Common office problems prompt need for 'innovative ways of working'

Theo Magermans, Director of Business Development, Samas, cited the need for a lively work environment and traffic congestion as key reasons for introducing the 'Village Office' idea in the UAE.

The concept was well received by architects, designers, and office owners who attended the seminars as part of the exhibition.

Magermans added, "Employers should understand that good working interiors are a management tool in itself for increasing staff productivity. In fact, the chances of doubling their performance at work goes up by 10 per cent in flexible and exciting social work environments where they can network and interact with one another."

The 'Village Office' has been successfully introduced and implemented in Holland. United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany. Among many others, Samas has successfully furnished several companies including Ericsson, Interpolis, Kluwer, IBM, Oracle in the Netherlands.

Magermans pointed to a recent study by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, which found that on average there is a 15-minute delay in every 25-minute trip during rush hour. The study showed that traffic congestion causes an estimated loss of AED4.6 billion annually for the economy.

"After conducting extensive research in the West, we saw the same trends here and thought it was the right time to introduce this in the Middle East," he added. He identified this as another step in helping people to adapt to varied styles of working whether it is work at office, home, or while travelling.

Interior design and good office environment influences the way people work. "However, to reduce costs on office infrastructure, companies' compromise on design and high quality furniture which in turn affects employee productivity," he said.

Ajai Dayal, General Manager (Retail and Marketing), Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, said, "This year's exhibition saw a host of participants from Portugal, Spain, Italy and UAE and we at OFIS are constantly challenged to present our customers with the latest products and concepts that define a proper work environment."

He added: "Samas, who are outstanding producers of office furniture and seating, and pioneers of the 'Village Office' concept, bring our customers an insight into working styles that are practical, modern and radical."

Other brands from OFIS at the exhibition on display were: Interface commercial carpet tiles, Parador wooden flooring, environment-friendly broadloom carpets from Beaulieu of America, Furnishing solutions from Dauphin Human Design; modular desks, storage and partitioning systems from India's BP Ergo, DVO furnishing systems and Benel office chairs.