts to boost employee productivity

In a hectic work environment, the office has to compete with many distractions and ensure employees are upbeat at all times. For this, a growing number of designers are focusing on creating flexible and exciting work environments.

'Village Office', an innovative concept has been successfully introduced and implemented in Holland. This new philosophy, or way of thinking, drives the way offices and its environs are structured. This forward thinking idea has been developed by Samas, Holland's leading office furnishing company, and the largest furniture producer in Europe.

Introducing the initiative to the UAE, Theo Magermans, Director, Business Development, said the objective of 'Village Office' is to stimulate the entrepreneurial side of people and teach them to adapt to varied styles of working whether it is work at office, home, or while travelling.

The 'Village Office' concept or 'New ways of working' affirms the statement 'Happy people produce quality' by creating links between the office environment, job satisfaction, worker motivation and productivity.

Theo said, "At Samas, we are constantly monitoring trends, markets to provide better working environments for employees. After carrying out extensive research for the UAE market, we felt that there is scope for introducing flexible working environments that can enhance employee productivity."

To create a friendly ambience for both management and employees, Samas has sought inspiration for the development of its 'Village Office' concept in the social structures of a village or urban neighbourhood.

The defining spirit of the Village is one of community, where everyone is familiar with another, a place where all needs are met, physical as well as psychological.

Theos added, "Through this concept, we aim to create an environment that has a smart, attractive, friendly design and can form an office ambience which is flexible, effective and welcoming for employees, which makes them feel like coming to work, and motivates them to increase productivity."

Ajai Dayal, General Manager, Retail and Marketing, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, said, "With many international companies entering the Middle East and UAE, we at OFIS are constantly challenged to present our customers with products and concepts that define a proper work environment. "

He added: "Hence we felt the association with Samas would give our customers an insight into 'new ways of working'. We are proud to be a part of this prestigious exhibition which is an ideal platform to present this innovative concept to architects, designers, and indeed office owners, who are looking for inspiration, and ideas for winning offices."

Other brands from OFIS at the exhibition will include: Interface, Parador wooden flooring, environment-friendly broadloom carpets from Beaulieu of America and Bentley Prince Street, Dauphin, modular desks, storage and partitioning systems from India's BP Ergo, Della Valentina Office systems and Benel office chairs. The exhibition will be attended by many of OFIS' overseas suppliers.

Among many others, Samas has set up projects such as Ericsson, Interpolis, Kluwer, IBM, Oracle in Netherlands. The Office Exhibition is open to trade visitors only and will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 3 - 5 June 2007, 11am - 7pm daily.
This exhibition is the Gulf region's premier event for the design and management of the office environment and features exclusive product launches, cutting edge developments and innovative design from world renowned providers of office furniture, interiors, office technology and services.