Office Suppliers you should know

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Post-recession, office design is one of the things that have been resigned to budget cuts. However, according to the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), ignoring workplace design can have negative effects.

Poor design can lead to inefficiency, lowered productivity and performance. “Smart, innovative and efficient workplaces help businesses not just to cut occupancy costs but to add real value.

A thoughtfully designed workspace can increase productivity, foster a sense of community, and minimise environmental impact. It also expresses the values of the organisation,” said Cheryl Durst, executive vice president and CEO, IIDA.

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Apart from basic employee needs such as lighting, indoor air quality and comfort, the design should positively influence the way people approach work, improve overall job satisfaction and reduce absenteeism.

“Office design is integral to how a business operates and also makes a powerful brand statement to staff and customers, yet many companies do not recognise it as a business priority.

We’ve been working very closely with our exhibitors and knowledge partners to ensure that the business benefits of good office design will be shared with visitors to our show this year,” said David Wilson, event director, The Office Exhibition Dubai 2011.

“Creating an office environment in which people feel comfortable has a profound effect on office life and results in considerable cost savings too.

With the average office worker spending approximately 80,000 hours sitting at their desk during the lifetime of their career, an ergonomic workstation is the most important workforce investment a business owner could make.

Improving the well-being of your staff improves their performance and efficiency too while eliminating costly medical expenses,” said Patrick Taylor, group sales and marketing director, Gemaco Interiors.

The Office Exhibition Dubai 2011 is a trade event for office fit-outs and is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 17-19 and will showcase stands from various office suppliers in the region.

With office design being so important, Commercial Interior Design catches up with the office suppliers that you should know.